Mamohlakola Letuka
NEDBANK Lesotho handed over mattresses, blankets, clothes and shoes worth M25 000 to vulnerable families in Mokhotlong who were affected by floods that hit the country early this year.
The items came as a pleasant Christmas gift to a total 52 families in Malefiloane and Mokhotlong town. A partner of Nedbank, the Lesotho Red Cross Society is expected to distribute the items before Christmas.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Maseru, the Nedbank Lesotho Managing Director Petrus Bouwer said the assistance was meant to support the most vulnerable families who include orphans and vulnerable children.
“We have joined hands with the Lesotho Red Cross Society to mark their 50th anniversary in Lesotho, which is testimony to their work as a trusted humanitarian and volunteer organization,” Mr Bouwer said.
He said the support was part of Nedbank’s ongoing corporate social investment programme, which reflects the organisation’s commitment as a local corporate citizen working to improve the lives of its customers.
“This is also our way of giving back to the communities and showing our appreciation for the support that Basotho have given us for the past 20 years. We believe this will go a long way in enhancing the daily lives of the vulnerable people identified to receive these gifts in Mokhotlong.”
Mr Bouwer said Nedbank will remain committed to its partnership with the Lesotho Red Cross Society owing to the positive impact the relationship has made so far.
“We appreciate and support the work by Red Cross in Lesotho, which aims to help communities affected by natural disasters as well as providing support to the hungry and orphans and vulnerable children,” he said.
Mr Bouwer further explained that through support from customers, business partners, donor agencies, regulators, and policy makers over the years, together they have been able to make a difference in various communities.
On his part, the Lesotho Red Cross President, Silas Mosuhli thanked Nedbank for the assistance.
He said it was good to know that partners such as Nedbank always remembered the underprivileged particularly at a time when there is need to put smiles on the faces of the less fortunate.
“It is festive season, and everyone deserves to be happy. These gifts came at the right time. They are critical items the targeted families need of to brighten their festive season and to help improve the quality of their lives,” Mr Mosuhli said.