Sweet Dreams in Sri Lanka

Auckland- and Northland-based retired officers recently made the dreams of 29 little Sri Lankan girls come true. Dehiwela Child Development Centre (CDC) is one of five children’s homes run by The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka Territory. Dehiwela is a girls’ home and while the care is exceptional, the girls were sleeping on old, stained mattresses. When this was discovered, Territorial Projects Development and Sponsorship Secretary for Sri Lanka Lt-Colonel Milton Collins promptly contacted Major Janee Sawyer in New Zealand, who has been a point person for donations in the past. Janee quickly rallied the retired troops in the north. In Sri Lanka, 500 New Zealand dollars goes a long way, meaning a brand-new quality mattress for each of the 29 girls was promptly purchased. Most of the girls living in the centre are orphans. Without the centre, many of these girls would survive only through prostitution.

For those who may be interested in donating to the CDCs in Sri Lanka, please contact Lt-Colonel Milton Collins by email: milton.collins@sri.salvationarmy.org