Edenvale group assists Zimbabwean nationals and others after Cyclone Idai
Arthur Mushamba from Edenvale Soccer Legends said they formed the group based on their love for football and now they have come together to help those affected in Zimbabwe and other areas by Cyclone Idai.
Residents group, Edenvale Community Legends, took up the challenge of helping people affected by Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe, which left many destitute.
Arthur Mushamba said the group formed based on their love for football with 40 individuals.
They have now come together with a stokvel to help the needy in Zimbabwe.
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Patrick Chibwe, also a member of Edenvale Community Legends, said 80 per cent of the group is formed by Zimbabweans, Mozambiqueans and Malawians, who all have something to offer for relief efforts in Zimbabwe.
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“We do not limit our aid to just Zimbabwe. We look at all the affected areas such as Malawi. We look at how best we can assist those in need,” said Patrick.
Patrick said the damage is at a critical level, as per fellow member Allen Mushamba, who was funded by the group to go to Zimbabwe to look at the affected areas.
He said the crisis is at a critical level and some areas cannot even be reached.
“Families have lost loved ones and many are left homeless.”
Allen is the man on the ground in Zimbabwe who coordinates the donations for all those who are in need.
Patrick said they collect donations such as non-perishable food, blankets, diapers and toiletries, to name a few, and thereafter send the donations to Zimbabwe.
“Money donations lead to chaos. We rather deal with donations that can be sent directly to those in need,” said Patrick.
“We are a group of business people with different designations. I have trucks that are used to transport the donations to Zimbabwe. We work together to make sure things get done,” said Patrick.
Arthur said compliments should go to Patrick for starting this initiative that is helping many in Zimbabwe.
“This is very dear to my heart. I come from Zimbabwe. The cyclone could have hit the place in which I grew up. This cyclone has left many homeless. There have been lives lost. It feels like a death in the family,” said Patrick.
Arthur said this disaster has opened his heart and has made him think about his home and how much it means to him.
“Helping someone should not be confined to who you are. Disaster affects everyone. We need to help each other on the basis that we are all African. We need to look at this disaster as an African problem,” said Patrick.
If you have any donations or would like to offer any assistance contact Patrick on 073 456 4643, 011 453 0977 or Arthur on 073 080 3570.
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