Suburban
Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter
TM Pick n’ Pay Zimbabwe and CABS have donated a total of US$37 000 towards KidzCan Zimbabwe’s Pick-Orange Month campaign for the month of February.
TM Pick n’ Pay handed over US$22 000 while CABS gave US$15 000 to Kidzcan at their Rainbow Children’s Village in Belgravia on Monday.
KidzCan, TM Pick n’ Pay and CABS officials attended the hand-over ceremony. Mr Jacob Mukamba, a board member of KidzCan, represented the organisation while Mr Malcolm Mycroft, the managing director of TM Pick n’ Pay, and Mr Mehluli Mpofu, the managing director of CABS, represented their organisations.
This marks the third year that TM Pick n’ Pay has supported KidzCan Zimbabwe’s Pick-Orange Month campaign. Last year, the supermarket chain raised 10 million RTGS, which was used to support direct drug procurement, providing 200 prescriptions out of the 3 000 KidzCan had in 2023.
KidzCan Zimbabwe expressed their gratitude for TM Pick n’ Pay’s ongoing support saying the retailer is not just a one-time donor but a reliable partner.
Mr Mukamba praised TM Pick n’ Pay for their efforts in raising awareness about childhood cancer through their national branch network.
“Through their national branch network, they have helped KidzCan to raise awareness on childhood cancer. Early detection is the best way to go. Without Pick n Pay the Rainbow Children’s Village would also not be a reality and we look forward to the launching of Phase 2 in two weeks’ time. Pick n Pay has truly embraced the spirit of Orange Month with various innovative campaigns throughout February aimed at raising awareness and fundraising,” said Mr Mukamba.
Mr Mukamba also thanked CABS for their involvement through their point of sale machines, which facilitated fundraising efforts.
Mr Mpofu acknowledged the devastating impact of childhood cancer on young patients and their families. He commended KidzCan Zimbabwe for their support, care, and hope they provide to young cancer patients and their families.
“Childhood cancer is a devastating reality that impacts not only the young patients but also their families. It’s a battle no child should face, yet countless children worldwide display incredible courage each day. KidzCan’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young cancer patients are truly remarkable. Through medical care, emotional support, and financial assistance, they have become a beacon of hope for those in need,” said Mr Mpofu.
Mr Mpofu also expressed gratitude to TM Pick n’ Pay for initiating the partnership saying collective efforts were the ingredient in creating a compassionate world for children suffering from cancer.
Mr Mycroft commended the supermarket chain’s customers for their support. He acknowledged the efforts of TM Pick n’ Pay staff in promoting the campaign and thanked them for their hard work.
“I have got to thank our customers because they are the people that supported us. Our staff in our stores made sure that those cupcakes were everywhere. At the checkouts, at the front door when you walked in and more importantly in the trolley when it went out the door. And they did a fantastic job. And for that I salute them. It’s a small thing that we can do to help something like this because this is unique, this is remarkable. All of us have been touched by cancer,” said Mr Mycroft.
Mr Mycroft paid tribute to KidzCan for the work they are doing to help families cope with cancer saying TM Pick n’ Pay is committed to continue supporting communities through their various stores across Zimbabwe.
The TM Pick n’ Pay and CABS donations will help KidzCan achieve the 60 percent survival rate for childhood cancer patients by the year 2030. The funds will support the organisation’s efforts in providing medical care, emotional support, and financial assistance to young cancer patients and their families.
