Christmas comes early for SODA Old People’s Home
• VISIBLYHEARD reaffirms commitment to supporting vulnerable communities • Event headlined by Dendera king, Sulumani Chimbetu
STAFF REPORTER
Christmas came early for the elderly at Society of Destitute Aged (SODA) when VISIBLYHEARD, a leading advertising, marketing and public relations agency on Monday sponsored an early Christmas party and fundraising event in Highfields, Harare,Business Times can report.
The event was headlined by dendera maestro Sulumani Chimbetu who is known for supporting social causes. Sulu as he is affectionately known, took time to dine, mingle with, and entertain the excited elders.
SODA is an old people’s home that looks after both men and women usually referred to it by the Department of Social Welfare. The staff which includes social workers, nurse aides and interns work together to ensure the residents are well looked after physically and mentally.
VISIBLYHEARD team joined the caretakers and residents on the dancefloor enjoying some classic Sulumani hits, with the man himself taking the lead and showing how to gracefully move to dendera.
Kudzai Gochera Managing Director of VISIBLYHEARD indicated that the visit was not a once-off event, her team pledged ongoing support for SODA and many such organisations. The team made a Christmas donation and pledged a monthly financial contribution to the home.
Furthermore, VISIBLYHEARD has committed to using its network and skills within the corporate space to foster relationships between the home and other stakeholders to provide financial and other support to the home.
Sulumani Chimbetu added that as an artist, his role goes beyond entertaining the public but raising awareness for key social issues such as road safety and the well-being of the less fortunate and elderly.
The residents of SODA and staff operate a livestock project, raising chickens and goats for sale to the local community. A tour of the chicken runs so impressed Sulu that he ordered several chickens on the spot whilst VISIBILYHEARD staff and caterers all pledged to purchase livestock from the home.
VISIBLYHEARD prides itself it in its commitment to sustainability, working with clients to ensure they have a positive impact on their human and natural environment. Supporting SODA is a result of this passion for sustainability.
Through providing food, VISILBLYHEARD contributes towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: No Hunger. Purchasing livestock from SODA not only empowers the residents but also aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production).
Mental and physical health are boosted by sociable interaction and exercise, with events such as the Christmas party contributing to SDG 3 (Good health and well-being).
VISIBLYHEARD will continue to support Bako Redonhoodzo as a part of its sustainability initiatives and encourage clients and other stakeholders to do the same.
Under the leadership of Ms Emilia Mukaratirwa, the SODA team keeps the facilities spick and span for residents. The team is currently engaged in efforts to fix the ceilings in some rooms which are not up to scratch and welcomes any support in cash or kind that may help provide a better life for their residents. Speaking to members of the media, Mukaratirwa said all donations in cash, food, building materials and labour etc are welcome as every little bit counts towards the welfare of the residents. She added that the actions by VISIBLYHEARD were inspiring especially the pledge for ongoing assistance and it is an embodiment of both the Christmas spirit and reverence for elders.
