Making these elders feel they are not alone
Savithri Panabokke
On a routine visit to the Thalawathugoda Post Office, Savithri Panabokke noticed a small group lining up inside. Each month, this group of needy elders would come there to obtain the monthly Government allowance of Rs.2,000 which they depended on greatly to meet their living expenses.
Eager to do more for them, Savithri enlisted the help of her friends and in 2008, began distributing three packets of biscuits and a sachet of Highland milk each to 18 elders on the first working day of each month in front of the Post Office. She continued distributing dry food rations and giving them monetary support and this effort blossomed into the establishment of the Savisarana Foundation as a registered Trust in 2019.
The eight trustees function as the key donors with further donations being made by close friends.
The Foundation’s fundraising efforts have now enabled them to distribute a bag of dry rations consisting of milk, Nestomalt, rice, soya meat, biscuits, soap, Siddhalepa and Panadol and monetary assistance to around 60-70 elders.
The Foundation also supports those who require medical attention by allocating extra money to help them cover costs of these visits and transport to the hospital. The Foundation also conducts health camps and eye testing.
The Foundation also organizes a yearly Elders Day Programme. Last year, a programme of song and dance was held at the Ti-Ratana Community Centre in Pannipitiya. However, the Foundation’s functions have been limited this year due to the pandemic.
To celebrate Elders Day, on October 3 the Savisarana Foundation will invite their group to a bana after which they will be provided with refreshments, dry rations and lunch courtesy of the Lions Club. Transport by three-wheeler will also be organised by the Foundation for them to attend.
To donate or help the Foundation, contact Savithri directly on 0715589292 and for more, visit https://smeithelp.wixsite.com/savisarana