LOCAL branding company Esteem Communications last week brought cheer to children at Good Samaritan children’s home in Stoneridge, Harare.
The gesture, which was done under the theme Brands that Care, was facilitated by Esteem Communications in collaboration with Musabvunda Fitness and Lifestyle, Root Back, Kamili Investments, Gold Swift Construction Perfect Symphony as well as Zarrow Aesthetics.
The Good Samaritan Children’s Home was founded by Simon Motokari and his wife Sofia who have dedicated their lives to ensuring and offering a safe place and a brighter future for the young souls.
It has become a home for vulnerable children who include those that were abandoned and orphaned.
“When we started this journey, we had around 60 children that we fed daily,” Sofia said.
“Being a small organisation, we faced numerous obstacles, however, because of our determination, faith in God and perseverance we continued taking children in, and now we are blessed to care for 15 incredible children.”
Among the children, there is one who had a tragic beginning after being rescued from her abusive mother who was also a drug addict, teen mum and victim of neglect by and sexual abuse by a known neighbour's relative.
She gave birth at the tender age of 13 years, a child herself, she was ill equipped to be a mother herself, she represents the saddening reality faced by many young girls in this community.
Despite their challenging circumstances, the children at Good Samaritan Children's Home find solace and support in the loving embrace of the Motokaris.
Simon said that leaving behind his pastoral duties to care for the children was an unquestionable decision for him.
“I knew that by taking on this responsibility I would be serving God while giving these children the chance of having a brighter future,” he said.
“I am a father figure to the children, guiding them towards hope and giving them renewed sense of purpose.”
Esteem Communications representative Pearl Chingwena described the event as a celebration of unity and compassion.
“We have invited our community of brands to join hands and support others,” she said.
A representative from Musabvunda Fitness and Lifestyle Tafadzwa Masango highlighted their mission of providing affordable fitness training platforms and how they felt compelled to support the initiative.
“We have an academy dedicated to nurturing talented young athletes who cannot afford specialised training,” she said.
“At present, the academy boasts aspiring athletes, bodybuilders, and weight lifters, who are given the opportunity to perfect their skills and pursue their dreams.
“We are, thus, happy to play our part in giving back to society through this initiative.”
Perfect Symphony founder and director Tate Makayi said her brand focuses on empowering young girls and women to understand the changes their bodies go through during different stages of life.
“By fostering self-confidence and resilience, we aim to inspire the next generation of strong, independent individuals,” Makayi said.
Root Back representative Thelma Maina expressed her brand's mission to restore cultural values in children who may be losing their way.
“We strive to bring back a sense of heritage and identity, preserving the richness of Zimbabwean traditions for future generations,” she said.
“The Brands that Care is a platform to give back to the less privileged.”
Esteem Communications and their partners had not only shared Christmas cheer, but also provided much-needed resources for the Good Samaritan Children's Home.
The initiative donated food and non-food relief items worth US$700 to the home in the Christmas spirit of giving.