Old Mutual Zimbabwe warms hearts across the nation

STAFF WRITER

Old Mutual Zimbabwe has intensified its commitment social impact through the launch of its  nationwide #WinterWarmer Campaign, a compassionate initiative aimed at  providing  warmth and comfort to vulnerable communities during this harsh winter month.

Across Zimbabwe, public hospitals, children’s homes, and elderly care facilities experience a sharp increase in demand for blankets and often they struggle to meet the demand due to limited resources.

The #WinterWarmer Campaign stepped in to address this urgent gap, distributing 2,000 blankets to hospitals, clinics, children’s shelters, and elderly care centres in all ten provinces.

“Through the #WinterWarmer campaign, we are extending more than warmth, we are delivering dignity, unity, and a message that Old Mutual stands with the people of Zimbabwe,” said Sam Matsekete, Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group CEO. “It is also part of our broader mission to support the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health, reducing inequality, and building stronger communities.”

The selection of beneficiary institutions was guided by input from local communities and nominations from Old Mutual employees, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to grassroots engagement and shared responsibility. This inclusive and participatory approach ensured that the campaign reached a wide range of vulnerable groups across Zimbabwe.

Among the institutions supported were Jairos Jiri Association and Bumhudzo Old People’s Home in Harare; Ngomahuru Hospital in Masvingo; Mpilo Hospital and Ingutsheni Hospital in Bulawayo; Plumtree District Hospital and Gwanda District Hospital in Matabeleland South; and Chipinge Hospital in Manicaland.

Continuing its wide-reaching effort, the campaign also made key contributions in Mashonaland East, supporting the Mutemwa Leprosy Catholic and Care Centre in Mutoko, as well as  Domboshava Children’s home. In Mashonaland Central, Ponesai Vanhu Children’s Home in Bindura was a key beneficiary. Additional donations were made in Mashonaland West, where Vimbainesu Children’s Home in Zvimba received blankets. In the Midlands Province, Mvuma Hospital was supported, while in the Midlands’ southern district of Zvishavane, Shekinah Glory Children’s Home also received blankets.

In interviews conducted with staff at beneficiary institutions, the feedback underscored just how critical the #WinterWarmer Campaign has been in addressing urgent needs. Thabani Makiwa, Health Services Administrator at Gwanda Provincial Hospital, emphasized the practical difference the donation has made. “This donation will make a significant difference, adding much-needed warmth to our patients. Previously, we could only provide one blanket per patient, but now we are able to give two, greatly improving their comfort during the cold season.”

At Ingutsheni Hospital in Bulawayo, Dr. Mawere, Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the scale of the challenge faced. “Ideally, each patient should have six blankets to ensure adequate warmth and comfort,” said Dr. Mawere, Chief Medical Officer at Ingutsheni Hospital. “With over 700 patients in our care, that translates to a need for more than 4,200 blankets. Currently, we only have between 1500 to 2,000, which falls far short and the situation is compounded when some blankets are out for laundry. We’ve been working to procure more, so a donation like this comes at the perfect time and provides much-needed relief.”

Beyond the physical distribution of blankets, the #WinterWarmer Campaign also served as an opportunity for Old Mutual Zimbabwe staff to engage directly with the communities they serve. Employees visited all 14 beneficiary institutions where they spoke with administrators, listened to unique institutional challenges, and spent time with beneficiaries.

This hands-on approach underscored the campaign’s deeper intent to build lasting, empathetic connections that go beyond charity. Reflecting on the experience, Lillian Mbayiwa, Head of Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability, said, “The #WinterWarmer Campaign is one of many impactful initiatives Old Mutual Zimbabwe has championed in recent years. Our commitment to corporate responsibility goes beyond occasional acts; it is about building genuine connections and truly understanding the unique needs of each institution and the communities we serve. Our employees personally toured all 14 beneficiary institutions including hospitals, children’s homes, and elderly care centres. They spoke with administrators, and connected with beneficiaries on a deeply human level. This experience spoke to who we are as Mutualites and reminded us all of the empathy, unity, and responsibility at the heart of our shared purpose,” said Lillian Mbayiwa, Head of Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability at Old Mutual Zimbabwe.

As Zimbabwe faces the recurring challenges of the winter season, initiatives like the #WinterWarmer Campaign shine a light on the enduring power of community driven action and corporate leadership. By combining grassroots participation with meaningful impact, Old Mutual Zimbabwe continues to lead by fostering hope to those who need it most.