Harare (New Ziana) –The 2023/24 Harare Mayor’s Cheer Fund (formerly Harare Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund) was launched on Tuesday amid high expectations that it will receive more contributions than in previous years despite not having a set target to raise.

Launching the Fund, mayor Lovejoy Chitengu called on corporates and individuals to assist in cheering up the less privileged and vulnerable.

“Fellow residents we are beginning the festive season. Christmas time is when we celebrate with our families, relatives and friends. We gather, eat and cheer,” he said.

“As the mayor of Harare, let me remind you all that there are some disadvantaged people in our society who might not have time to celebrate due to a number of situations and circumstances. I hereby today, call upon all stakeholders, institutions, corporates and individuals to remember those in need in our city and help them by giving some cheers during this festive season.”

He said there are children in the streets, people with disabilities, the less privileged, elderly people in various homes, as well as those in hospitals and prisons who need assistance.

Many of these people might not get the chance to celebrate with their families and it is the intention of the city council to be with them and enjoy their company.

Chitengu said the Harare Mayor’s Cheer Fund office has a list of registered orphanages, elderly people’s homes and contacts of other people in need and those that want to donate can contact it.

“There is more joy in giving and let us find joy by giving those in need in our city and a Merry Christmas to you all,” he said.
The Harare Mayor’s Cheer Fund was founded well before the 1960s and popularised by then mayor of Salisbury Ivor Pitch in the late 1960s.

Fund raising activities include the popular Ladies High Tea, the annual Golf Tournament and the annual Dinner Dance among others all hosted by the mayor.

The Fund is driven by a board appointed by the mayor, whose office is the secretariat.

New Ziana