Hi All,
It has been six months since my trip to Sri Lanka after the tsunami to do volunteer work, and I wanted to let you know that LIGHT OF LANKA FOUNDATION is now up and running. As a result of my life changing trip, a group of us are devoted to raising funds to help orphaned and disadvantaged children in Sri Lanka in the most direct way we can. We have established our foundation to build an orphanage in the Galle region, which will provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment for the children, and will be managed and operated by our local partner, Sarvodaya (a well respected non government organisation).

We have the block of land. We have design plans for the orphanage.

We are just missing the FUNDS!!!!

As the devastation of the tsunami is no longer at the forefront of media coverage, the general assumption is that things are being fixed and positive progress is moving along. This is happening to a degree but there are still many families and children living in shelters and tents, and many who still have no livelihood or income due to their businesses or boats being destroyed.

Our biggest concern is the children who have lost their world – their parents and families. It is frightening to think that so many of these children are at risk of, and sadly many are being sexually abused, exploited as servants in rich homes, trafficked overseas and are being used as leverage to sustain the livelihood of foster parents. There is a huge sense of urgency to help the children and get them within a home environment that will have the very best interests of them at heart.

To build the orphanage we need to raise $250,000 as quickly as possible as the children cannot be kept waiting. We would like to raise the full amount by December this year. If you or your company can help us in any way – by making a donation, with fundraising ideas or just spreading the word we would really appreciate it.

We held our first Light of Lanka ‘Family Day’ event in Melbourne in April which was a huge success in terms of exposure and fundraising. We had approximately 2000 people attend the day, received great media coverage and support and raised over $20,000.

We really hope you can all help in some big or small way - it does not matter as every little bit counts. To make a donation you can phone our donation hotline number 1300 653 567 during business hours. Alternatively, a donor form is attached which you can fill out and send back to us. Light of Lanka Foundation is operating as a tax deductible foundation. For more information about Light of Lanka Foundation please go to our website at www.lightoflanka.org.

For all of you that know me you would realise this has been a life changing journey that has deeply affected my life and the direction I want it to go in, not only for me but my family. It has been overwhelming and inspiring to see how friends have been moved by my experience and have come together to help the children . It makes me very proud that these are the friends I have developed over the years.

Thanks for taking the time to read this - please pass this on to anyone and everyone you think would be interested.

Cheers

Needra Doyle