Classical concert to help Sunshine Charity
Earlier this year a survey had been held among mothers of the Sunshine Kids,on the benefits of an ongoing health care programme
Internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan-born musician, Ashan Pillai (viola), Juan Carlos Conelles (piano) and Joana Thome (mezzo soprano) will perform works by Bach, Brahms and Glinka at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on Thursday, August 2. The evening’s proceeds will support the work of The Sunshine Charity which provides for 52 vulnerable children in Trincomalee.
Fundraisers for The Sunshine Charity are few and far between and are occasions not only to celebrate the cause, but also enjoy a rare musical treat.
“There is a lot more to social philanthropy, than simply generating funds,” explains co-founder Sharadha de Saram, “it’s about human connection. We must go out and build relationships with the people we want to help.” The organization runs on an interactive model of charity inspired by the concept of “shramadana” where time, skills, labour, thoughts and energy are shared “for the awakening of all”.
“When human contact is made between the donor and the recipient, further giving is possible,” De Saram explained. “We see so many wanting to participate in the process, volunteer their time, share their resources and talent.”
The Sunshine Charity was established post-2004-tsunami, with the objective of caring for vulnerable children in the Eastern Province. Eighteen years hence, the organization has grown not so much in breadth, but in depth.The charity started off simply providing food and clothing, through The Sunshine Day Care Centre, to children affected by the tsunami. Later they also developed creative opportunities, educational tools and healthcare support for their charges.
In June this year, The Sunshine Charity partnered with the Church of the American Ceylon Mission (CACM) to take their next step forward.
“The Sunshine Charity has just been given approval to be upgraded to a pre-school,” de Saram said.
The Sunshine Day Care Centre will now follow a pre-school programme as all approved pre-schools. The upgrade also allows the centre to connect to the local education department, and issue a certificate to its students, providing a stepping stone into primary education within the local system.
Ashan Pillai (viola) will perform in aid of The Sunshine Charity, with Juan Carlos (piano) and Joana Thome (mezzo soprano) at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on August 2 at 7.30p.m. Tickets are now available at the Lionel Wendt box office.
For more information on The Sunshine Charity, please visit www.sunshinecharity.org