A different kind of Christmas for HSBC volunteers

HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives CEO Mark Prothero ceremonially handing over the items to Ministry of Health Secretary Dr. S.H. Munasinghe in the presence of Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, DMC Director General Maj. Gen. Sudantha Ranasinghe, Ministry of Health Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath, Ministry of Health Disaster Preparedness and Response Division (DPRD) Dr. Novil Wijesekara, HSBC Sri Lanka CSR Manager Dilini Fernando, A-PAD Sri Lanka Country Director Firzan Hashim at the A-PAD Head Office in Colombo 

• HSBC spreads the benevolence of Christmas among communities hard-hit by poverty and COVID-19

This year is not one for hundreds of children and HSBC volunteers to gather around a Christmas tree to share the joy and bounty of yuletide as they do each December. Instead, the bank will provide much needed rations, sanitary equipment and other essential items. 

It has been a difficult year and no one feels it keener than the vulnerable communities already marginalised and further weighed down by the devastating socioeconomic impact of COVID-19. 

HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives CEO Mark Prothero said: “Christmas will be different for all of us this year, and much harder for those in challenging circumstances. But, the giving spirit of Christmas isn't cancelled. We hope to keep it very much alive through our various community engagements throughout December whilst still adhering to the guidelines stipulated by the authorities.”  

Enhancing non-medical capacity in the Intermediate Care Centers and COVID-19 hospitals

HSBC has been taking care of various clusters among vulnerable communities from the very beginning of the pandemic by distributing rations and medical equipment. 

With the second wave of COVID-19 impacting the economy and normalcy of the Western Province – home to the country’s economic hub and vast working populations, HSBC has sought to complement the efforts of the Government this December by catering to the needs of women, girls and the vulnerable seeking COVID-19 care and providing them the privacy and protection required during their medical stay.

The project supports various needs in 33 quarantine centres and the 59 COVID-19 treatment hospitals with donations including washing machines, water filters, fans, electric kettles as well as personal hygiene necessities such as detergents, personal care products and personal protective gear. 

Locations where women, girls, pregnant women and elderly are housed are given priority with special focus on those who are confirmed as COVID-19 positive within the facilities who require immediate support. 

Not forgetting the victims of the Easter Attacks 

HSBC has committed to support the victims of Easter Sunday attacks over a three-year period for there are many who suffer from disabilities, long-term health complications and unemployment due to injuries or care-giving responsibilities. 

180 children who come under this program will receive gifts this December based on a very individualised needs assessment. 100 families will receive Christmas hampers which includes household ration items, health and wellness, hygiene and sanitisation.

Christmas is for children

The magic of Christmas lies in our children’s hearts and no Christmas would be complete without putting a smile on a child’s face. 345 children from children’s homes in the Western Province will receive goody-bags and gifts from the bank. 

“I want to thank our wonderful charity partners A-PAD Sri Lanka and Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement for their unending commitment and dedication to helping us give back to our communities and help people in need, and my colleagues at the Bank who have generously contributed to our efforts to spread the true spirit of Christmas with their generosity and empathy,” remarked Prothero. 

HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives CEO Mark Prothero joined by his family members, handing over the Yuletide Magic 2020 gift pack to Mas. Sayura Sathsara of Katuwapitiya

Yuletide Magic Family Hamper Packs being handed to deserving victim families of the Easter Sunday attack