First Lady Gertrude Mutharika on Monday belatedly presented Christmas hampers worth about K100 million to vulnerable households in Lilongwe through her Beautify Malawi (Beam) Trust. Bankrolled by Nico Group, which includes NBS Bank plc and Eris Properties Limited, the hampers were presented at Landscape Ground in Lilongwe and included 10-kilogramme packs of maize flour, soya pieces, cooking oil and other assorted items. The First Lady targeted the elderly and vulnerable children to help them celebrate the festive season.
Beam Foundation national coordinator Dingiswayo Jere said the initiative was intended as a festive gesture rather than emergency relief. “This is a Christmas gift, not a relief package,” he said. “It is meant to ensure that those who are less privileged can also celebrate during this festive period.” Jere said the programme links social well-being with environmental responsibility.
Nico Group chief executive officer Vizenge Kumwenda said the initiative was motivated by a desire to restore dignity and hope to people living in extreme poverty. He said basic food items, often taken for granted, have a profound impact on vulnerable households.
