By Nangamso Mabindla
27 July 2004

THE Eastern Cape Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce brought smiles to the faces of 153 orphans in Buffalo City when it donated food and clothing to two orphanages on Saturday.

The chamber - helped by Kentucky Fried Chicken, Coca-Cola and the municipality - hosted a fun day at East London's Queens Park Zoo.

Charlene Keir said the chamber of commerce always took pleasure in helping the less fortunate.

"Our main aim is to lend a hand and alleviate the scourge of poverty from the Eastern Cape and the world if possible. We also want to set an example for other businesses and people with means to follow," she said.

"We'd also like to thank the municipality for its assistance."

KFC's regional training manager, Bev Koster-Gotze, thanked the chamber for involving it in the outreach programme.

"We love assisting in community events; we want to give back to the communities," she said.

Koster-Gotze also challenged other businesses to help in such projects - especially those involving orphans.

"Children are our future; we need to invest in them. That is why KFC decided to join with the chamber on this initiative."

Buffalo City's executive mayor, Sindisile Maclean, was delighted and said he applauded the chamber of commerce for the initiative. He said it vindicated his call for the municipality and businesses to work together.

"I've always stressed the importance of working together with our businesses. Our partnership has now borne fruits and I am still calling for more of these initiatives," he said.

"We also intend making this fun day an annual event."

Madoda Mayipase from the King William's Town Youth Care Centre thanked the municipality and its partners for lending a hand to the centre.

"I'm at a loss for words right now. I hope that other businesses try and emulate what the chamber and KFC have done and continue these kinds of initiatives," he said.

"It is good to know that people out there see the plight of these orphans and are moved to help them."