Lilongwe gig raises K1million
K1 million (US$2 123) has been raised from a charity concert different artists held in Lilongwe last weekend in aid of flood victims.
The money will be used to buy relief items plus different items such as soap, food and clothes that people donated on the day of the show which will be donated to victims either in Machinga or Zomba.
“After the show, we raised about K2.1 million (US$4 459). However, since almost all the sponsors we had on board literally pulled out at the last minute, we had to settle all the logistical issues right from the gate collections. The figure went down to K600 000 (US$1 274) and the donations, both monetary and material, are in excess of K400 000 (US$849).
“We have agreed to use the money to purchase maize which will be donated to either Zomba or Machinga depending on the outcome of the assessment which is going on to ascertain the extent of the damage in the districts. The idea is to donate to an area where there is less focus,” said one of the event’s organisers Lucius Banda.
The artists had no kind words for the sponsors that pulled out at the last minute, saying: “This is so unfair. Had it been they honoured their pledges, we could have had a substantial amount of money to support the flood victims with. But only CountryWide and Garani MW1 honoured their promise. We are very thankful for this, the artists and the fans who came out in large numbers to support us. Half a loaf of bread is better than none, therefore, we are sure the little we have will change lives of some.”
As soon as the assessment is done, the musicians will make the donation on a date to be communicated.
