13 July 2024
Donation for the hospice kitchen of Hanvella Hospice, Colombo
Timely monetary assistance to the Hospice Kitchen in the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka 10th – 13th July 2024 by IWC Subang Selangor
PDC Viji Keethisweran, a member of IWC Colombo Mid Town had been a guest at IWC Subang Selangor’s General Meeting in October 2023 and during her presentation she talked about the Hanvella Hospice that was run by an NGO SSIO (Sathya Sai International Organisation) in the outskirts of Colombo. She mentioned that a donation drive to rebuild the hospice kitchen had been initiated and her Club was helping in raising funds. However, they were short of funds to complete the project. IWCSS members unanimously agreed and pledged a sum of RM 10,000 towards this noble cause without too much of a debate or discussion. The process of transferring the funds was tedious and it took a while. Finally, IWCSS managed to transfer the pledged amount of RM 10,000 to IWC Colombo Midtown.
IPP Tara Menon, Secretary Shoba Aiyar and PVP Malliga Manikam were in Kandy for a fellowship meet and spiritual retreat. It worked out very well and in time for them to visit Hanvella Hospice, witness the completed project and participate in the official ‘opening’ of the kitchen. They were very impressed and satisfied with the renovated kitchen with its brand-new stainless-steel kitchen cabinets and work place. Members from IWC Colombo Mid town, President Faahima Macan Markar, PDC Viji Keethisweran, Secretary Shanzna Thassim, Treasurer Nazly Zhuhyle, VP Jayanthi Hapugoda, ISO Samia Cader accompanied DC Srimathy Sebastian and IWCSS members to the Hospice. They were introduced to the dedicated staff and some of the terminally ill patients. It was a poignant moment for Tara, Malliga and Shoba with end-of-life conversations with some patients who expressed their gratitude for ongoing human contact and emotional support from the Hospice.
IWCSS feels privileged to have been involved in this noble and meaningful international project. Members from both clubs appreciated the thoughtful gifts exchanged. IWCSS showcased scarves in batik reflecting the tradition of Malaysia. Flag exchanges with several clubs in Kandy district during the journey was a bonus addition. Club flags were exchanged by IPP Tara with DC Lalanka from IWC Kandy Metropolitan, ISO Sherpa IWC of Katugastota and ISO Shanta of IWC of Kandy. IWC Midtown has expressed its wish to be a sister club of Subang and to be involved in projects in the future. Best wishes and success to all the clubs in Sri Lanka who are doing fabulous community service and fulfilling the mission of IIW. It is with great humility that IWCSS acknowledges its small contribution that made a difference to Hanvella Hospice.
Flag Exchange with IWC Colombo Mid Town ISO Somia Cader and IWCSS IPP Tara Menon
IWCSS IPP Tara, Shoba and Malliga after a meet up with DC Srimathy Sebastian of Kandy Metropolitan Club and members of Colombo Uptown Club and
IPP Tara gifting our Batik scarf to DC Srimathy Sebastion of Kandy Metropolitan Club
IPP Tara’s flag exchange with 3 clubs from left ISO Sherpa of Katugastota Club, ISO Shanta of Kandy Club, and DC Lalanka of Kandy Metropolitan Club
The newly renovated Kitchen with shiny kitchen tops and wash area
Friendly and smiling nurses at Hanvella Hospice
Symbolic consecration ceremony of boiling milk in the newly renovated kitchen as an opening gesture. IPP Tara, PDC Keethisweran and Pres Faahima Makan Markar of Colombo Mid Town
IWCSS IPP Tara and Secretary Shoba with a patient at the Hospice