By 
By Ross Moyo
KidzCan Executive Director Daniel McKenzie says the NetOne KidzCan Charity Golf Tournament set for 26 June in Bulawayo is about scaling care, not just raising funds.
McKenzie revealed this at a handover ceremony of winter essentials by NetOne to KidzCan at their Belgravia residence in Harare.
“Every dollar raised helps us support more children through diagnostics, medications and housing at Rainbow Village,” he said.
The foundation’s work spans clinics to referral hospitals. Through the Ministry of Health MOU, KidzCan trains nurses in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Sadza, Chivhu, Nyanga and now Makonde on early detection of leukemia, retinoblastoma and Wilms tumour.
“Communities don’t know children get cancer. They associate it with adults. Our job is to bridge that knowledge gap and ensure children reach Parirenyatwa’s A4 Special Awards early,” McKenzie said.
He credited NetOne’s Winter Drive for demonstrating immediate action. “They donated blankets, BP machines, glucometers and test kits before the tournament. That is how partnerships should work – respond to need now, build capacity next,” he said.
Rainbow Children’s Village remains central to KidzCan’s support model. Built with Round Table Zimbabwe and Meikles Foundation, it gives each child and caregiver their own room. “It’s colourful, it’s safe, and it lets mothers focus on healing while children still get to be children,” McKenzie said.
The golf tournament will bring together corporate partners, community leaders and golf enthusiasts. “When business leaders tee off for a child in Binga or Mutare, that child gets a better chance to complete treatment and return to school,” he said.
McKenzie linked KidzCan’s work to WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, where Zimbabwe is a focus country. “The target is higher survival rates. That needs awareness, treatment support and accommodation. NetOne is helping us deliver all three,” he said.
He closed with a call to action. “No child should fight cancer alone. Join us on 26 June in Bulawayo, or support Rainbow Village today. Early detection and strong partnerships save lives,” McKenzie said.
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