In the aftermath of the tsunami, travelling back to Colombo from Galle, one family took the initiative to make their dream of starting a family charity, a reality. The outcome was the inception of the Sunshine Charity in February 2005.
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| Mandhira |
Radhika |
Eshantha |
A year later, a permanent day care centre was established in Sambalthivu, for children aged 2-6 years.
“It was a very small dream that we began with,” recalled Sharadha de Saram, one of the trustees of the charity. “At that time, there were numerous other big plans made by many, given the devastation the country had gone through. All we wanted to do was to start by making at least a small difference.”
They have done just that. Twenty-five children have found a home away from home, with plenty of activities and a safe and fun environment to spend their days in.
“One of the most touching things to see is the bunch of children sitting down to a meal,” says Sharadha.
“They don’t talk or look around; they just sit down and eat because it is far more substantial than a meal their parents could afford. It really makes you put things in perspective when you realize just how much we take for granted.”
Colombo concert postponed
The latest in the series of Sunshine charity fundraisers, The Sunshine Recital, featuring violinists Mandhira and Radhika de Saram and pianist Eshantha Peiris, will be held on August 11 and 14 at the British Council Auditorium.
The concert at the Lighthouse Hotel, Galle will be held as originally scheduled on August 3.
The Colombo recitals were originally scheduled for August 1 and 2 and tickets already bought for August 1 will be valid for the August 11th concert and those bought for the 2nd will be valid for August 14. Those wishing to exchange their tickets could do so at the place they purchased them from. | 
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