What is the Sri Lanka Orphanages Project?The Sri Lanka Orphanages Project was initially about sending Christmas gifts to children in Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim orphanages in the north, south, east and west of Sri Lanka irrespective of race or religion. The focus of the gift project has been to share the joy of Christmas with children who have little or nothing, and to make a difference in their lives by making them feel special with an individually packed and named gift at Christmas. See photos from past Christmas gift distributions. See transcripts of the ABC’s 7.30 Reports telecast on Thursday 23 December 2004 and Monday 10 January 2005. More recently, the Project has diversified further into providing financial support for educational and infra-structural needs such as toilets, water pumps, bedding etc in addition to providing gifts at Christmas. No administrative costs are incurred in Australia and the money sent to Sri Lanka is monitored closely in an environment of transparency by volunteers based in Australia and Sri Lanka. How did the Sri Lanka Orphanages Project begin?It began in 1994 when a small group of volunteers led by Sydney lawyer Sharminie Niles sent gifts to 20 children in one orphanage. How has the Project grown?Over the years, the network of donors has grown exponentially with the number of children receiving gifts. Currently more than 3500 children in over 50 orphanages receive gifts each year. Who is involved?The increase in the number of gifts sent has been facilitated by the active involvement of the Christian City Church Carlingford and the ever widening network of donors which now includes: |
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How does it happen?Gifts for many orphanages are co-ordinated by individuals or groups using their various networks. Gifts for those orphanages not co-ordinated by an individual or group, are co-ordinated by the Christian City Church Carlingford. What does a gift consist of? Each gift consists of: |
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How are the gifts sourced?All contents of gifts are new and are either donated by individuals or retailers, including BigW, Best and Less, or purchased at discounted prices with donated funds. Wooden toys, dolls and skirts are hand made by donors. How are the gifts sent to Sri Lanka?The gifts are shipped to Sri Lanka. The cost of shipping is underwritten by Christian City Church Carlingford (CCC). CCC also provides administrative and accounting support and provides acknowledgements for all donations received. How are the gifts delivered to the orphanages in Sri Lanka?The National YMCA of Sri Lanka clears the shipment of gifts and distributes the gifts to the various orphanages through its branches around the country. Each orphanage provides written acknowledgement of the gifts and sends back photographs of the distribution. Many volunteer Sri Lankan/Australians holidaying in Sri Lanka also visit the orphanages, participate in the gift distribution and bring back firsthand information on the impact of the gifts on the children. Please contact us with questions or comments about this web site standards compliant browsers. |