Project C.U.R.E hosts First Lady to support delivery of medical relief

Project C.U.R.E., the largest provider of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing nations around the world, hosted a fundraising luncheon for First Lady Esther Lungu to increase awareness of healthcare needs and to support the delivery of life-saving medical supplies and equipment to medical professionals, and patients under their care, in Zambia.

The Coca-Cola-sponsored lunch was held in Denver, Colorado, USA, recently where Mrs Lungu was joined by several dignitaries in raising awareness, including the former First Lady of Colorado, Frances Owens, First Lady of the City and County of Denver, Mary Louise Lee, and Project C.U.R.E. co-founder, Dr AnnaMarie Jackson.

“We are thrilled to join Coca-Cola and local sponsors in hosting the First Lady of Zambia for this historic event. I am grateful to those in the community who have agreed to participate in the Luncheon,” said Dr Douglas Jackson, president and CEO of Project C.U.R.E.

“The funds raised through the luncheon will improve health and save lives in Zambia through the delivery of medical supplies and equipment. Together, we are changing the world,” he added.

More than 1,000 of Denver’s and Colorado’s business and community leaders attended the event.

The goal for the First Ladies Luncheon, honouring Mrs Lungu, was to raise enough funding to deliver in the region of US $3 million in medical supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics in Zambia.

Jennifer Jessep, Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs of Swire Coca-Cola, USA, representing The Coca-Cola System sponsor, told the gathering: “Coca-Cola is proud to support the work of Project C.U.R.E. in Zambia.”

“As one of the largest private sector employers on the continent with over 75,000 associates – including more than 1,000 bottling partner associates in Zambia – improving the quality of life in communities that we serve is a core component and responsibility of our business.

“From empowering women and youth economically through our supply chain to providing sustainable access to safe drinking water, education and many other efforts, our sustainability efforts in support of the people of Zambia stretch across three decades.

“These efforts certainly would not be possible without the expertise of NGO partners like Project C.U.R.E., USAID and committed government leaders like Her Excellency, First Lady Lungu.”

Launched in 2006, Project C.U.R.E.’s First Ladies Luncheon is a fundraising event that brings awareness to the humanitarian efforts of First Ladies from around the world.

At each event, thousands of distinguished guests join together to learn about the First Lady’s key healthcare issues and raise funding to deliver critical support to her country.

Combined, Project C.U.R.E.’s First Ladies Luncheons have raised funding to deliver a total of $19 million worth of medical relief to hospitals and clinics around the developing world.

Former First Ladies Luncheons have welcomed Ana Ligia de Saca of El Salvador; Margarita Zavala of Mexico; Kim Simplis of Belize; Ernestina Naadu Mills of Ghana; the First Lady of Panama, Marta Martinelli; Mama Salma Kikwete, First Lady of Tanzania; Bolormaa Khajidsuren, First Lady of Mongolia; Dr Maria da Luz Dai Guebuza, the First Lady of Mozambique; the First Lady of Papua New Guinea Lady Lynda Babao O’Neill, and most recently the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta.