Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) Sunday donated assorted non and food items to the nine surviving war veterans at Cobbe Barracks Zomba as part of war Remembrance Day.
Among the donated items to each family were; 25 Kilogrammes bag of maize flour, two litres cooking oil, a carton of soap, a bale of soya pieces, dining set and four blankets.
Speaking after making the donation, the MRCS, Communication and Resource Mobilisation Specialist, Felix Washoni said the donation was a response to an appeal by the Ministry of Defence to support war veterans.
Washoni said Red Cross as a humanitarian organisation values the welfare of people and when it heard of a call for support, it felt necessary to give a hand.
“These war veterans played a very crucial role of saving lives and bringing peace that prevails up to today, as such, we need to honor their contribution by supporting them,” he said.
Chairperson of the Veteran and Ex-service Men League of Malawi (VELOM), Retired General Henry Odilo hailed the MRCS for the support which he described as timely.
Odilo said war veterans and more ex-service members face numerous challenges among them include housing, food and clothing.
“Many of the retired soldiers and war veterans are going through difficult times and we would to appeal to Malawians, the cooperate world for support,” said Odilo, adding that the support by Red Cross will improve the welfare of ex-service men.
Malawi soldiers fought in both first and second world wars and none of the soldiers in the first world war is alive while only nine of those that fought in the second world war are alive