STAFF REPORTER
Stanbic Bank has donated an assortment of sun protection products worth ZW$38.5m to the Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ) as the leading financial institution ploughs back into the community.
The Standard Bank Group subsidiary donated 1000 units each of sunscreen lotion, antibacterial soap, antiseptic liquid, lip balm and sunhats.
Stanbic Bank manager Events and Sponsorship, Lucy Dlodlo, said the donation was one of the leading financial services institution’s most important calendar events owing to how it benefits people living with albinism.
She said the predicament of people living with albinism is often taken for granted yet they have serious needs given the nature of their skin condition.
“Stanbic Bank has taken it upon itself to meet the needs of people living with albinism. It is not a coincidence that our partnership is now in its 8th year, we are very intentional about putting smiles on the faces of these young girls and boys whose skin is sensitive to the weather elements, particularly the sun,” Dlodlo said.
The partnership with ALCOZ began in 2015.
“The donation is part of Stanbic Bank’s well thought out strategy of supporting the needs of the members of the communities in which we operate,” said Dlodlo.
Stanbic Bank has comprehensive Corporate Social Investment initiatives which focus on health and sanitation, education and the environment.
Under health, the Standard Bank Group subsidiary has Usizo – Ruyamuro which was established in 2019 to complement the government’s efforts to ensure health services are accessed by all.
ALCOZ Projects Manager, George Mafararikwa said the gesture by Stanbic Bank leaves an indelible mark in the lives of the Albino Society adding that the financial services institution should be commended for leading the way in the fight against stigma, discrimination and misconceptions surrounding albinism.
“Stanbic Bank has set a pace which we as ALCOZ wish the other corporate partners could imitate. The albinism population is above 40 000 hence the need for more partners coming onboard to support this worthy cause. Stanbic Bank is doing their best, more so on a yearly basis. We are grateful for their passion to assist the needy in our society,” Mafararikwa said.
He said the donation was fitting as it comes a few weeks before the world commemorates International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13.
Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition which occurs worldwide regardless of ethnicity or gender. It commonly results in the lack of melanin in the hair, skin, and eyes, causing vulnerability to sun exposure.
People with albinism need protection from the harmful effects of the sun owing to the lack of melanin in their skin which serves as a shield from the sun. They rely on sunscreen lotions, special oils and lip balm for protection from the sun.
