BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MATSAPHA – For Tokky Hou, Far East Textile’s involvement with Cheshire Home is not beginning with the Matsapha Wellness Day Race. It is a relationship she says stretches back years, including occasions when the company hosted Christmas parties for children at the home and supported them in other ways.
Speaking at the official launch of the Matsapha Wellness Day Race on Tuesday, Hou reflected on the history between Far East Textile and Cheshire Home, placing the upcoming race within a relationship that has developed beyond a once-off contribution.
Hou said Far East had previously engaged with the children at Cheshire Home during Christmas celebrations, among other forms of support, creating a connection between the company and the organisation over the years.
That history now meets a new initiative, with Far East among the businesses being encouraged to rally behind the race as organisers seek to raise funds towards the construction of Cheshire Home.
Cheshire Homes Eswatini, based in Matsapha, has been providing rehabilitation services to people with disabilities since 1986. Its work includes supporting people with disabilities to live more independent lives and participate fully in society.
For Hou, the race therefore represents another opportunity for businesses in Matsapha to build on the support already given to Cheshire Home. She called on businesses and members of the community to participate in the race, saying collective involvement could help make the project greater and increase the support available to Cheshire Home.
The appeal also reflects a broader approach to community involvement that has featured in Hou’s work through Far East Textile. The company has previously been involved in initiatives supporting communities through skills development, manufacturing and social programmes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Far East Textile worked with the United Nations and other stakeholders to produce protective equipment while also supporting women in rural communities with sewing equipment and skills.
Rather than presenting the race as an isolated event, Hou’s remarks placed it within a longer story of corporate involvement with Cheshire Home from spending time with its children during Christmas to now encouraging a wider business community to run for its future.
As preparations continue, the challenge is to turn that history of support into broader participation, with the race providing an opportunity for Matsapha businesses and residents to contribute towards a cause that has been part of the community for decades.
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