07 Sep 2017

Ackermans Store has donated goods worth P86 257 to Anne Stine Centre for Children with disability in Molepolole on Monday.

The goods included clothes hampers worth P75 890 for children and their parents, 39 inch LCD Flat screen TV, decoder and mounting fee as well as three months Multi-Choice subscription fee.

Speaking at the handing over of the donations, Ackermans Railpark manager,  Mr Goitseone Setlhare said they donated to the school as a way of giving back to the community and showing compassion towards children with disability.

He said his company has been making profit ever since it established a market in Botswana, hence implementing its mandatory goals of engaging in cooperate social responsibility of taking part in community developments.

Mr Setlhare said parents with special needs children require support and motivation, adding that the donation was one way of offering a helping hand to them so that they do not feel left out.

Mr Setlhare said children with disability deserve to be dressed just like any normal child, and was hopeful that the clothes would make a difference in their lives.

He said it was not the first time they donated to the school, adding that in 2014 they did and will continue to donate different hampers annually. 

He said they had also spared few hours with learners at the school.

For his part, the School head Mr Pedro Ramosanta thanked Ackermans Store for their continuous support, noting that it would bring changes in the lives of the children and their parents. 

He said the donation would uplift the spirits of parents and motivate them not to lose hope in taking care of their disabled children.

He also commended them for carrying out President Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s call for private companies and individuals to lend a helping hand to the vulnerable and needy in society.

Mr Ramosanta said most children at his school did not have physical education attire and the donation came at the right time.

He said they did not have a television set and he was happy that the pupils would have a chance to learn about the environment, watch cartoons and other educational programs thus broadening their social development mentality.

Parents and Teachers Association chairperson, Ms Latelang Segwaga thanked Ackermans for their compassion and care, adding that it showed that indeed they were not only here for business but to also help the community.

She said the donations have helped them heal from the loneliness of lacking support when dealing with a disabled child. She said she was proud that they received relevant support material during their trying times.ENDS