Lafarge Zambia has donated over K190,000 to four charities from the proceeds of the Lafarge Lusaka Marathon as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Speaking at the Media breakfast held in Lusaka on November 15, 2019, attended by Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Lafarge Zambia Board Chairman, Muna Huntuba presented the donation to the charities who received K48, 000 each.
The recipients of the donation were Chilanga Mother of Mercy Hospice, Livingstone Central Hospital, Copperbelt’s Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital and UTH Cancer Disease in Lusaka.
‘‘I am pleased to see the positive benefits that the event yields, such as the donations we are handing over today, as well as the growing number of runners and participating countries. It shows that we are truly on course with our objectives,’’ said Hantuba.
He also thanked all the sponsors of the Lafarge Lusaka Marathon 2019, and urged them to continue partnering with Lafarge Zambia for a safer and bigger Marathon in 2020. The Chairman further assured the country that as the market leader in the construction industry, Lafarge will strive to make the Lafarge Lusaka Marathon and Lafarge Corporate Golf Day; become major events not only in Lusaka but across te country and the world.
Hantuba reiterated that Health and Safety is a core value for Lafarge and runners were guaranteed total safety as the company had started engaging Government authorities, to have total road closure; so that the safety of the runners is not compromised. He has since encouraged people to start registering for the 2020 Lafarge Lusaka Marathon.
Meanwhile, Lafarge Zambia Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Khan announced that 7th Edition of the Lafarge Lusaka Marathon will take place on May 9th 2020 at Levy Mall. He also officially opened all registrations both online and walk-in at ZAAA head offices in Rhodes park.
‘‘The registration amount remains the same, K350 for 42 km and 21 km, 10km is K200 and 5km is K100. Khan also said the theme for the 2020 Marathon is ‘‘Build for Life’’, adding that for over 70 years, Lafarge Zambia has built dreams and iconic infrastructure across the country, as well as building lives albeit in another way; fitness and well-being.
And Zambia Amateur Athletic Association president Elias Mpondela thanked Lafarge Zambia for supporting Athletics in Zambia.
‘‘From the time we started the Marathon, we are able to help athletes in Zambia and it is through this partnership that we are able to bring a gold medal through Sydney Siame. We will continue to work hard and grow the Lusaka Marathon just like any other city in the world,’’ he said.
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Sr Jeremia Mrowiec, thanked Lafarge for the continued support to the health institutions in Zambia. She further thanked the Marathon runners who continue to register and support the Marathon because it is through them that these health institutions are supported.
