The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Indigenous businesses and other institutions can make a difference in society by supporting initiatives such as fighting cancer, Zimpapers Group chief executive officer Mr Pikirayi Deketeke has said.
He made the remarks at the handover ceremony of over $20 million raised at this year’s edition of the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk in November.
The annual Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk was held in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Kariba and Masvingo.
Mr Deketeke, who lost his father to prostate cancer, said it was crucial for everyone to create awareness about the chronic disease so that society could be assisted.
“All of us have stories to tell about someone we know who has suffered from cancer and was taken.
“And we can make a difference. We can buy a month, we can buy a year, a whole life by participating in such things,” he said. “It is critical that we begin to pay back society either by raising money or awareness in some of these critical things that make us who we are as societies.
“So, we are not doing Island Hospice a favour; we are playing a part as individuals and as organisations that are coming together.”
The proceeds, which comprised of US$18 274 and $8 115 589,43, were received by Island Hospice and Healthcare executive director Mr Mudiwa Mundawarara.
Zimpapers was also represented by Digital and Publishing Division general manager Mr Marks Shayamano, The Herald managing editor Ms Ruth Butaumocho, sponsors and other stakeholders.
Mr Mundawarara expressed gratitude to Zimpapers for providing a platform to spread awareness of the institution’s initiatives.
“This walk generates funds that we badly need to carry on doing what we need to do. Many of the people that we treat cannot or hardly afford to pay for the services.
“Support from sponsors and donors such as Zimpapers help us to reach everyone.”
The collaboration between Zimpapers and Island Hospice and Healthcare was cemented with a memorandum of understanding in 2015, which saw the group providing space across its platforms to raise awareness on cancer.
Anchor sponsor for the campaign and property developing company, West Property’s chief finance officer Mr Simbarashe Kadye called for a united front in supporting the fight against cancer.
“Personally, this means quite a lot to me. I lost my daughter through leukemia, so Island Hospice and Kidscan have been of much help to our family. So, I am quite grateful and honoured to have been a participant,” he said.
Other sponsors who came on board include platinum sponsor FBC Holdings, Sunny Yifeng (Gold), Premier Services Medical Aid Society (PSMAS), Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Radiation Authority of Zimbabwe.
Steiner Africa, Tsebo, Micour Visions, Zimbabwe Power Company, Mimosa, Rue’s Paper Flowers, Blaq Impressions, Ambulance Care and Evacuation and, Karorina’s Health Spa also weighed in with support.
In addition, Tanganda Tea, Hybrid Travel and Tours, Masvingo City Council and Zorro similarly sponsored the campaign.
Ms Penelope Mutumba, who has been a participant for the past six editions, said the campaign has become a part of her annual calendar.
“When I started it was for the fun of it but now I am so attached to it. Almost every time I am always enquiring when it will take place. It’s for a good cause.
“Recently, I lost my grandmother who succumbed to breast cancer, and now I am attached and I tell my family how important it is for us to take part in such campaigns.”
