Gudppl’s ‘Collaboration 2017’ a summit to inspire action celebrating volunteerism
While volunteerism is becoming a trend among the younger generation, it also builds a powerful network between people.
Gudppl (good people) is a new social network platform that connects people of all ages, skill sets and interests who want to volunteer with those who need volunteers. The aim is to become the go-to resource (dynamic one-stop place) for individuals and groups to find volunteering opportunities and for organisations to efficiently and reliably identify suitable volunteers who can enhance their efforts.
Harinda Fonseka
This non-profit social networking platform is organising a summit ‘Collaboration 2017’, to inspire action and celebrate volunteerism at the BMICH in Colombo (Mihilaka Medura) on December 5. Gudppl, winner of the Infotel Startup Awards 2017, while celebrating International Volunteer Day will officially launch the website and mobile app on the day of the summit.
The mission of gudppl is to create a positive impact in Sri Lanka and around the world by mobilizing communities to do good. “We believe a group of socially conscious, responsible citizens, who are committed to building compassionate communities, can change our world,” stressed Harinda Fonseka, Founder and CEO of Gudppl.
For the first time in Sri Lanka the summit brings together volunteers, donors, CSR professionals and beneficiaries to one location. The summit consists of an exhibition with 35 non-profit organisations, charities and NGOs showcasing their current initiatives, sharing how they are serving communities and raising awareness about the needs of people.
There will be international and local speakers, addressing gudppl’s five core areas of focus (animal support, disaster relief, education, environment and people or community) with thought provoking panel discussions and speeches.
The speakers at the summit are Microsoft Asia Pacific Philanthropic lead, Dr. Daiana Beitler, Conspiracy of Love founder and chief purpose officer, Afdhel Aziz, Lentil As Anything founder Shanaka Fernando, Foundation of Goodness founder and chief trustee, Kushil Gunasekera, Information and Communication Technology Agency Program Manager, Sachindra Samararatne, The Sri Lanka Book Project co-author, Hashendra Wijesinha, Kandy Association for Community Protection through Animal Welfare founder, Champa Fernando, Access to Livelihoods for Asia and Africa and Leonard Cheshire Disability for South Asia regional office programme Manager, Ann Sunil, Grassrooted Trust (Bakamoono.lk) Hans Billimoria, Gudppl Founder and CEO, Harinda Fonseka.
There will also be a two panel discussions on ‘Collaborating for Disaster Relief and Response’ and ‘Protecting Rainforests and Reforestation.’