Y Care donates P365K to community organisations

The donations, announced during a ceremony held in Gaborone on Tuesday, will support initiatives in education, mental health, healthcare, youth development, gender-based violence prevention, and community development. Addressing stakeholders, beneficiaries, and partners, Y Care said the latest donations reaffirm the trust's long-standing commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities whilst promoting healthy lifestyles through fundraising walks.Founded on the vision of Dr Nomsa Mbere, Y Care has spent the past 23 years organising fundraising events that have become fixtures on Botswana's charity calendar. These include the Makgadikgadi Walks, Tsodilo Hills Walk, Tswapong Hills Walk, and Tuli Block Walk, attracting thousands of participants from across the country. Over the years, proceeds from these events have funded projects supporting education, healthcare, mental health services, environmental conservation, and community development.This year's beneficiaries include Khwee Primary School, Gain'O Community Trust, Botswana Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre, BOSASNet, Botswana Network for Mental Health, Nxakato Community Junior Secondary School, Botswana Diabetes Association, Ark and Mark Trust, Botho Corps, and the 31 on 31 Run initiatives.According to the trust, the funding will contribute towards projects ranging from improving educational opportunities for disadvantaged learners and strengthening mental health services to supporting organisations tackling substance abuse, gender-based violence and chronic illnesses. Y Care acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the biggest challenges in its history. With fundraising walks suspended during 2020 and 2021, the organisation was unable to raise funds or make donations during that period. Although fundraising activities have since resumed, participation has declined while operational costs continue to rise.Despite these challenges, the trust says it remains committed to expanding its impact through partnerships with the corporate sector, volunteers, and the wider community. The organisation also recognised the continued support of the FNBB Foundation, which partnered with Y Care on the Khwee Primary School sponsorship. Appreciation was also extended to corporate sponsors, volunteers, media partners, and thousands of participants whose support has sustained the organisation's work over the years.Speaking during the ceremony, Y Care noted that every pula donated represents the collective generosity of individuals and organisations that have chosen to support communities through participation in its fundraising events. As the trust celebrates another milestone in its history, it has appealed for increased collaboration from businesses, development partners and members of the public to help sustain its programmes.With more than P6 million invested in communities across Botswana since its inception, Y Care says it remains focused on creating opportunities, restoring hope and improving lives through community-driven partnerships. The trust believes that continued public support will enable it to extend its reach and ensure that many more communities benefit from its work in the years ahead.