8th July 2009

Dear Friend

Appeal to support the elders residing in I.D.P. Camps

Established in 1986, HelpAge Sri Lanka is a not- for profit, non-governmental organization which is dedicated to enhance the quality of life of needy elders in Sri Lanka. This non-governmental charity has assisted thousands of needy elders, by implementing free service oriented programmes island wide. HelpAge is well established and has gained very high recognition, and is recognized both nationally and internationally.

Our service oriented programmes include, providing Health and Eye Care facilities including cataract surgeries, spectacles, hearing aids, mobility equipment, meals to needy elders and Ayurvedic treatment to elders who visit our Ayurveda centre etc... All of these services are been provided "free of charge".

The HelpAge MMU (Mobile Medical Unit) which provides free health and Eye care facilities reaches out to elders in remote areas. These MMU´s consist of a health care unit, Eye Care unit and a Pharmacy.

HelpAge also concentrates on development programmes, where we encourage elders to engage in income generating livelihood activities, through Senior Citizen Committees.

Programmes are also been carried out, to increase the awareness amongst elders, about their rights (Rights based Programmes).

Currently our urgent need is to fund our Mobile Medical Units which are providing necessary services to needy elders, living in IDP camps in Vavuniya.

Due to the high demand HelpAge Sri Lanka intends to continue the services provided by the MMU for a further 3-6 months. Your generous contribution in particular to the Mobile Medical Units, will be greatly appreciated. All those needy elders who will benefit from your generosity will be forever indebted to you.

Yours Sincerely

Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa
Chairman
HelpAge Sri Lanka

Older people like me are living here with a lot of difficulties
Krisnapillai Ponnampalam

Krisnapillai Ponnampalam is 79 years, he hails from Puthukuduirruppu in the district of Mullaitivu. He has 2 female children. They were in Poluhandi in Velvettithurai. His wife died in 1987 due to ill health.

He is living now in Manic Farm, Zone-3; block no 22 in a small hut, with other 3 families, with a total of 7 members (4 males and 3 Females) living in that small hut. The hut, is not enough for 7 members to live in, so he lives in a corner of the tent. He is provided only one bottle of water to drink from the tube well, and 5 liters from the container to wash his clothes. He walks about 1km to the tank from his tent to take a bath.

His eye sight is weak, and one eye was operated at the Jaffna hospital, and he has vision only in one Eye. His eyes were tested and specially processed spectacles will be provided to suit his requirement. Furthermore he received medicine for his ailments.

He also added "The medicine is good. It is like the medicine given in Puthukuduirruppu. I am very happy about the services, provided by HelpAge. When I take the medicine that has been provided by the HelpAge Mobile Medical Unit, I feel that the blood pressure will be reduced".

"Your donation will help to bring light, to the lives of many more elders like me".