Friendship packs for schoolchildren

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) distributed 12000 school stationery packs donated by the Japanese Red Cross Society to schoolchildren in nine districts of Sri Lanka on October 7, 2008 at a function held in Colombo.

These packs will be distributed to children through Red Cross branches of Hambantota, Puttlam, Colombo, Colombo City, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Gampaha, Galle and Matara.

Country Coordinator of Japanese Red Cross Sathoshi Funahashi handed them over to President of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Jagath Abeysinghe in presence of National Secretary S.H. Nimal Kumar.

The Japanese Red Cross Society (JRC) initiated this programme in 2006 by donating 30,000 packs and 12,000 packs were distributed in 2007 increasing the number of beneficiaries to 54,000 students with current distribution. The recipients are mainly children of tsunami affected and destitute families.

Addressing the ceremony Funahasi said the gifts would help the children continue their education. Senior Vice President of SLRCS Bharata Jonikku Hewa said that atleast needy children of 10 schools in each district would receive these packs.

The Youth Wing has carried out this programme efficiently with good management and transparency. "Our aim is to contribute towards building a better future generation.

We will introduce new programmes in the near future to strengthen the Youth wing, focusing on our standing on our own feet. We thank the JRC for the support and cooperation it has extended to us," he added.

Youth Director A.W.M. Fahim made the welcome address. National Youth President Saman Mahesh Kumara proposed a vote of thanks.

Country Coordinator of Japanese Red Cross Sathoshi Funahashi handing over stationery packs to President of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Jagath Abeysinghe.