Pears Baby fund gives hope to mothers and babies

The 'Pears Safe Hands Project' which was launched on October 1, 2002 to coincide with World Children's Day aims at meeting the medical needs of babies and mothers. Funds for the project come from the 25 cent contribution made by Unilever Sri Lanka from the purchase of each Pears product.

Since its inception, the Pears Safe Hands Project has contributed in many ways, from developing existing health care services to providing new and improved facilities to many of the hospitals. An ETU and Nebulisation Unit for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, a Children's Ward for the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Neo Natal Unit of the Puttalam Base Hospital, Premature Birth Care Unit of the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital, Diarrhoea Ward and Isolation Unit of the Kahawatte Base Hospital, Children's Ward and the Play area of Balapitiya Base Hospital, Ahangama Government Hospital, Hambantota Base Hospital and Habaraduwa Govt. Hospital, Children's Ward, Premature Birth Care Unit, Maternity Ward and Children's play area of the Diyatalawa Base Hospital have all been funded through this programme.

The Horana Base hospital was the 10th hospital to be helped, with a Premature Baby Unit and Mother and Baby Unit recently. Addressing a gathering at the handing over ceremony Consultant Paediatrician, Horana Base Hospital Dr. G.P.P. Kandegoda said the Rs. 3.4 million received was the biggest donation that the hospital has received in recent years.

"We are thankful to Pears for giving us this much needed unit which is going to make a significant impact in the lives of people in the area.

“About 80- 90 babies are admitted every month to this hospital, including the ones that we get from nearby hospitals which do not have adequate facilities to cater to the needs of the patients.

“We are happy that, with this newest addition, we can now provide them a better service," he said adding that the donation of the industrial-size washing machine to the hospital too would enhance the facilities provided to the patients.

Chairman of Unilever Sri Lanka Amal Cabraal said the project mission was to add vitality to life. "For Unilever, the commitment to community is an integral part in the way we do business.

“However, today marks a significant step on our journey to add vitality to life as it is with great pleasure that we hand over this donation to the Horana Base Hospital- which caters to about 1 million people in Kalutara District which ," he said.

Mr. Cabraal also thanked consumers for making the project a success as it is their contribution which plays a vital role.