The Lions Club in Zimbabwe recently hosted a star-studded musical concert in Harare to raise funds for the paediatric cancer unit at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
The event brought together some of Zimbabwe’s celebrated artists including Tanga Wekwa Sando, Hope Masike, BaShupi and Travellers Band.
“This specific event brought together artists in collaboration with Lions Club to fundraise for the paediatric cancer unit at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals,” said Dorcas Chamatunhu, the Musical Concert Chairperson from the Sovereigns Club.
Chamatunhu said the Lions Club has been carrying out improvements at the unit over the past three years.
“The first event that we did, we channelled all the monies to refurbish the kitchen ward which was not in a very good condition. We did all the cabinets, the floors, tiles, we even tiled the walls as well, as well as repainting the walls and the ceiling.”
She added that the second edition of the fundraiser went towards critical medical equipment.
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“We managed to add on one fluid pump, yet they actually need more than 15 fluid pumps to make sure all the beds are filled. A fluid pump is used to administer medication correctly, so it is the best for such administration of medication,” she said.
This year, the focus is on creating a supportive environment for caregivers.
“We are targeting to refurbish the staff room for caregivers as well as parents of the children admitted at the wards. We are trying to buy more couches, put curtains, cabinets, lockers, a heater or a TV, just to make that lounge more comfortable and more habitable. So that their mental health is also taken care of,” Chamatunhu said.
Looking ahead, she appealed for more partners to come on board.
She added that the club’s long-term vision was to support more interventions.
“We are also looking in the future to take even equipment in the ward, whether it’s chemotherapies, whether it’s surgeries or whatever it is, anything to do with cancer. That is what we are focusing on. As Lions, this is where we are coming from. This is a fundraising gig that we are going to be doing every single year.”
Globally, the Lions Club boasts over 1.4 million members and focuses on seven key pillars: Cancer, Diabetes, Hunger, Eye Sight, Youth Empowerment, Humanitarian support and Mental Health.
