Freight Forwarders’ Association gives back to society

The Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders’ Association (SLFFA), the apex body of freight forwarders’ in Sri Lanka, ventured on an ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project in October 2008.

The objective was to build relationships amongst the community by partnering with the members of SLFFA and all their stake holders, by specifically making a positive impact on the homeless elders.

‘Multiply your blessings by sharing it with others’ was the spirit in which SLFFA decided to launch this project.

The SLFFA Dinner Dance held in October 2008 was the launching pad for this CSR project. Which was called “a journey towards healing of hearts” and SLFFA dedicated all proceeds from the dance towards this project.

SLFFA decided to venture on this journey towards “healing of hearts” as the Association felt it was time to reach beyond its usual business endeavours and extend a helping hand to these destitute homeless elders, a segment of our community that receives little attention and indeed a social problem growing out of proportion in our country.

SLFFA perceived it as a great opportunity to demonstrate the ability to cut across prejudice, cultural and religious differences and extend a helping hand to a segment of society that is in desperate need.

In order to make this project a success, an aggressive campaign was embarked upon by the Executive Committee who sought the support and commitment from the entire SLFFA community.

Subsequently after the funds were collected, the global economic crisis had a great impact on the Sri Lankan economy during the year 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 and the Association faced set-backs in establishing the initial concept of the home for the elders. Hence, the Executive Committee decided to invest the funds collected until they come upon the precise project which the Association initially perceived in.

After evaluating numerous on-going sites and locations, the Association came upon the “Arthur Perera Elders’ Home, down Hokandara Road, Pannipitiya. This Elders’ Home has 18 inmates, both male and female and functions purely on donations provided by well-wishers. The staff consists of only two persons, i.e. a Manager and a Matron, who are extremely dedicated individuals managing and operating this home very efficiently and with great care.

Therefore, with the interest earned by the funds invested, the Executive Committee unanimously decided to donate equipment worth Rs. 450,000 as per the request made by the home. The items donated were, 15 beds, mattresses, side cupboards and towel racks of the best quality.

An official handing out ceremony was organised by the Arthur Perera Elders’ Home, where all the members of their board along with the management were present at this event. SLFFA Chairman Tony de Livera, head of the CSR project committee, Jagath Pathirane along with SLFFA Secretary General Rohan Induruwa also participated at this occasion. The Board and the management expressed their gratitude to SLFFA for the high quality equipment provided.

SLFFA believes this is only the first step towards making its initial concept of developing a home for the elders’ a reality. The Association is mindful of choosing the right path and right project in “its journey towards healing of hearts.”