As the crisis worsens in Zimbabwe, Nottingham is to launch its support for the Mayor of Harare’s Christmas Cheer Fund.

A group of Zimbabweans will be singing carols around the Market Square Christmas tree tomorrow (December 10th ) to launch the local appeal and raise awareness of the plight of the people of Zimbabwe. The Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Gulwaz Khan and Chair of the Nottingham Zimbabwe Community Network Regis Manyanya will make short speeches about the appeal and the situation in Zimbabwe.

Nottingham has been twinned with Harare, the Zimbabwe capital, since 1981. This year the Lord Mayor’s Charity is supporting the Mayor of Harare, Muchadeyi Masunda, and his Christmas Cheer Fund, to raise money to help underprivileged people living in Harare access vital health and medical services.  

Zimbabwe was once a prosperous country but now its economy is in tatters. People are experiencing severe food shortages and extreme poverty and continue to live in fear due to the country’s ongoing political problems. With the world's highest rate of inflation, which officially stands at 231,000,000%, people are struggling to access basic medical care and are being turned away because they can’t afford to pay for treatment. Harare is now also facing a deadly and widespread outbreak of cholera.

On Thursday (December 10th) from 4pm, there will be special caroling session around the Christmas Tree in the Market Square featuring members of the Zimbabwean community living in Nottingham. A collection box will be in the reception of the Council House.

Councillor Khan said:

"The situation in Harare, and throughout Zimbabwe, continues to deteriorate and now more than ever the people of Harare need our help. I am proud to support the Mayor of Harare’s Christmas Cheer Fund this year as one of my charities, and Nottingham City Council is pledging its support.

"At this time of year, when many people are thinking about giving a little something back, I would ask you to consider the Christmas Cheer Fund, which helps underprivileged people in Harare access vital health and medical services."

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund can also make a donation by cheque, made payable to the Lord Mayor’s Charity (Harare) and send it to The Civic Office, The Council House, Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2DT.

Call 915 4311 to find out more about the Mayor of Harare’s Christmas Cheer Fund.