THE HUMAN race’s primary duty is to serve one another, according to Limestone Coast community leader Father Neil Fernando.
With his roots previously anchored in Sri Lanka, Fr Fernando continued his mission when moving to the region just two years ago.
As an Anglican priest, Fr Fernando was one of five founders of not-for-profit organisation We Care, Mount Gambier, which helps coordinate fundraising activities for those in need.
For the organisation’s second year, Fr Fernando said through community donations the committee will distribute 200 backpacks, winter clothing and money in his home town later this month.
“I am the founder of Sri Lanka’s New Life Centre for Integral Formation, which helps support children’s education and skill training and develop opportunities for the unemployed,” he said.
“I wanted to continue my journey when moving to Australia so I helped establish We Care, Mount Gambier.
“Every year I return to Sri Lanka and I just thought a fundraising activity would tie in well with what I was already doing.”
Fr Fernando said We Care, Mount Gambier’s mission was to make a difference in the life of youth through education and integral human development.
“Our vision is to help form an educated society irrespective of race, gender or region,” he said.
“Last year we took a range of items over to Sri Lanka as well as donated funds to Africa.
“This year I particularly wanted to focus on backpacks as I believe they are an essential item for anyone who attends school.”
Fr Fernando said he saw children struggling to carry their books or use grocery bags while at Sri Lanka schools.
“These backpacks will be used for possibly their whole schooling and create a sense of worthiness for the children,” he said.
“Sometimes little things are taken for granted and declared ownership of items can be considered a luxury for some.”
Fr Fernando will be one of several who will distribute the goods from August 15 to August 23 among three different areas of Sri Lanka.
“We will also be helping two young women by providing a spice grinding machine and a sewing machine,” he said.
“This allows them to take one step closer to becoming self-sufficient.
“Every year we will continue to grow and develop this project and as well as many others.”
Project support was received from Millicent, Mount Gambier and Penola residents, along with schools and religious groups around the Limestone Coast.
Fr Fernando invited anyone interested in community service to join We Care, Mount Gambier with an upcoming fundraising dinner scheduled for November.
