Fundraising dinner for Harare and Mpilo hospitals

Medical charity Vana VeZimbabwe will this Friday host a fundraising dinner and dance in London to contribute towards the purchase of medical equipment for hospitals in Zimbabwe.

Leading Zimbabwean businessman and founder of Kingdom Bank, Nigel Chanakira, is the guest speaker at the event, which will be held on Friday 5 December at Oasis Banqueting suite in the Barking area of East London.

Jesca Gudza, one of the charity's founders and event organisers, called on the Zimbabwean community to come out in full support of the fundraiser, adding that Harare Hospital in the capital and Bulawayo's Mpilo Hospital would be the first recipients of the charity's assistance.

"The rebuilding of a healthy Zimbabwe begins with cultivating healthy minds, both young and old. It all begins with improving our health services, and Zimbabwe's hospitals are in dire need of equipment.

"As an organisation, we will begin by donating wheel chairs. This will mean easier, more comfortable transportation of patients and ease of mobility for those visiting relatives in hospital. So come and be a part of a healthier, more productive Zimbabwe," Gudza said.

The event will be compered by renowned Zimbabwean inspirational speaker Glorianne 'Glo Diamond' Francis and Carol Zinamo, who is one of Vana VeZimbabwe's founders. Other speakers at the red carpet event include presenter and philanthropist Pauline Long, success coach David Musendo, chairperson of Inspire Zimbabwe Foundation Florence Chaurura, and Itayi Garande.

Guests will be treated to a thrilling line-up of performers including gospel artiste Carol Felice Nyakudya, gospel rapper Ace Tinashe, and Birmingham-based singer and rapper Lyfe Martinez. Popular DJ Big Mike will weigh in with offerings that are guaranteed to keep guests on the dance floor.

Tickets are £35 standard and £55 VIP; details on how to purchase them can be found on the website http://vanavezimbabwe.com/.

Vana VeZimbabwe is a non-profit making organisation founded by UK-based Zimbabwean professionals Dorica Chanakira, Jesca Gudza, Juwannella Chanakira and Carol Zimano. All four women have professional backgrounds and abiding interests in the health services sector.

As professionals with different areas of expertise, they realised that they would be more effective as a group than as individuals and, working together with partners on the ground in Zimbabwe, they have created a platform committed to making medical and health services readily available to those who are most in need of them.

Vana VeZimbabwe's vision is to bridge the gap in health service provision in the whole of Zimbabwe and help meet the Millennium Goals to reduce the child mortality rate, improve maternal health, and combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. This will in turn help improve the health outcomes of the nation.

For ticket enquiries contact: 07944 186 977 /07901 740 782  
Venue: Oasis Banqueting Suite, 6- 8 Thames road, Barking, London, IG11 0HZ