IN a heartfelt gesture, groceries valued at US$7,500 were donated yesterday to Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital in Bulawayo as part of efforts to complement the Government in improving the welfare of patients.
The donation was presented by Daughters of Virtue, an interdenominational prayer group registered with the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Daughters of Virtue Vice President Pastor Blessed Marara explained that the initiative was part of the organisation’s tradition of celebrating Prophetess Memory Matimbire’s birthday.
“Prophetess Memory Matimbire of Daughters of Virtue has made it a tradition to give back to the less privileged on her birthday,” he said.
“This year, we chose to support Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital as part of our commitment to improving mental health care and supporting those in need.”
Pastor Marara added, “Last year, we donated 600 blankets to Chitungwiza General Hospital. This year, recognizing the importance of mental health, we decided to contribute food items to Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital, a vital government healthcare facility. We believe that such donations can significantly enhance the well-being of patients and aid their recovery.”
The donation is expected to make a meaningful impact on the hospital’s efforts to foster healing and improve the welfare of patients.
Daughters of Virtue operates several departments, including the Hannah Department, which focuses on supporting women struggling with infertility through prayer and spiritual encouragement.
The ministry, also known as Daughters of Virtue International (DOV), hosts “Hannah Camps” and prayer meetings inspired by the biblical story of Hannah in 1 Samuel, who was initially barren but later blessed with a son, Samuel.
“This initiative provides hope and spiritual support to women trusting in God's timing and blessings.”
The initiative to start a spiritual support group was inspired by Prophetess Memory Matimbire, the visionary behind DOV who experienced a six-year period of barrenness before she was blessed with children.
Since 2018, the Hannah Group has recorded over 1,124 pregnancies and 4,624 births, including 38 sets of twins and one set of triplets.
Clinical Director of Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Wellington Ranga was grateful for the donation, highlighting the plight of those that suffer from mental health.
“I want to express my gratitude for this donation. I thank Daughters of Virtue for such a kind gesture. I am happy people like this organisation remember our patients. It will go a long in improving the welfare of our patients and aid in their healing,” said Dr Ranga.
He said such donations which are acts of kindness makes a real difference.
The ongoing efforts of Daughters of Virtue aim to bring hope to women and families, reinforcing the power of faith and community support in overcoming life's challenges.
