5 lesser known charities that could use your help this Christmas 

The well-rehearsed line during this time is that Christmas is the season of giving. And as clichéd as one might think that is, it definitely isn’t a coincidence that selflessly giving to those most in need leaves a warm glow in your heart.

There are hundreds of charities dedicated to a variety of causes around Sri Lanka, be it to children, elders, the differently abled, the environment, or animals. Many of these are well publicised and generally receive a steady stream of contributions. 

Some, however, are less known, although serving equal causes.

So if you’re looking for a charity that might need your help this December, here’s a list of a few places to look into. 

1. St. Joseph’s Home for Elders, Marawila 

An hour’s drive away from Colombo is the St. Joseph’s Elders Home which houses around 60 elderly individuals, both male and female. Many either have no family left, or whatever family they do have, do not possess the means to support them. The home itself is set within the premises of the Church’s expansive garden, and is equipped with the bare minimum requirements to ensure that these seniors live as comfortable as possible. 

Although the Church scrapes together the daily meals with much difficulty, its elderly residents simply long for some company. You can contact the Chaplain and organise a meal for the residents of St. Joseph’s and spend a yuletide evening with them! 

Note: When you search for any details about this home online, or on Google Maps, the page says the home is closed, but it isn't actually closed, and is still running! 

Tel: 031-2255390 / 031-2255546 

2. Prithipura Communities 

The Prithipura Community serves to help families who do not possess the financial means or knowledge to care for those affected by varying degrees of disability. It is one of the few organisations in Sri Lanka which is equipped sufficiently well to care for this group, for an extended period of time, providing care and rehabilitation. They have several organisations set up in the island, providing specific care depending on the disability and age. 

The wards are encouraged to engage in handicrafts and find means to support themselves out in the world, however, as providing specialised care for the disabled of Sri Lanka is no easy feat, funding and support is always welcome. It takes several forms, and you can find out more by contacting them directly this Christmas season. 

Tel: 0112930635 

Web: prithipura.org/main.php?area_id=8 

3. Orange Angel Foundation 

The Orange Angel Foundation is not an NGO, but rather, a unique and private initiative which is focused on creating sustainable changes through focus on very effective small-scale projects in Sri Lanka. So far it has built several new homes in impoverished areas of the country – including assisting the tsunami victims and slum dwellers – providing clean water, and funding a year’s worth of education for the children whose families cannot afford to do so. This direct service ensures that every cent dedicated towards a specific project is spent well and is accounted for. 

As the primary goal of the Orange Angel Foundation is sustainable change on a grassroots level, there is much work left to be done. However, this season, you too can contribute to this lasting change by contributing to one of their projects – even sponsoring a child’s education for the year 2017. 

Tel: 0252-534933 

Web: www.orangeangel.org/nl/srilanka/ 

Email: [email protected] 

4. Ma Sevana 

Ma Sevana is a safe haven for teen mothers of Sri Lanka who are victims of sexual abuse – some as young as 12 years old. The goal of this shelter is to reintroduce these girls back into society, after providing them with a safe and caring environment throughout their pregnancy, and counselling, to help with their mental and spiritual healing process. The babies themselves are also cared for, and the young mothers are helped with their court trials and given vocational training to help achieve a sound future. 

You can help these young victims with their secure transportation to their court cases, counselling sessions, clinic visits and training opportunities, or in any other area should you wish to contribute towards this cause. 

Tel: 011 2647761 

5. Sri Jinananda Children’s Home 

In the heart of Wellawatte is the Sri Jinananda Children’s Home, home to 60 underprivileged boys. Some are orphans, and some come from broken families, and some families simply don’t possess the financial means. The home itself is a long hall where the boys, after school, spend their days at classes, studying, attending meals and playing. This means that most of their time is spent indoors. 

Sri Jinananda’s needs much help in terms of providing daily meals and groceries, developing its infrastructure and obtaining school supplies for the children. And needless to say, they would enjoy the company. You can help then in any capacity, and speak to their matron to find out more details. 

Tel: 0112587534