By Panashe Kaseke
The Arcadia C.H.I.L.D. Trust (Community Healthcare and Institutional Legacy Development) has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting the socially and economically disadvantaged residents of Ward 2, Harare.
On Saturday, the community-based organization donated clothing, blankets, sanitary pads, and diapers to the less privileged residents in Arcadia, ensuring the elderly and sick are well-equipped to face the cold weather.
“Our mission is to provide quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare, support digital education, and refurbish schools and other community institutions,” explained Helen Mcneilage, one of the founder and trustee of the Arcadia C.H.I.L.D Trust.
“A number of people benefited from our donations, we had 200 individuals we had identified but more people turned up. This recent donation is part of our ongoing effort to address the immediate needs of our community.”
“We work using a needs assessment which helps us identify the most vulnerable in the community. We are supported by other groups who help us with donations. The Muslim community and Change Makers in South Africa who work with disadvantaged Zimbabwean communities in South Africa are part of our main source of our donations. These support girl children with sanitary wear toiletries amongst others including clothing,” said Helen.
“Our future plan is to link up with a production team and produce a program, Southern African Kaleidoscope, mainly to target Zimbabweans and others from the region in the diaspora linking them to developments in the region, maintaining their interest in the region encouraging them to sell Zimbabwe and the region as a tourism destination,” she added.
Residents of Arcadia have expressed their gratitude for the support provided by the Arcadia Child Trust. This initiative has brought a sense of hope and relief to many families struggling to make ends meet.
“We have managed to get a blanket and some warm clothes for my mother in law. We are very grateful because the community is very big and we have managed to get something from each table which was of great help,” said Zelda Hassen (56), one of the beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries also pleaded with other organizations to come and chip in.
“My sick mother is 75 this year and I have managed to get clothes and diapers for her. I am grateful for it.”
“I am also pleading with other organizations who can offer counseling to my mother who is also suffering from depression because of her health status,” said Isabel Francis Chiposi.
“We are looking for stakeholders who are willing to sponsor our activities. Currently we are offering health care treatments to senior citizens and children below the age of 12 and we are pleading with stakeholders to help us help other people,” said Danielle Abrahams, a C.H.I.L.D Trust member.
The Board of Trustees, comprised of retired professionals from diverse fields such as health, education, engineering, and business, is the driving force behind the Trust’s initiatives. Trustees Tim Fisher, Helen Mcneilage, Virginia Darrell, Billy Jassat, Beryl D’Almeida, and Pet Moodley, along with many dedicated volunteers, have strong ties to the Arcadia community, either through family connections or schooling at Morgan High.
The Trust prioritizes quality and affordable healthcare for all. They also champion digital education, promote school refurbishment, and offer nutritional support. Additionally, they address drug abuse through awareness and rehabilitation programs, and encourage children to return to school.
