TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS APPEAL TO HELP THE LESS ADVANTAGED – 2023
Each year, the Social Services Committee of the DBU arranges a Christmas programme which includes a function at the DBU for the impoverished members of our community. Here, they are provided with refreshments, hampers, and financial assistance. Whilst we had to suspend the functions themselves due to COVID-19, financial assistance was maintained throughout with direct deposits being performed.
On behalf of the Social Services Committee, I once again extend an appeal to the kindness and generosity of our members and well-wishers to contribute whatever you can in what is another challenging year for many.
Last year, with the financial crisis that followed the pandemic, causing unprecedented inflation, our numerous welfare recipients were in dire need of urgent assistance. For the first time, our Social Services Committee recommended a mid-year financial appeal, and the response from our members and well-wishers was incredibly generous, raising nearly five million rupees.
This remarkable display of generosity did not diminish the giving spirit of our donors for the subsequent Christmas appeal, who donated a further Rs. 6,000,000. On behalf of all the recipients, we extend a heartfelt thank you to all you compassionate individuals.
In addition to our own DBU Members and well-wishers, most of these recipients are supported by organisations in Australia who have done yeoman social service in Sri Lanka for more than half a century, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge their outstanding work and generosity. Specifically, the Eighty Club Melbourne Inc., the Burgher Association of Australia, the Ralph D’Silva Foundation, the Burgher Welfare League of Western Australia, the Serendipity Kids, the Carl & Vicky Fund, Bellbirds Club, Friends of the DBU in Victoria, and Strangers to Friends Fund in Perth.
I would also like to thank and acknowledge the dedicated service of Ms. Etienne Jayatunge, the DBU Administrative Executive who is the driving force behind all these fund-raisers, and who is the face of the DBU’s Social Services to both, donors and recipients alike.
We would like to disburse these funds to the recipients by the 10th of December so please send in your donation prior to this date.
Thank you again for your kindness and support.
Sincerely,
David Colin-Thomé
President
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
1. In cash or cheque (cash or crossed) at the DBU office during office hours (and after office hours at the DBU Bar & VOC Cafe till closing time at 11pm).
2. Crossed cheque by mail addressed to The Dutch Burgher Union, No.114, Reid Avenue, Colombo 4.
3. INTERNET BANKING – The Dutch Burgher Union
Bank of Ceylon, Bambalapitiya Branch
