Pick n Pay Launches community Initiative

SIMON MUNTEMBA writes PICK n PAY has launched a new community initiative titled “pick n share” to encourage businesses and individuals work together and support each other through the coronavirus Covid-19 crisis. The initiative which was launched at the Pick n Pay Centro-Mall store was graced by minister of Health, Chitalu Chilufya. Speaking during the launch ceremony Dr Chilufya, who thanked Pick n Pay management for the initiative, reiterated the importance of joining the efforts of all community categories to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Dr Chilufya said it was a well thought idea to help the less fortunate in society and has called on other retail organizations in Zambia to emulate such initiatives. “Giving is not just about donating, but it’s about making a difference, and praised Pick n Pay for coining an initiative that will make a difference in the community,” the minister said. Speaking earlier at the same event, Pick n Pay Managing director, Lucas Houben explained that the initiative aimed at encouraging customers to give a little to the community in this wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Houben said the campaign was developed on the premise of the Zambian spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ – the Zambian spirit of sharing and togetherness, that they were one family, friendly, loving and always looking out for one another as a community. “The initiative is another addition to the various CSR activities Pick n Pay is involved in which include among others; the support of 328 children under SUVUCAL NGO, which has 140 school going children in high schools, while the other 188 are school leavers who are on working experience platforms. “Others are, the Chawama Cheshire Old Aged Home in Lusaka, the Kabulonga Cheshire home for children with disability in Lusaka, the Lions school of the visually impaired in Hilcrest Ndola and the Mitanda Old Aged Home in Kansenshi Ndola,” Mr Houben said.  Meanwhile, Pick n Pay Lusaka district manager Mr Kamona Mooto, disclosed that his organisation had partnered with its suppliers to donate cleaning materials worth over K100, 000 to the front-line staff who were at the center of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the Ministry of Health. The Sun