The Mayoress of Harare, Fran Manyenyeni, this week went on a tour of various charities and day care centres in Harare, disbursing proceeds from the Cheer Fund.

Danai Children’s Home in Greencroft was her first port of call. They received bathing and washing soap among other groceries as well as a bag of girls’ clothing. Chinyaradzo Children’s Home in Highfield received groceries. The Society of the Destitute and the Aged (SODA) also received groceries and two bags of clothing for men and women.

The Mayoress also visited day care centres in Arcadia, Mufakose, Kuwadzana, Dzivarasekwa, Zororo and Highfield as a way of familiarising herself with social projects in the city.

This is the first Cheer Fund disbursement she has carried out since her husband assumed office in September. Speaking at the handover ceremony at Danai Children’s Home, Mayoress Manyenyeni said she was happy to be working with children.

“We want to familiarise ourselves and actually see how best we can work with [children’s homes] as our term unfolds,” said the Mayoress.

The mayoress vowed that she would continue with the good work that was done by the previous patron of the Cheer Fund, Fikile Masunda. Although this disbursement coincides with the start of the festive season, the mayoress was quick to assure beneficiaries that the program would be conducted all year round.

“We are not just following the Christmas culture. People are in need throughout the year and our giving is not specific to any season. We call ourselves the Cheer Fund to put smiles on people’s faces so this is an on-going program,” she said.

Speaking soon after receiving the Cheer Fund donation, Francesca Saungweme, the founder of Danai Children’s Home expressed her gratitude and said that she will ensure that all proceeds reached the intended beneficiaries.

“We all feel so humbled. It is good that we concentrate on the kids’ upkeep rather than worrying about acquiring the basics. This donation will go a long way in helping us to take care of the children,” said Saungweme.

Danai Children’s Home looks after 25 children between the ages of two and 18 years who are brought to them through the department of Social Welfare. Saungweme also took the opportunity to appeal to well-wishers for help in completing a block they are building to house boys at the home.

The donated groceries to all the institutions were sourced from Unilever and worth $5,000. Christ Embassy provided the second hand clothes and local company Sensational donated the new clothes.