Ingutsheni central hospital has received a major boost from Proton Bakers which is supplying the health institution with bread daily.
The psychiatric hospital has been receiving a donation of 50 loaves per day since October this year.
Ingutsheni chief executive officer (CEO) Ernest Manyawu confirmed the donation and thanked Proton for the assistance.
Proton moved into Bulawayo earlythis year and has managed to position itself as a strategic partner for various social activities in the city.
Also receiving bread donations is Sir Humphrey Gibbs Training Centre, a rehabilitation centre for children living with disabilities.
Such donations come as a relief to both institutions whose operations have been affected by the economic challenges troubling the country.
In 2015, Health and Childcare minister David Parirenyatwa admitted the the government was struggling to fund adequate foodstuffs and medicine to Ingutsheni Hospital. This triggered a spate of donations from wellwishers including some based in the United Kingdom but in the recent past such benevolence has been scarce.
However, to successfully rehabilitate people with any health challenge, food and nourishment is fundamental as any imbalance can curtail recovery and development.
Proton Bakers have therefore managed to prioritise a critical sector which usually experiences budgetary strain while juggling financial resources to meet such expenses as medicines and utilities.
Proton sales manager Simba Bodzo said the reception the company had received in Bulawayo was humbling and warranted such gestures of appreciation.
“Our focus is on mutual benefit, we want the community to know that supporting our products and brands also means they can extend a helping hand to such critical institutions as our hospitals," Bodzo added.
However, the company does not limit itself to helping health facilities only as it has sponsored other activities including some emerging sport disciplines.
Proton was the main sponsor for the inaugural Bulawayo mini football association tournament, earlier this year.
In addition, the bread-makers have also sponsored such competitions as the Bulawayo pool association tournament and the Mr and Ms ZITF bodybuilding contests.
During the ZRP service charter launch in Bulawayo, the bakers provided support in the form of clothing, prizes and entertainment for the event which was aimed at applauding and encouraging improved service provision by the police.
Nationally, Proton participated in the 2017 NASH under 20 tournament as the main sponsor alongside the Surrey group. The two companies managed to bankroll the schoolboys’ soccer
competition with a $5000 sponsorship package.
Bulawayo has also welcomed employment prospects provided by Proton Bakers whose workforce has been steadily increasing from an initial 35 to a current 127 employees.
