By Staff Reporter
MASVINGO – Mayor Alec Tabe has officially launched the 2026 Mayor’s Christmas Cheer
Fund, setting a target of US$30,000 to bring hope, joy and practical support to the city’s most
vulnerable residents this festive season.
Speaking at the launch, Tabe described the initiative as a noble cause that reflects the
community’s collective commitment to caring for those facing significant challenges.
“The Christmas Cheer Fund has become part of an important tradition in our city. It reflects
our collective commitment to caring for those who face significant challenges in their daily
lives. It reminds us that as a community, we are stronger when we stand together and ensure
that no one is left behind,” said Tabe.
The fund will benefit a wide range of institutions and individuals, including special needs
schools such as Copota Primary School, Copota Secondary School, Henry Murray School
and Ratidzo Zimcare Trust.
Residential care facilities including Alpha Cottages Children’s Home, Mucheke Old People’s
Home, Emmanuel Children’s Home and Alfred Walter Hostels will also receive support.
Health institutions including Mazorodze Maternity Home, the new Runyararo Maternity
Home, Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital, Morgenster Hospital and Masvingo Provincial
Hospital will benefit, along with foster parents and other identified vulnerable individuals and
families.
To raise the US$30,000, a series of fundraising events have been lined up including Pool
Games on October 17, Schools Swimming Gala on October 21, Marathon on November 15,
Golf Tournament on November 27, and the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund Dinner on
December 10.
Tabe called upon businesses, financial institutions, hospitality establishments, educational
institutions and residents to join hands in the initiative.
“Every dollar donated, every sponsorship secured, and every participant who takes part in our
events contributes to restoring hope and dignity to children, the elderly, patients, persons with
disabilities, foster families, and other vulnerable groups in our community,” he said.
“Let us make the 2026 Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund a resounding success by embracing the
principle that a caring community is one that leaves no one behind.”
The 2025 fund was distributed to 26 institutions, including Ngomahuru Hospital, Henry
Murray School for the Deaf, Copota School for the Blind, Alpha Cottages, Mucheke Old
People’s Home and the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust.
The launch marks a significant increase from the 2025 target of US$20,000, which itself was
a tripling of the 2024 target of US$7,000. The 2025 fund ultimately surpassed its goal, raising
US$28,715.
