Zimbabwe launches new CricLove campaign

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has launched the CricLove Campaign as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy.

This new campaign follows a decision made by the cricket governing body to streamline its CSR activities for the purpose of being more effective.

"CricLove is designed to crystallize our CSR activities into three key focus areas; people living with disabilities, cancer, and HIV & AIDS. We have most recently partnered with a local organization here that is battling to promote awareness about cancer in Zimbabwe, " said ZC spokesperson Shingai Rhuhwaya.

Research has shown that breast cancer is becoming more prevalent in Zimbabwean society and one in seven women suffer from this deadly killer. Often, the key to survival is early diagnosis which is why more women need to be encouraged to undergo mammograms and self examinations on a regular basis.

In recognition of the efforts being made by the Cancer Alleviation Centre to encourage women to get tested, ZC has embarked on a month long internal awareness programme which involves information dissemination and free testing for all staff, particularly female cricketers that play for the national women's team.

At a fundraising dinner and auction hosted by Dr Mandere and the Cancer Alleviation Centre in the capital last week, members of the Zimbabwe national female cricket squad donated a signed bat and jersey. The proceeds of the auction will be channeled towards building a free mobile cancer clinic.

ZC officials and female cricketers who attended the event showed their solidarity by wearing the colour pink as a symbol of breast cancer awareness.

On the evening, ZC board member Maureen Kuchocha stressed the importance of ZC's engagement in the fight against cancer. "It's simply the right thing to do and the board did not hesitate in approving our support for this worthy cause. It's people who haven't been affected by cancer starting to step up for people who have been" said Kuchocha.