Aidan Curtis
A MOUNT Gambier not-for-profit is preparing for its second tour of Sri Lanka to provide aid to people in need.
We Care Mission has announced it will return to Sri Lanka in June to support people struggling to get by.
Anglican Church of Mount Gambier chaplain Father Neil Fernando said the first trip a couple of years ago was very successful, but people in Sri Lanka still needed help.
“Sri Lanka is one of the poor countries with the political unrest, and people are suffering there,” Fr Fernando said.
“It is not by the church, it is a not-for-profit organisation founded by me, I would say, to support the countries that need help and also to support the locals who need help.”
Fr Fernando said the plan is to provide similar support to the last trip by taking backpacks and school supplies for children, winter clothing for workers in the highlands, and to teach unemployed women how to sew.
He said the sewing project was especially important as it gave women the means to support themselves and earn a living.
“[We] also very much liked the idea of training unemployed women because it is like rather than giving them the fish, we trained them and gave them the rod to catch fish,” he said.
“We used that strategy and saw how productive and sustainable it is.”
He said human beings had a responsibility to care for each other, regardless of race, culture and religion, hence the trips to Sri Lanka and providing aid.
“We are all human beings – some are fortunate, some are less fortunate,” he said.
“We also have a responsibility to care for each other and share our resources.
“We know the whole world is struggling right now, it’s good to show care and kindness and bring a smile, and feed somebody who is in need.”
Father Fernando encouraged people in Mount Gambier and surrounds to do what they could to help by putting up their hands to come on the trip or donate to the cause.
“As a community, this is a really good and generous community,” he said.
“I would appeal the same to the community this year too – to join hands with us and if anybody wants to come be a part of it, to come along.
“For those who cannot come, please make a generous contribution to We Care.”
People looking to donate to or join the aid trip to Sri Lanka can contact Father Fernando on 8723 1353.
