Sunday Times 2
HelpAge elders celebrate Christmas
View(s):Traditionally various gifts including clothes, garments and sweets are gifted to children by well-wishers and loved ones on the Christmas day; HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) conducted a different kind of ceremony by distributing clothes, gifts and sweets to underprivileged elderly citizens at the H P Gooneratne HelpAge Elders’ Day Care Centre at Borupana, Ratmalana.
The ceremony was held with the participation of HelpAge staff members headed by Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge.
It was a very colourful and unforgettable day for elders as many elders said that it was the very first occasion they received gifts and delicious sweets on a Christmas day.
Elders were engaged in singing and dancing
A 68-year-old elderly female said that the H P Gooneratne HelpAge Elders’ Day Care Centre was her second home. All elders in the home visit the centre every morning with lots of expectation to spend the day actively, and going back to their own homes in the evening to be with their family members.
During the three-hour session, elders were engaged in singing and dancing items to entertain the participants.
The Elders Day Centre provides facilities to nearly 50 elderly citizens who live in and around Ratmalana and Mt Lavinia areas. They are keenly visiting the place to spend the day with fellow friends actively.
Mr Liyanawaduge highlighted the importance of conducting such events and said this kind of events strengthen the minds of elderly citizens.
He said everybody must know that no one should isolate elders, considering the invaluable service they have rendered to the society in the past.