Operators donate 100m/- to support heart surgeries at JKCI

ARUSHA: TOUR operators have contributed more than 100m/- to support heart surgeries to desperate children at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).

The funds mobilised through the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), as part of its member’s corporate social responsibility, would bankroll the heart surgeries to nearly 20 minors with congenital heart defects.

It is understood; TATO’s philosophy is embedded in touching lives, conservation drive and meaningful contribution to the economic growth and compliance.

“As part of their responsibility to give back to the community, our members mostly travel companies have contributed 101.9m/- to save 20 children’s lives by financing their heart surgeries at JKCI,” said TATO Chairman, Mr Wilbard Chambulo.

Mr Chambulo was handing over the dummy cheque to the JKCI’s Director of Cardiology Services, Dr Tatizo Waane before the TATO members gathered in Arusha, to commemorate the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere day.

“We are travel companies, we believe that we have a responsibility and the honour to touch lives of our communities” TATO Chief noted, adding.

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He commended TATO’s Public Relations Sub-Committee Chairlady, Ms Fransisca Masika for spearheading this year’s funds mobilisation for the critical heart surgeries for the poor children.

“We are grateful to each TATO member who offered their resources, time and services to this noble mission. As your Chairman, I’m so proud of you for saving twenty lives, God bless you” Mr Chambulo concluded.

TATO Executive Director Elirehema Maturo said the flamboyant association was established in 1983 with merely 35 members, thanks to the efficiency of the association in representing private tour operators to the government, the membership base has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, reaching 300 plus members to-date.

This is equivalent to 78.48 per cent of the total licenced tour operators in Tanzania, the home of the number one safari destination in the world.

The Association is the Government recognised tour operator’s representative.

Moving a vote of thanks to TATO on behalf of JKCI, Dr Waane expressed his gratitude to the considerate association for their treasured support to the costly heart surgery for poor children.

“A single heart surgery depending on its complication, costs between 8m/- and 15m/-. And as we are talking, there are 1,500 poor children waiting for the heart surgery at JKCI,” Dr Waane said.