The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) on Friday opened a hair and beauty parlour in Harare as part of the organisation’s campaign aimed at mobilising resources locally.
By Our Staff
The project, which is meant to sustain ZRCS’s humanitarian programmes other than donor support is among a myriad of self-sustaining projects the organisation is embarking on throughout the country.
Speaking at the official opening on Friday, ZRCS national president Edison Mlambo said the project embodied the organisation’s desire to improve humanitarian activities without relying too much on donor support.
“What we have realised over the years is that competing humanitarian needs always outweigh available resources. This calls for business prudence to cushion ourselves from the soaring costs related to our humanitarian programming,” Mlambo said.
“ZRCS out of humanitarian prudence is therefore embarking on a massive campaign to mobilise resources locally so that we are able to augment the invaluable support we are receiving from our partner national socities and other humanitarian agencies.” Mlambo said the project, and many that the organisation will embark on, was meant to alleviate human suffering.
The hair and beauty parlour, which will operate under the name Red Lounge is located at Red Cross House along Cameroon Street in Harare.
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ZRCS secretary-general Maxwell Phiri said gone were the days when the organisation relied too much on donor support.
“We have to move away from donor reliance and find other innovative means to sustain the humanitarian cause. Self-sustenance is the new game in town and as Red Cross, we should not be found wanting,” Phiri said.
“Let’s up our game as Red Cross family to support the humanitarian cause.”
ZRCS humanitarian ambassador Alick Macheso said the revenue realised from the salon will go a long way in helping the disadvantaged.
“When you come to Red Lounge, you are not just coming for a haircut or hairdo. You are actually helping the Red Cross feed a hungry soul or send an orphan to school. Let us continue supporting our Red Cross so that together we can help our fellow Zimbabweans,” said Macheso.
