Tsunami Aid to Eastern Sri – Lanka

                                                                115 Watson Road      

                                                                 Vass, NC 28394 

                                                                                                            25 June 2008  

Dear Friends, Donors and Supporters, 

Hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the summer.   It has been a while since we have made any report.  Every time when we plan to write, the situation on the ground in the area where we are housing our children keeps changing.  The shadow war is still going on and killing and disappearance are on the same level as before.  The political situation has not changed much, but the key players have changed. As you know, our primary concern is to care for the safety and well being of the orphans. In the meantime we are equally concerned about our volunteers, the few paid workers’ safety and wellbeing.  During this period, one of our workers was deliberately injured and is currently recovering in the hospital.  In another city where we work, one of the Catholic priests was shot and killed.  These two incidents have had a chilling impact on our staff and in our heart. 

As we experience the high fuel prices for fuel, food and other essentials in this country, just multiply that by three to four times in the eastern part of  Sri Lanka.  It is having a direct impact on our ability to continue our operations. 

Most people in this country have forgotten the tsunami, Pakistan earthquake, Katrina, Myanmar cyclone devastation  and Chinese flood and earthquake.  We are constantly faced with some disaster somewhere in the world of a severe magnitude and the whole world looks at United States  for relief. We are also facing many  disasters in this country and needs are all around us. With all the competing demands, you have been very generous supporting our children in Sri Lanka. 

We received a $2000.00 grant from Jayme’s Fund from New Hampshire. Jayme was a very gifted young student who devoted her time and energy to improve the social justice system all around us.  She initiated several projects and met with several Congressmen and Senators to press this passionate cause of hers with them.  Unfortunately she was taken away from us at the tender age of 16.  Please remember her and her lovely family by visiting her site at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

We had another unexpected surprise from the St Ann’s Catholic school in Fayetteville, NC.  One of the teachers, Mrs. Marilia Gannon suggested that the children do a charity event this year to help the tsunami orphans.  Amazingly the children took up the cause and took pledges to jump rope to earn money.  To every one’s surprise they were able to raise an amazing $1600.00 for this cause.  This is the largest amount they have raised for any charitable cause and this is the largest amount any school has raised for us thus far.  We are very pleased to thank all the children at St. Ann’s school and express our appreciation to all the parents, teachers and mainly to Mrs. Gannon for thinking of our children far away from their school. 

On a sad note, at the writing of this letter, I received two visitors who came to inform me that our major donor and our patron  are experiencing some medical problems and they will not be able to support us.  That is not the kind of news one would like to receive.  They have been so generous not only to us, but many in our area. They are truly a blessing to our children since the tsunami and they stood by us and supported us during all this time.  I am very saddened to hear that they are affected by ill health and unable to deal with the daily chores. I kindly request that all of you  keep the Deering family in your thoughts and prayers. 

I am attaching the letter we sent to our operations director in Sri Lanka, Rev. Fr. Annadas informing him that we have to cut some of the services we are providing to the children affected by the tsunami.  In addition, we have to discontinue the Sunday school program, English language training and computer operator training.  We will try to find funding to feed and house the children.     

                  
 Our donations are not keeping pace with our expenses in caring for the children. I know you have made a pledge to support our cause and we are counting on you to continue supporting us. There are more than 250 children depending on us for their daily meals and a place to sleep without being harmed. Your generosity has been the only life line they have.  In addition, some of our donors have designated donations for education programs, Sunday school luncheon programs, computer training program and to help build and or renovate some of the houses for the poorest in the eastern coastal areas. The demand is so high and we can do only as much as you are willing to help us do.  We are your instrument and our commitment to you is to do the things you want us to do. We are very pleased to inform you that our children are being protected with the Grace of God.  We will continue to do our very best to protect, feed, house and  provide basic schooling for these children.  For which end, we rely on your financial support and many prayers. 

Therefore, we would like to remind you to send in your donation now in order for us to prioritize our operations.  Our primary mission is to feed and care for the tsunami orphans. Your help is their hope.

 Once again, our sincere thanks for your continued support.  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

May God bless you.

 Warm Regards,

Pius Gabriel

Executive Director