Victoria Falls blanket drive aims to warm 300 vulnerable families

Charity Nyoni
As Zimbabwe braces for another chilly winter, a compassionate grassroots initiative in Victoria Falls is rallying the community to donate blankets and warm clothing for 300 struggling families in Mkhosana.
Spearheaded by local resident George Mhlanga, the drive runs until May 5, 2025, with distribution set for May 10—just in time to shield the elderly, homeless, and disadvantaged from the biting cold. Unlike traditional charity efforts focusing on orphanages, this campaign targets overlooked households and street dwellers, ensuring no one is left freezing in the shadows.
The idea for the blanket drive emerged when Mhlanga noticed neglected individuals shivering through winter nights—especially those sleeping on streets near the main bus rank and Chinese shops. “Everyone donates to orphanages, but what about the man with no shelter or the grandmother struggling alone?” he explained. His vision quickly gained traction, with Breeze FM and local volunteers joining forces to identify the most vulnerable.
What makes this initiative unique is its hyper-local focus. Instead of centralized shelters, aid goes directly to forgotten households—those slipping through the cracks of conventional charity. Already, donations are pouring in, but the drive urgently needs more blankets, duvets, and winter wear. Drop-off points include House #6681 in Mfelandawonye (Mkhosana) and Breeze FM’s offices.
Beyond immediate relief, Mhlanga plans to build a sustainable support network. A database of donors and beneficiaries will ensure long-term impact, with future drives already in the works. This initiative proves that small acts of kindness can transform communities.