The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Francistown, Botswana’s second largest city, on Friday donated 420 blankets valued at 117,600 pula (about 9,878 U.S. dollars) to assist the needy people during the cold winter season.
Luo Jinghong, the spokesperson for the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Francistown, said the donors decided to do something for the northeastern community of Botswana since they do business and live there, at a donation ceremony held in Francistown, a city situated some 430km northeast of the southern African country’s capital Gaborone.
“We are donating these 420 blankets which will be distributed to the needy people within the communities because we wish everyone good health and prosperity,” said Luo.
Luo said most Chinese people doing business and living in Francistown as well as its surrounding areas are now regarding Francistown as their second home due to the co-existence between them and locals.
“Our kids go to the same schools with those of the locals. We need to hold hands, stand and fight together challenges coming our way,” he said.
Godisang Radisigo, the mayor of the City of Francistown, said the donation has come at an opportune time bearing in mind that it is winter time. In winter, Radisigo said temperatures drop significantly, thereby exposing some underprivileged people to the harsh weather conditions.
“This will go a long way in ensuring that the people will keep warm this winter. We are very grateful,” said Radisigo.
Radisigo said the donation is another effort of the countless efforts by the Chinese community in Francistown to complement the Botswana government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2016, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Francistown has conducted seven donations to over 1,000 people, who are mostly the elderly.
