Media Release - Aussie Mums on Track for Building of Orphanage in Sri Lanka

Wednesday 21 December 2005

AUSSIE MUMS ON TRACK FOR

BUILDING OF ORPHANGE IN SRI LANKA

In the lead up to the first anniversary of the tsunami, five Australian mums, who established Light of Lanka Foundation, are on track for the construction of an orphanage in Sri Lanka to begin in January 2006 after a successful year of fundraising.

The money raised by the women will be used to rebuild The Balapitiya Boys Home in the Galle region. The orphanage is in desperate need of an overhaul to cater for the overwhelming number of orphaned children as a result of the tsunami. In conjunction with renovating the existing building, a new wing will be built to provide a safe and caring home for 35 children aged between five and 15 years.

Light of Lanka Foundation has received staggering support from the community and the corporate sector including a very generous donation from leading property developer The Sunland Group, Lonely Planet organisation and St Catherine’s School, Toorak, Victoria.

The Managing Director of The Sunland Group, Mr Sahba Abedian, said of the company’s support: “We have humbly donated the sum of $50,000.00 to Light of Lanka Foundation, to ensure that the housing and educational needs of the next generation of Sri Lankan’s are continued and not forgotten as time passes since the tsunami devastation.”

The Lonely Planet organisation donated $10,000.00 and students of St Catherine’s Toorak, Victoria raised nearly $11,000.00 through a series of concerts, art shows and coin collections throughout the year with more fundraising planned for 2006.

Needra Doyle, Chairman of Light of Lanka Foundation, is overwhelmed by the generosity and said: “It creates such a huge sense of relief and joy to know that these children will be given a chance to live in a safe, nurturing and loving environment. We are extremely grateful to our donors - who have helped to give these kids a much brighter future, for not only this generation but the future generations as well.”

The community has also got behind the foundation with over 2000 people attending The Light of Lanka Family Day in April 2005 in Melbourne, raising just over $20,000.00. Other money raised has come from individuals, schools and community groups.

Light of Lanka Foundation was established in January 2005 as a result of mother of three, Needra Doyle’s inspiring trip to Sri Lanka just three days after the tsunami to work as a volunteer. After sharing her experiences via emails to friends at home, a group was motivated to form a committee to assist some of the hundreds of orphaned children.

Light of Lanka is working in partnership with a reputable non government organisation named Sarvodaya. Sarvodaya owns and operates over 20 orphanages in Sri Lanka and are the leading charity in the country in providing humanitarian assistance. Light of Lanka will draw upon their local knowledge and expertise to administer the construction, operation and maintenance of the orphanage and care of the children.

To make a donation go to: www.lightoflanka.org or call the donation hotline: 1300 653 567

For further information contact:

Emma Slade

Tel: 0412 312 888 / 02 94407731

emma@lightoflanka.org

For interviews with Needra Doyle:

Tel: 0412 179313

Needra and her family will be going to Sri Lanka on the 28th December 2005 until the 17th January 2006 and will be meeting with representatives of Sarvodaya and visiting the kids in the orphanage.