BY SAMUEL NJINGA
As winter descends on Zimbabwe with its characteristic chill, Old Mutual Zimbabwe has stepped forward with compassion and purpose through its wide-reaching #WinterWarmer Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable communities facing the harsh conditions of the cold season.
The campaign, launched earlier this winter, saw the distribution of 2 000 blankets to public hospitals, clinics, children’s homes, and elderly care facilities in all ten provinces of Zimbabwe. The support comes at a time when these institutions, already operating under limited resources, face heightened demand for basic necessities such as warm bedding.
“Through the #WinterWarmer campaign, we are extending more than warmth, we are delivering dignity, unity, and a message that Old Mutual stands with the people of Zimbabwe,” said Sam Matsekete, Group CEO of Old Mutual Zimbabwe. “It is also part of our broader mission to support the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health, reducing inequality, and building stronger communities.”
What sets this campaign apart is its grassroots approach. Old Mutual staff, in collaboration with local communities, nominated institutions based on need, ensuring that the donations were guided by lived realities rather than distant corporate decisions. This participatory model reflects Old Mutual’s commitment to genuine community engagement and shared responsibility.
The campaign reached a diverse array of institutions across all regions of Zimbabwe. In Harare, support was extended to the Jairos Jiri Association and Bumhudzo Old People’s Home. In the southern city of Bulawayo, Mpilo Hospital and Ingutsheni Hospital received donations, while in the Masvingo province, Ngomahuru Hospital was among the institutions assisted. In Matabeleland South, Plumtree District Hospital and Gwanda District Hospital benefited from the campaign. The eastern region of Manicaland saw Chipinge Hospital receive winter relief.
The campaign’s reach continued into the Mashonaland provinces. In Mashonaland East, Mutemwa Leprosy Catholic and Care Centre in Mutoko and Domboshava Children’s Home were recipients. Ponesai Vanhu Children’s Home in Bindura was supported in Mashonaland Central, while in Mashonaland West, Vimbainesu Children’s Home in Zvimba received essential blankets. The Midlands province was also included, with Mvuma Hospital and Shekinah Glory Children’s Home in Zvishavane receiving assistance.
For many of these institutions, the donations have not just brought comfort but have significantly improved living conditions for residents and patients.
“This donation will make a significant difference, adding much-needed warmth to our patients,” said Thabani Makiwa, Health Services Administrator at Gwanda Provincial Hospital. “Previously, we could only provide one blanket per patient, but now we are able to give two, greatly improving their comfort during the cold season.”
In Bulawayo, Dr. Mawere, Chief Medical Officer at Ingutsheni Hospital, emphasized the scale of need in larger institutions.
“Ideally, each patient should have six blankets to ensure adequate warmth and comfort. With over 700 patients in our care, that translates to a need for more than 4,200 blankets. Currently, we only have between 1,500 and 2,000, which falls far short—and when some are out for laundry, the shortage worsens. This donation is timely and provides much-needed relief.”
The #WinterWarmer Campaign was not limited to blanket distribution. Old Mutual employees personally visited all 14 beneficiary institutions, taking the time to engage with staff, tour facilities, and interact with the people served by these institutions.
“The #WinterWarmer Campaign is one of many impactful initiatives Old Mutual Zimbabwe has championed in recent years,” said Lillian Mbayiwa, Head of Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability. “Our commitment to corporate responsibility goes beyond occasional acts; it is about building genuine connections and truly understanding the unique needs of each institution and the communities we serve.”
Mbayiwa noted that these site visits were deeply moving for staff, reminding them of the human side of corporate citizenship.
“Our employees spoke with administrators and connected with beneficiaries on a deeply human level. This experience spoke to who we are as Mutualites and reminded us all of the empathy, unity, and responsibility at the heart of our shared purpose,” she added.
In a country where winter often compounds existing vulnerabilities, the #WinterWarmer Campaign stands as a powerful example of how corporate social responsibility can be rooted in empathy, action, and impact. By combining targeted aid with hands-on community engagement, Old Mutual Zimbabwe has shown what it means to lead with both heart and strategy.
As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with cold winters and economic uncertainty, initiatives like this remind us that a blanket can offer not just warmth, but dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging. Through the #WinterWarmer Campaign, Old Mutual has not only delivered comfort—it has affirmed its place as a trusted partner in building stronger, more resilient communities.