Mary Chilima champions Habitat’s cause
Mary Chilima, wife to the country’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima, on Friday joined Christian organisation, Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFHM), in raising funds for construction of houses for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs).
Chilima, who was acompanied to the fundraising dinner by Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati, said helping the needy is a noble cause that gives eternal peace.
In her remarks, she pledged to contribute towards the OVCs’ cause, but chose not to disclose the amount of money she was going to give.
Said Chilima: “I am not going to disclose how much I am going to contribute. However, I have asked Habitat for Humanity Malawi to invite me when they start building houses with funds realised from this event so that I can also physically help in the building.”
HFHM has built about 300 houses since it embarked on the project to house OVCs in the country.
HFHM board chairperson Jallison Chaguluka said his organisation wanted to raise as much funds as possible to build houses for as many OVCs as possible.
He observed that the number of OVCs is high because of HIV and Aids.
HFHM has mostly been dependent on funds from well-wishers from abroad raised through tithing and other fundraising activities.
During the dinner, there were pledge cards placed on all tables and patrons were encouraged to fill in their pledges and contact details for follow-up purposes.
Afro-pop musician Lawi and his Mango Band performed during the dinner and, as his contribution, offered to perform for free at any event of a person who was going to give the most.
