By Mohalenyane Phakela
MASERU — Businessman and socialite Eddy Poone celebrated his 40th birthday with destitute children, the disabled, family and friends at Durham Link on Saturday.
Famous for lavish spending and partying, the owner of Poone Diamonds was born and bred in Lithabaneng, Maseru.
This time he decided to do things differently by giving to the poor.
“I would like to thank everybody who helped me make today special. I pulled all this together through contributions from my associates and my father Michael Molefe (MP for Maliepetsane).
“I could have celebrated today by throwing a massive party with friends like we normally do but, having realised that there are many people suffering out there, I thought I should at least give them something to put smiles on their faces,” Poone told the Weekender at the party.
“I have been trying to help needy people before although the projects were not this successful. But now there are more people on board who will help make the initiative grow.
“We started by cleaning the Lithabaneng cemetery a couple of weeks back but this is just the beginning of great things to come,” he said.
One of his friends Hubbard Monaheng said: “Eddy is an amazing friend; we have done so much together.
“This is a fine project he has started and may he see many more years to continue the good work.”
Also present was the Minister of Social Welfare Honourable ’Matebatso Doti.
“I have known Eddy as a child as we are from the same village. When I heard that they were cleaning the cemetery, I begged him to remember those with empty stomachs.
“Disability is next to my heart so whenever something is done to help my children (the disabled and orphaned) I get excited. Blessed is the hand that gives. May the Lord continue to sanctify you,” Doti said.
The beneficiaries were St Bernadette Resource Centre, St Angelo and Keiso Kids.
