Thank you for all the donations received towards the Zambia COVID-19 Fund! Zambians in Australia, led by Ms. Cecilia Mutokwa Masumba-Hamukale and working with OZALIWA (the Organisation of Zambians Living in Western Australia), held a remarkable series of fundraising events aimed at sending medical equipment to Zambia.
By September 2021, the team had received — through donations — 10 oxygen cylinders, 22 mechanical ventilators with consumables, and US$2,000 in cash. Their goal was to complete the first phase of fundraising by early November 2021 and to ship the equipment to Zambia by the third week of that month.
A US$50,000 boost from First Quantum Minerals
Following the fundraising dinner-dance in Perth, Cecilia approached First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FQML) for sponsorship. FQML kindly stepped in with a pledge of US$50,000 to cover shipping, the container, and securing the equipment. Having personally paid for months of storage while funds were raised, Cecilia welcomed FQML's offer to transfer the equipment to their own secure storage facilities.
Fundraising dinner-dance gala
On 8 October 2021, Ms. Cecilia Mutokwa Masumba-Hamukale and OZALIWA hosted a successful black-tie gala dinner-dance at the Pagoda Resort & Spa in Perth. The guest of honour was Member of Parliament Mr. Healy, who donated a raffle prize worth $700 and a lunch for four at Parliament House. A second prize on offer was a free night donated by the Pagoda Resort & Spa.
BBQ breakfast 'Sausage Sizzle'
On 9 October 2021, OZALIWA organised a 'Sausage Sizzle' BBQ breakfast in Perth to raise further funds for the Zambia COVID-19 Fund.
Matebeto fundraising event
In August 2021, the community held a Matebeto fundraising event, complete with a raffle for the Zambia COVID Fund. It was a successful and joyful occasion that resulted in a donation of 10 oxygen cylinders and raised $450.