Stanbic gives ALCOZ sun protection products boost

Stanbic Bank Acting Head Brand and Marketing, Tariro Memo, (second from left) and Stanbic Bank Manager Events and Sponsorship, Lucy Dlodlo (far right) flank ALCOZ executives and some of the recipients of the sun protection products in Chitungwiza

Patricia Mashiri

Stanbic Bank has donated sun protection products worth ZWL$38.5 million to the Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe.

The products include 1 000 units each of sunscreen lotion, anti-bacterial soap, antiseptic liquid, lip balm and sunhats.

Stanbic Bank Manager Events and Sponsorship, Lucy Dlodlo said the predicament of people living with albinism is often taken for granted yet they have serious needs given the nature of their skin condition.

“Stanbic Bank has taken it upon itself to meet the needs of people living with albinism. It is not a coincidence that our partnership is now in its 8th year, we are very intentional about putting smiles on the faces of these young girls and boys whose skin is sensitive to the weather elements, particularly the sun.

“The partnership with ALCOZ is even more critical now given the prevailing changing climate conditions,” Dlodlo said.

She added that the cost of purchasing the skin protection products was prohibitive hence the institution’s helping hand.

ALCOZ Projects Manager, George Mafararikwa said the gesture by Stanbic Bank leaves an indelible mark in the lives of the Albino Society.

“Stanbic Bank has set a pace which we as ALCOZ wish the other corporate partners could imitate. The albinism population is above 40 000 hence the need for more partners coming on board to support this worthy cause. Stanbic Bank is doing their best, more so on a yearly basis. We are grateful for their passion to assist the needy in our society.

“With this gesture, we are going to carry out the IAAD commemorations in jubilation,” he said.

The whole world commemorates International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13.

People with albinism need protection from the harmful effects of the sun, owing to the lack of melanin in their skin which serves as a shield from the sun. They rely on sunscreen lotions, special oils and lip balm for protection.