By Kuda Pembere
TM Pick n Pay in partnership with CABS donated US$80,000 worth of medical supplies for childhood cancer treatment to KidzCan. Additionally, TM Pick n Pay provided KidzCan with a cash card valued at US$15,000 to support the children’s nutritional needs.
The funds were raised during last month’s Orange Month launch, an initiative that highlights the challenges faced by children with cancer and mobilizes communities to take action in providing medical and emotional support.
TM Pick n Pay Chief Financial Officer Gamu Nyamuzinga emphasized that the donation was specifically for chemotherapy drugs needed for the children’s treatment.
This year, through our Orange for Hope initiative, we have once again rallied together to support KidzCan. Our customers have shown incredible generosity by purchasing Orange Cupcakes and other merchandise, contributing to our collective goal of raising funds to provide essential support for these young warriors,” he said.
“We are incredibly proud to announce that we are handing over US$80,000 worth of drugs from this campaign—US$50,000 from TM Pick n Pay and US$30,000 generously contributed by our partners at CABS through their Swipe for Hope campaign,” he added.
Nyamuzinga also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming customer support. “I’d like to thank our customers and everyone who contributed. Some may not even be our regular shoppers, yet they supported us. We sold more than 120,000 cupcakes—can you imagine? That’s incredible! And our wristbands are also gaining popularity,” he said.
CABS Chief Financial Officer Valerie Muyambo praised KidzCan for its unwavering support of both children battling cancer and their caregivers, who endure immense emotional and financial strain.
“They not only provide essential medication but also much-needed encouragement to children and their families during their most difficult times,” she said.
“This marks the second year of our partnership with TM Pick n Pay in the fight against childhood cancer. Just as we did last year, for every swipe on a CABS POS machine at TM Pick n Pay stores during February, CABS pledged a donation to KidzCan. Today, we are honored to present a US$30,000 donation in the form of chemotherapy drugs.”
KidzCan Executive Director Daniel McKenzie lamented the widespread lack of awareness regarding childhood cancer symptoms.
“The challenge we still face in Zimbabwe is that many children, parents, communities, and even leaders do not realize that children can get cancer. If we can spread that message, then we have made a difference. If detected early, no child should die of cancer,” he said.
McKenzie also shared the origins of Orange Month.
“Today is a special day. I know we’re now in March—sorry—but February is one of our most significant months. We celebrate International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15.
“Globally, it’s a day of commemoration, but in Zimbabwe, we felt one day wasn’t enough. So we started Orange Day.
“It began at Chisipite Girls High when students wore orange to show support for childhood cancer. The headmistress fined them for being out of uniform, so the students suggested making it a tradition—dressing in orange and paying a fine as a donation. And that’s how Orange Month was born,” he explained.
