‘Around the Pearl’, an initiative supporting children affected by cerebral palsy

‘Around the Pearl’, an initiative of ‘Wheels for wheels’ in support children affected by cerebral palsy, is set to push off for the third time this year from the 7th to the 17th of April 2016.

Around the Pearl is an annual bike ride around the island which raises money to buy special wheelchairs for children afflicted with CP. The wheelchairs cost around $100 each with discount and Around the Pearl hopes to raise 1000 wheelchairs this time. It is estimated that 40,000 people suffer from CP island wide, although the data available is not completely accurate. The founders hope to raise funds to buy 40,000 wheelchairs in the future in order to help all people afflicted with cerebral palsy in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at a press conference held to announce the launch, Ajith Fernando - Managing Director, Capital Alliance, spoke of how Around the Pearl began. Before his 50th birthday, Mr. Fernando decided that he wanted to do something different to celebrate his birthday, which would also help people. As a person with an adventurous spirit, he had decided to cycle around the island to raise funds for cerebral palsy and enlisted the help of his friends before embarking upon such an arduous journey.

What ensued was Around the Pearl. His reason for choosing cerebral palsy is personal - because one of his daughters is afflicted with the CP. In a moving speech he spoke of how proud he was of his daughter who was going off to university the following day and how that moment was extra special for him as a parent who watched his daughter struggle with CP. Pointing out that although most children who suffer from CP have average mental capacity, they are often shut out of society because their parents either believe that they cannot take part in day to day activities like other children or because they cannot afford to buy a wheelchair so that the children can move about. He also pointed out that for children suffering from CP; a wheelchair was a lifeline and essential for their well being and participation in society.

Around the Pearl also hopes to launch an international effort to raise funds. They believe that their recent partnership with Australian Property Consultancy will help them raise funds in Australia and obtain technical expertise and knowledge transfer from the Melbourne CP foundation. To donate, please visit www.aroundthepearl.lk.

Kaveesha Fernando