Mutharika gives retired soldiers an early Christmas

President Peter Mutharika today donated assorted items worth over K5.5 million to retired soldiers at Cobbe Barracks Memorial Home in Zomba as a way of fostering a spirit of sharing during this festive
season.
Besides the items which include maize seeds, bags of fertilizer, soap, bags of maize, orange squash, salt, rice, sugar and cooking oil, the president also donated K1 million cash. Speaking when he handed over the items on behalf of the president,

State house director of security services Paulos Norman Chisale said the presents serve as a reminder to the retired soldiers that the president has their welfare at heart. “Each and every year the president makes these donations to make sure that these great men are not left out as people celebrate Christmas
and New Year. The president wants these great men to know that they are valued and loved and it is his wish that they live a good life just like anybody else,” he said.
When he inaugurated the 2016 Poppy week on November 1, Mutharika bought the first ticket at K1 million in support of the veteran soldiers. Receiving the items on behalf of the retired soldiers, Brigade Commander Colonel John Chaika thanked the president for the kind gesture saying it will go a long way in easing some of the challenges faced at the memorial home.
Chaika called for more support to the retired soldiers.  “These retired soldiers are ageing; they need our material and psycho-social support. Let us spare time and pay them a visit just to make them feel loved and appreciated,” he said. Leader of the 19 retired soldiers being accommodated at the Zomba memorial home,
Graciano Mpinda highlighted a number of challenges including the need to have their houses renovated.
Opened in 1942, Cobbe Barracks Memorial Home accommodates those who fought in the two world wars and cannot fend for themselves.

The home is largely supported by the Commonwealth Ex-Services League of Malawi (Celom).