29/07/2014
Dear Friends & Colleagues,
In response to a post in the page "Rhodesians Worldwide" which is mainly a site operated by ex-Rhodesians living abroad I felt that I had to set the record straight on an article on the late Jairos Jiri.
The article was written and posted by Brian. Holder questions why we aren't producing someone to emulate Jairos Jiri.
I would like to put on record that I am physically challenged and am the founder and Chairperson of The President's Fund, an apolitical Registered Charity 28/91 which was launched on the 5 March 1990. I saw the need for a broad based charity to help the plight of the underprivileged, the physically challenged, health care, the aged, the orphans, assistance in times of natural disasters, national disasters, sports, arts, Special Olympics, assist in the field of education & culture, wildlife conservation etc.
The Mashonaland Turf Club, Chairman & Stewards agreed that my husband and I host an annual race day the Independence Trophy to celebrate the Zimbabwe Independence Day on 18 April 1990. This is now an annual event in the horse racing calendar. We raised millions of dollars from the auction of a total of 10 donated cars and a truck plus horse breeding services. A large portion of our proceeds went to Jairos Jiri and this has been the case for the last 24 years. Jairos Jiri, has received thanks to the efforts of our industrious Trustee, Ambassador Florence Chideya, medical & rehabilitation equipment from Sweden, England & Canada from the many 40ft containers of hospital equipment we were able to procure. Since 1999 and the launch of the Presidents Fund LOTTO, which is operated by the Mashonaland Turf Club, I as Chairperson can assure you that the Jairos Jiri Association has been a major beneficiary. As the Presidents Fund we can proudly proclaim that our record speaks for itself. We are by far the the largest single Registered Charity who has aimed to help Zimbabweans of all walks of life in their time of need & have achieved our goal. Our charitable contributions continue to sustain and assist in self help programs, training, conservation and a wide ranging field. We receive recognition from the beneficiaries who have used our funds for life saving Brain Tumor Surgery as just one example. We are contributing towards a State Vocational College.
LOTTO continues as the leading brand in the market with customer satisfaction.
All this information can be substantiated by our Auditors Deloitte & Touche, the Mashonaland Turf Club website www.mashturf.co.zw or www.lotto.co.zw
Our offices are at the Borrowdale Race Course, First Floor & our secretary Miss Mandy Nightingale will be only to pleased to show you all the records.
To remind you Brian Holder, I Mariam Meryem Noormahomed Oztanir am a Zimbabwean who became physically challenged in 1973. Life as an amputee is not easy and I found little or no help other than from family and friends. However praise be to the Almighty I started a career in teaching, met my Prince Charming, had two wonderful sons and started a successful career in business. My interest in the.Sport of Kings & the urge to do something for my people came naturally. I approached friends & peers and formed the charity which I now present you.
The Presidents Fund
Meryem Mariam OZTANIR
CHAIRPERSON
Borrowdale Race Course
PO Box 1293
Borrowdale
Harare
Zimbabwe
Email: [email protected]
Latest results from the Zimbabwe lottos including Star Lotto, Africa Lotto and Mash Turf Lotto.
