Celebs spend Valentine's with Cheshire children

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday February 16, 2012 00:00

 

The personalities who joined the children included Miss Botswana, Karabo Sampson, Zebras stars,  Kabelo Dambe and Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele, former Big Brother Africa Amplified  contestant and rap star, Game 'Zeus' Bantsi as well as the popular DJ Ricky Lamar.

Speaking in an interview at the centre, Sampson said she was invited to join the children to celebrate Valentine's Day by some University of Botswana (UB) students who are working on a project that entails observing team work at play. Sampson decided to invite other celebrities to join her. 

She noted that although Valentine's Day is a moment for romantically involved partners to express their love, they wanted to share their love with the disadvantaged children at the foundation.   'There is no greater love like the one you give to a child especially those with disabilities. This is why we decided to be here,' she said.   Sampson said she invited her counterparts to the event because she wanted their influence. 'I want to help the foundation. We can help after finding out about their needs and activities,' she said.

To Miss Botswana, this is just the beginning of a great working relationship with the Cheshire Foundation.  'I am sure we will be available to help with anything they need like fund raising,' she added. The celebrities took part in giving the children physiotherapy. They also did face painting and fed the children. 

'It really opened my eyes. I would bring my successor here. It was an amazing experience. These children do not know who we are. But celebrating with them makes a difference. It is much more valuable than donating something then leave,' she said.

A UB final year Business Administration student, Tshepho Tshemedi said the initiative formed part of their course work. He explained that they were assigned to identify an organisation where they could observe team work.   He said the celebrities who turned up for the event showed a lot of interest and enthusiasm.   'They also wanted to know more about the organisation and how they could help,' he said.  Tshemedi said they observed that the centre is in need of financial assistance.  Tshemedi's colleague, Ofentse Nkitseng observed that the centre does not only need money.   'They also need assistance in terms of manpower. People could come here to volunteer their services,' he said. Third year UB student, Ruth Masilo said companies could contribute by paying for the salaries of the employees who could be placed at the centre.  'For example an organisation could sponsor a mother,' she said, referring to the employees who look after the children. Nkitseng added that they were motivated by the Vision 2016 pillar of a compassionate and caring nation. 'We also wanted to show that we care,' he said. The executive director of Cheshire Foundation, Billy Masebola said they were grateful for the courtesy call, adding that the visit added value to the organisation.  'The fact that we had high profile guests added value in terms of sensitising the public about the centre. I feel it really enhanced our image,' he said.

He said Zeus assured them that he will be a regular visitor to the centre.     

Masebola said the Valentine's Day event came a day after 13 Rotarians donated 40 wheelchairs to the centre worth more than P100,000.