All is set for the SOS Children’s Village Fun Day where more than 900 participants and exhibitors are expected to grace Herman Gmeiner Primary school in Waterfalls next Saturday.
Every year SOS Children’s Villages, a non-governmental organisation that cares for over 500 children (some from very traumatic backgrounds) in its three villages in Bindura, Waterfalls and Bulawayo celebrates SOS Day.
The national director Addmore Makunura said they were expecting a lot of support from the Harare community including corporates and individuals alike.
Makunura said that the guest of honour for the event is a renowned gospel artiste Janet Manyowa while comedian, Comic Pastor will be the director of ceremony.
“In our endeavours to ensure the Zimbabwean community, corporates and individuals alike come together to support and appreciate the cause of the vulnerable children under our care more so in Harare, we are hosting a fundraising family day under the theme: Our hands are long enough to touch the little hearts of vulnerable children!,” he said.
“Our target is to raise US$10 000 towards the upkeep of 89 children and 66 young people under our care at our Waterfalls Village.
“As we celebrate 40 years of existence and service in Zimbabwe, we are so grateful for the dedication of corporates, churches, individuals and the community for the support being rendered to SOS Children’s Villages to enable us to rescue children from oppressive circumstances, and usher them into new opportunities.
“We continue to call for support. It is the goodness of humanity that makes our work possible.”
Communications and local fundraising coordinator for the event Patience Chideu outlined the family fun day objectives.
“By supporting this event the community, corporates and individuals alike will be supporting the vision of building families for children who have lost parental care and those at risk,” she said.
“Our intention is, through stalls and exhibition bookings as well as the 4x400 metres corporate relay runs, to raise funds towards sufficient supplies of (food, education, health and sanitation) for the children and we are hoping to also receive donations and support in cash or in kind, from the Harare business community to support this cause.
“This event presents a brand with an opportunity to interact with the community bringing Harare together while at the same time appreciating the work SOS Children’s Villages is doing to impact less privileged children in Zimbabwe.
“The corporate relay race will showcase corporates in their branded wear competing, this time around on the field.
“May the best team win! The fundraiser is meant to promote family time, wellness - both mental and physical and fun all at the same time.
“The family fun day compliments our vision of creating families for children without”.
The organisers said the event was more child-centred as there would be face painting, jumping castles and braai.
As part of ploughing back, one of the care leavers now a renowned musician, who grew up under the care of the SOS Children’s Villages in Harare will provide entertainment for the day with support from the army band and drum majorettes.
“Our organisation’s ability to continue building families for children without - the abandoned, orphaned and abused is due in large part to the generous support of corporates and individual donors who believe in our mission,” said Chideu.
SOS Children’s Village remains the largest residential care facility nationwide for less privileged children. Since inception in Zimbabwe in 1983, over 17 400 children have gone through the care of SOS Children’s through the alternative care programme.
Over 21 300 children and 10,100 care givers have also been supported since 2005 through the organizations’ Family strengthening programme.
The quality of care and support offered by the SOS Children’s Villages offers the children emotional security and the opportunity to develop new and lasting relationships within the SOS family.