Shot in the arm for people with albinism

Stanbic Bank has lived up to its reputation as a community-centric institution by donating ZW$24. 7 million worth of sun protection products to the Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ).

The donation by Stanbic cements the seven-year relation that the institution now enjoys with ALCOZ having started in earnest in 2015.

Back then Stanbic identified the key needs of people with albinism in relation to their skin and saw it fitting to assist them annually.

Just like all the other years the leading financial services institution donated 1000 units of sunscreen lotions; 1000 units of antibacterial soap; 1 000 units of antiseptic liquid; 1 000 units of lip balm and 1000 sunhats.

Stanbic Bank Sponsorship, Events and CSI Manager Lucy Dlodlo said the institution was not only customer-centric but also has a keen interest in the welfare of the community in which it operates.

She said the annual donation was a key calendar event for the institution given the relief the gesture brings to people with albinism.

Dlodlo said Stanbic Bank had a deep understanding of how albinism affects the way a person lives, their work environment, sight and society's perception of them.

"Stanbic's donation is part of its wider Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative targeting the health sector under the Usizo - Ruyamuro banner. Usizo - Ruyamuro was mooted in 2019 as Stanbic Bank sought to play a pivotal role in complementing Government of Zimbabwe's efforts to ensure health delivery services are accessed by all," said Dlodlo

She said the donation falls perfectly into the category of Usizo-Ruyamuro's goals given its two-pronged nature of cushioning people with albinism from escalating costs of the products as well as ensuring that they are protected from the effects of the sun.

Dlodlo noted that it was fitting that the donation was being made as summer is fast approaching adding that the products will go a long way in protecting the beneficiaries.

She said while the economy was recovering somewhat from the negative effects of COVID 19, the menacing pandemic has left deep financials scars on individuals and people with albinism were not spared.

"It is a fact that the economy is slowly coming out of the COVID 19-induced woods but the effects of the pandemic on people's pockets are still very real and as Stanbic Bank we are pleased to cushion people with Albinism with these products which are beyond the reach of many," said Dlodlo.

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition which occurs worldwide regardless of ethnicity or gender. It commonly results in the lack of melanin in the hair, skin, and eyes, causing vulnerability to sun exposure.

People with albinism need protection from the harmful effects of the sun owing to the lack of melanin in their skin which serves as a shield from the sun. They rely on sunscreens lotions, special oils and lip balm for protection from the sun.

ALCOZ Project Manager, George Mafaririkwa said the organisation cherished the relationship it enjoys with Stanbic and long may it continue.

Mafararikwa said ALCOZ will forever be indebted to Stanbic Bank owing to this annual donation which cushions the people with albinism against both the elements and harsh economic environment.

"A big thank you to Stanbic Bank for seeing the wisdom in consolidating this relationship through coming to our financial rescue by buying these products for us.  Sun protection products are way beyond our reach as the economic environment worsens and we take heart from the fact that we have a friend in Stanbic Bank who is at our back and call. Long may this continue," said Mafararikwa.