Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has distributed 670 blankets to vulnerable people in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mazengera in Lilongwe.
The distribution took place on Wednesday during the launch of the 2019 blanket distribution.
This means that the beneficiaries, who are mostly the elderly, orphans and people with disabilities, have dodged this year’s cold season
MRCS president Levison Changole said beneficiaries of the programme are selected through community structures and are guided by set conditions.
“Our target is the elderly, orphans and people with disabilities who are identified by the communities themselves,” he said.
Changole said 24 000 blankets will be distributed in all the country’s 28 districts this year.
One of the beneficiaries, Manoa Mandala, said she has been using a sack as a sleeping mat and a mosquito net as a blanket.
“It is like a dream for me. I was worried about the cold season around the corner, but now I am safe,” said Mandala.
T/A Mazengera said there are many needy people in the area and she appealed for more support from well-wishers.
During the launch, MRCS also presented certificates to life associate members who are community-based volunteers that have committed to serve for life.
This is the 24th year since MRCS started distributing blankets donated by the Japanese Blankets for Africa Campaign to Vulnerable People.
