AMREF and retail chain Nakumatt Holdings have unveiled a joint fundraising programme geared at preventing deaths of mothers in pregnancy and childbirth.
The fundraising programme hosted by Nakumatt Holdings at all its 28 branches in Kenya is dubbed 5 Bob Moja, Maisha Moja and seeks to raise more than Ksh100 million this year to finance AMREF’s work in maternal health.
Confirming the launch of the programme, Nakumatt Holdings Managing Director Atul Shah explained that the supermarket chain has volunteered to host the unique fundraising project and also mobilise the support of its loyal customers to save the lives of women who die every day during childbirth in Kenya.
Customers wishing to take part in the fundraising campaign will have Ksh 5 added onto their purchases of Sh500 and above at all Nakumatt outlets countrywide. Customers wishing to donate more or wishing to opt out from making the donation are encouraged to alert the cashier at the till as it will remain an optional and voluntary fundraising exercise.
Alongside the fundraising bid, AMREF staff, in conjunction with Nakumatt staff, will on a bi-weekly basis, join hands to raise awareness on maternal health by helping Nakumatt customers carry their shopping to their cars.
AMREF’s Director General, Dr Teguest Guerma, explained that the fundraising effort would help the organisation to self-finance key projects to reduce and prevent the deaths of mothers and children.
“It’s unforgivable and a real tragedy that in this day and age, 26 Kenyan women still die every day during delivery due to lack of proper health care and support,” Dr Guerma said.
“However, with the support of local corporates such as Nakumatt Holdings and thousands of their loyal shoppers, AMREF is now raising its capacity to reverse this fatal trend.”
On his part, Nakumatt’s MD Atul Shah reiterated the retail chain’s commitment to support sustainable fundraising initiatives geared at alleviating the plight of the less fortunate in society.
“Using our retail platform across the country, we are proud to be associated with AMREF in this fundraising drive,” Shah said. “All esteemed Nakumatt shoppers are encouraged to make a donation towards this campaign at all check out tills at our branches.”
For more details on this intitative, send an email to info@amref.org or call us on +254 20 6993327.
