HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL), a distinguished non-profit organization and a beacon of compassion and service, dedicated exclusively to enhancing the lives of underprivileged Senior Citizens in Sri Lanka, proudly announces the release of its Annual Seasonal Greeting Cards Portfolio.  This time-honoured initiative seeks to fund free cataract surgeries for less privileged seniors above the age of 55, offering them the invaluable gift of sight and a renewed sense of hope.

Embracing the theme ‘Give the Gift of Sight with HelpAge Greeting Cards!’ the 2023 campaign highlights the transformative power of a simple gesture. Every card purchase, becomes an opportunity to raise funds for surgeries, ensuring that each card counts. Remarkably, just 200 cards equate to sponsoring a free cataract surgery. HelpAge Sri Lanka’s Executive Director, Samanth Liyanawaduge, said that HASL has set an ambitious goal to raise funds for 2000 free cataract surgeries this season. ‘There are over 500,000 elders facing the threat of blindness in Sri Lanka due to financial and mobility issues. The proceeds from the cards directly support these free surgeries at our Eye Hospital, the only charitable private hospital of its kind in Sri Lanka, established in 2009, providing essential eye care services to those who need it the most.”

Each free cataract surgery, performed at the HASL Hospital, Colombo 6, utilizes the advanced Phacoemulsification method with the Stellaris Vision Enhancement system from Bausch and Lomb, USA, ensuring optimal outcomes. Over 47,000 surgeries have been performed to date. Liyanawaduge emphasized that the Seasonal Greeting Cards Project remains one of HASL’s oldest and most impactful endeavours.

“Through the support of both the corporate sector and retail customers, this project has become a cornerstone of our year-end fundraising initiative,” he said. HASL extends an invitation to corporates, businesses, and community members to unite in making a meaningful difference together This year’s card collection features 26 stunning seasonal designs and is available at affordable prices. Corporate partners also have the opportunity to customize cards with their logos for a nominal fee.

For more information or corporate sponsorship inquiries related to the ‘Give the Gift of Sight’ campaign, please email [email protected] or call 0773130280.

Cards can be purchased from the HASL head office in Boralasgamuwa, located next to the Sri Jayawardenepura University, through the special Cards Desk at 0114926358/01128037524 (Ext-41). You can also place orders via email at helpagecards@ helpage.lk, visit the HASL website at https://www.helpagesl.org/, or explore partner bookstores.

HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) has been dedicated to addressing the needs of underprivileged elderly individuals since 1986. Committed to empowering underserved seniors, HASL provides a comprehensive range of services, including eye care, mobile medical units, age care training, youth education, and advocacy for elders’ rights.