News
Giving to those who have not
The first working day of each month is a day the poor and the elderly look forward to. It is the date on which they collect their monthly ‘Charity Allowance’ from post offices in their locality. For the deprived sections of our community who collect their allowance at the Thalawathugoda Post Office, situated on the outskirts of Colombo, the day becomes extra special.
For in addition to the ‘allowance’ they receive from government, they also receive gifts from a voluntary organisation in the area.A group of 30 friends and volunteers have embarked on a scheme to distribute a variety of items to the individuals who arrive to collect their ‘allowance’.
“There is so much suffering everywhere. I want others to take an example from our lead and perform similar acts”, said Mrs. Savithri Panabokke, the founder of the Savisarana Foundation, an organisation involved in distributing relief items to those depending on the ‘Charity Allowance’.
The Savisarana Foundation provides a gift pack comprising 1kg of rice, 01 packet soya meat, 150g milk-powder, 01 card Panadol, 02 packets of biscuits, 01 bottle Siddhalepa, and a sum of Rs. 200/- to each of the 60 individuals who arrive at the Thalawathugoda Post Office to collect their allowance.
Their efforts are being supplemented by another Foundation and a Club which helps by providing rice and a snack.
According to Ms. Panabokke, the aim of her organisation is to provide a service to disadvantaged members of society and to encourage the more well-to-do in society to join in the effort.
The Savisarana Foundation plans to organise a fund-raiser on 6 April to provide recipients of the Charity Allowance with additional help such as payment of medical bills and repairs to their homes.
Volunteers of the NGO hope their example will encourage others to help the more socially disadvantaged sections of society
Elder citizens form a majority of those receiving the charity Allowance
Recipients receive a government allowance known locally as ‘Pin Padiya’ or Charity allowance of around Rs. 450/- monthly
A person with limited eye-sight sips a drink provided by volunteers
An elder citizen is all smiles as she receives a gift pack from volunteer of the Savisarana Foundation
A volunteer provides a recipient of Charity Allowance with a gift