Simbisa Brands gives US$1 million+ to charity

VICTORIA Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX)-listed fast food chain Simbisa Brands has said it has channelled more than US$1 million towards social corporate responsibility, demonstrating its commitment to giving back to the community.

In a recent report for the year ended June 30, 2024, the group highlighted that it is dedicated to reinvesting a portion of its profits into projects that enhance education, healthcare, water and sanitation and environmental sustainability.

The group specifically targets the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education and clean water and sanitation.

To improve access to quality education, US$1 009 053 was channelled towards school fees donations and the building and inauguration of a community school campus in Marondera.

“This year, we assisted in the building of and completion and inaugurated the United Students Achievers Programme (Usap) Community School Campus in Marondera, which opened in August 2024, reflecting our commitment to community development,” reads the report.

“The project, which cost over US$2,2 million of which Simbisa contributed US$1 million, demonstrates our dedication to creating a lasting positive impact in the communities where we operate”.

Additionally, Chicken Inn paid school fees for 126 less privileged learners at three Chitungwiza local primary schools, which include Mberi Primary School, Fungisai Primary, Dominican Convent School in Harare and Mutorwandishe High School in Chitungwiza, amounting to US$9 053.

In support of an outstanding squash player who recently secured fourth place in the European Boys Under-19 Squash Championships in Poland, Simbisa Brands assisted by paying for the player’s tuition at Wycliffe College totalling US$25 000.

To enhance community well-being, US$45 509 was invested as part of fulfilling the alleviating hunger initiative. “In commemoration of Spur’s 56th year of operation, we were honoured to host a celebratory birthday party at Danai Children’s Home,” reads the report.

“The total investment for this endeavour amounted to US$1 200, which enabled our team to support 26 children and five teachers at the Danai Facility”.

Simbisa Brands noted that an additional US$150 was invested in honouring the exceptional customer care provided by Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals’ Ward A5 health workers.

“The total investment for this recognition event amounted to US$150, which enabled Haefelis to provide a nourishing meal for the 27 nurses and three matrons of Ward A5,” reads the report.

The group also distributed over 25 food hampers at Pelandaba Clinic in Bulawayo and Kuwadzana Clinic in Harare. Simbisa Brands also sponsored the children’s lunch for St Giles Children’s Fun Day, which the group had organised.

The company also donated to the Annual Christian Educator’s Conference attendees, which in turn contributed to the overall success and fellowship of the event.
The group also supported the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Teacher Training Pilot Programme at Mbare Innovation Hub to equip educators with essential coding skills and tools by donating pizzas from Pizza Inn for the 50 participants.

The company recently sponsored and donated US$5 000 to the Men’s and Ladies Golf Championships at Royal Harare Golf Club (RHGC).

The group also supported the expansion of Tag Rugby across Zimbabwe, which ensured urban and rural areas to have access to the valuable programme. “With our support, over 4 000 young participants were engaged this year, adding up to more than 11 000 participants over two years,” said Simbisa.

Simbisa Brands has also sought to support Harare SPCA by providing financial assistance to enable the organisation to continue its mission of rescuing and caring for animals, educating the public on animal welfare and ensuring that no animal in need is turned away.-chronicle