Welcome to Finch Group

I had been fortunate enough to visit Sri Lanka several times before the Tsunami in December 2004, so along with the rest of the world I was greatly affected by this tragic event, even more so as my friend Alison had been caught in the Tsunami in Negombo and was lucky to escape with her life and a few of her belongings.  Alison had been working at an orphanage helping teach the children English whilst on a sabbatical from her job at BUPA Int’l.  Following the Tsunami Alison was taken in by Ron and Brenda Cornelius a British couple who live in Sri Lanka, who in time I became friends with and with them I have been helping where we can, with the children of this part of Sri Lanka.
 
In 2004 I had made arrangements for a holiday to Sri Lanka in January 2005 which was cancelled by the tour operator due to the Tsunami.  I had been touched by this tragedy and still wanted to travel so after a few phone calls I made my own plans to travel there to see for myself what could be done to help and in what ever way I could.   When I arrived there were many people who had made there way to Sri Lanka to help in very much the same way as I .  We hired trucks and paid for rice and water to be taken south to the more devastated areas.   During this trip I became acquainted with Ron and Brenda Cornelius and I became involved with the Orphanage at Kochikade just outside of Negombo on the west coat of Sri Lanka.

The orphanage at Kochikade had been poorly built and Ron Cornelius was assisting the Order of Nuns who ran it to get the place safe so that they could take in more children who had been affected by the Tsunami.  Along with my friend Alison’s work employees and her employer BUPA Int’l and other private donators, the staff of Finch Group sent monies for roof repairs and structural works.  After these were completed, we paid for furnishings and computer equipment to help with the children’s education, as well as providing money on going for food.  We even bought feed for chickens, pigs and bought a cow with calf so they could become more self sufficient.

The money we send from Finch Group is sent to Ron and Brenda who ensure that it goes to the most needy.  This has meant that over time we have become more involved with other orphanages within the Negombo area and even a School for Deaf Children.

Later in 2005 we became involved with Pamunugama State Orphanage where we sponsor several of the girls directly to live at the orphanage.  In addition we have helped with the refurbishments of the Kitchen, Pantry and dormitories.  I have visited the orphanage several times and have taken clothing for the girls which are always been received with much excitement and appreciation.

In 2007 Ron and Brenda became aware of an orphanage at Lunuwila requiring assistance and so some of our donation monies have gone to purchase beds and bedding for the children as well as swings and slides for the girls to play on.  

In the same year we became involved with St Joseph’s School for Deaf Children.  Getting an education in Sri Lanka is a priority for all children, but unfortunately there is little or no money for the deaf and disabled.   Ron and Brenda were put in touch with Sister Theresa who runs the school and we agreed to provide hearing aids.  Some of the children are very artistically gifted and we have since helped them develop their arts and crafts paying for materials.  The girls are taught needle work and this is hope that this will help them in the future with employment,  we are also hoping that in the future, we can provide some vocational training for the boys too.   We have help purchase computers and our some of sponsorship monies go towards paying for some of the teachers salaries at the school also.

In 2009, Ron and Brenda were made aware of a Sri Lankan man at Arunodaya who had set up a home for disabled people.    Ron and Brenda have visited the home a few times and using some of the donation monies we have provided food stuffs and a wheel chair to help the home.  This is a wholly voluntary project and the Sri Lankans who run it depend on local charity only, without which these poor people would most likely be on the streets fending for themselves.

Along with the practical help Ron and Brenda also arrange fun days out for the children at the coast, which is generally around Christmas time.  This usually involves a tea party and games on the beach which the children really enjoy.   This year we have also paid for all the girls of Lunuwila Orphanage to take a trip to ancient capital of Kandy and to visit an elephant orphanage.

On my visit in July 2009 I was lucky enough to join with most of the children whom we support at a surprise beach party arranged by Ron and Brenda, it was so nice to see the orphanage girls and children of St Joseph’s Deaf School having a wonderful time.   This was a really fun day but it also reminded me that this is a long term commitment which I and my colleagues at Finch Group have made to these children.