gudppl connects Citibank and Cheshire Home

gudppl is proud to have reached a milestone in the corporate sector by securing the first CSR project for Citibank Sri Lanka.  

Citi celebrated its 12th Annual Global Community Day on 10 June, maintaining their commitment to sustainability by supporting an Organic Farming project for The Wester Seaton Cheshire Home in Negombo.  

gudppl facilitated this sustainable project by enabling Citi to enrich the lives of residents, while also providing a novel and moving experience for the Citi Volunteers. Citi invested financially in initiating an organic farm of 60 perches with over 150 plant beds as the end goal for harvesting. The Citi Volunteers expressed this project, exceeded their expectations and, as a result, they felt inspired to volunteer more frequently in our communities.  

The Citi Volunteers came from diverse backgrounds, different age groups and complemented the programs arranged for the day at the home. The volunteers were assigned to the various activities planned, ranging from arts and crafts for the residents, to the aspects of organic farming which involved fencing, ploughing, digging and planting.   

Citibank Country Officer (CCO) of the Sri Lankan franchise Ravin Basnayake adds, “We applaud gudppl for bridging the gap between the needs of the society and businesses willing to support. Our experience working in the recently concluded meaningful project of growing an organic farming unit for self-sustenance and livelihood at Wester Seaton Cheshire Home in Negombo was extremely fulfilling for all Citi Volunteers and wish gudppl all success for their future projects.”  

Cheshire Home’s commitment was astounding as they aimed for excellence in being a world class model home, by ensuring that all their residents and everyone who visited the home received the best of their treatment.  

Cheshire Home was appreciative of how their dream to have an organic garden became a reality so soon. This process was accelerated by gudppl after the initial call and bold move by The Wester Seaton Cheshire Home Manager Sandrine Wickremasinghe. It was encouraging that she chose to contact an up-and-coming social enterprise to build on the Home’s available resources.   

gudppl applauds people like Sandrine for being creative, innovative and do more with limited resources and is a beautiful example of how any home can run efficiently and effectively.   

“Gudppl have taken on the biggest challenges facing humanity with an amazing team. The impact Gudppl has made on the Cheshire Home and all the people with disabilities that we serve is by enriching their lives through sustainability,” said Sandrine. Cheshire Home also helps other differently abled families in the community to maintain the organic farm, which in turn creates jobs, providing a sustainable income, and builds capacity among individuals and families to go and create their own organic farms. It’s commendable that the home adds value to the community in working together to promote diversity, inclusion and improved livelihoods.  This initiative illustrates benefits that can be realised when the goals and objectives of three different organisations align in creating perfect synergy, driving team work and collaboration, that effects a positive impact in the community.