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Rallying call to support orphans as 12m/- raised
2006-09-05 08:18:24
By Judica Tarimo
The IPP Executive Chairman, Reginald Mengi, on Sunday donated 10m/- for orphaned children in Morogoro and Coast regions.
Mengi bought President Jakaya Kikwete’s portrait for 10m/- at a special function held in Dar es Salaam to raise funds for supporting orphaned children in the two regions.
The function, coloured by performances from prominent gospel singers in Tanzania, was organised by Msama Promotions and Nest companies.
About 12.1m/- was raised from the auctioning of various items - including Kikwete’s portrait and land-line telephone sets among other items at the function.
Officiating at the ceremony, the IPP Executive chairman appealed to members of public to help the needy.
He said it was paramount for the society to assist orphaned children who he described as neglected creatures.
’’Our Lord is giving us; we also give to these vulnerable children.
They needy our support; they need our help,’’ he said.
Stressing that giving is part of godly lives, IPP chief said:
’’When we depart from this world, God will ask us what we did with what he blessed us with during our life time.’’
He said God will question us how we spent his riches and blessings at the end of the day.
’’So, please my friends, let’s support these children; they have nobody to care for them,’’ he said.
Mengi, who is widely acknowledged as a leading supporter of vulnerable social groups, called for Tanzanians to build the culture of helping orphaned children.
He said they need support in education, health and other services.
’’We have to assist each other; God gave us, we have to give to others, because we will be held accountable at the end of the world,’’ he said.
He said everybody should support orphans with whatever we can afford as what matters is not the amount but the heart of giving.
Organisers of the function presented Mengi with a special Award - a trophy and a recognition certificate - in recognition of his contributions towards the society, including supporting orphans.
Other people who received awards for their role in assisting orphans included ITV/RadioOne Managing Director, Joyce Mhaville and St Mary’s International Schools Executive Director, Dr Rev Getrude Rwakatare.
On his part, Dar es Salaam CCM Secretary General Matson Chizii called on members of the society to team up and provide necessary support to the orphans.
’’This is our responsibility. Even the Bible insists that if we mistreat orphans and widows, God is going to punish us,’’ said Chizii.
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