Keells join forces with customers and partners to provide relief to vulnerable communities

The on-going economic crisis in the country has left many Sri Lankans struggling to make ends meet.  ‘Together for a Better Tomorrow’ the Keells community outreach program started in May 2022 and has thus far provided essential packs to over 5,000 individuals spread across the country such as Gampola, Matara, Monaragala, Jaffna, Kalutara, Hambanthota, Ampara, Colombo and suburbs.

Keells has made available the Keells Donation card priced at Rs.1500 to potential donors, across the 128 stores and the e-commerce site which individuals can purchase. 1 donation card is equal to a pack of essentials donated to a family in need.  Every Rupee collected is diverted towards compiling packs of daily essentials that consist of rice, sugar, dhal, tea, salt and soya. Keells has undertaken to provide 1 additional pack for every 9 packs up to a minimum of 5,000 packs.

The generosity of Sri Lankans both local and domiciled overseas continue to amaze and encourage us even amidst the current adversity. The beneficiary identification is done with the support of Grama Niladaris, Samurdi Coordinators, Midwives and places of worship in the identified communities. The dedication and passion of the community partners Sri Lanka Unites, Voice for Voiceless and Meda Mawatha amidst trying circumstances has been a beacon of hope to many.

Moses Akash, National Director of The Voice for Voiceless Foundation said “We are blessed and honored to be a part of this great initiative at this critical time of need. People are going through the darkest time in their lives with so much trouble. The joy and smile of the people when they receive these dry rations are amazing.  Some in tears of joy. Thank you to each and every donor who makes this a reality.” Prashan De Visser representing Sri Lanka Unites said “During these difficult times for Sri Lanka and its people, I am inspired to see Keells taking the  initiative to support those who are the most vulnerable during this time. The Keells donation card and the donation box initiatives are helping thousands of lives in Sri Lanka. We are glad to be one of their distribution partners to ensure it reaches those that are most in need. We are currently able to help at least 50 families in every district of the country through this effort”. Beshan Kulapala, President of Meda Mawatha iterated “We are truly blessed to be part of the donation drive. While working with a very energetic team at Keells, within a very short time frame, they were able to put together an innovative donation scheme that helped thousands of needy families during this crisis.”

Several other partners have also joined this program along the way taking into account the need of the hour. Our gratitude to Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) Munchee for the contribution of a product for 5,000 packs and to Nations Trust Bank for collaborating to contribute 1 for every 9 packs bought by donors  using Nations Trust Bank American Express Card. BDO Sri Lanka partners Keells as the assurance partner and the Colombo Tuskers Round Table 8 (CTRT8) joined as the advocacy partner to raise awareness regarding the program to their local and global networks, with a commitment towards raising funds for a minimum of 1,000 packs (Rs.1.5mn).

In a similar effort to provide relief to communities, Keells partnered with Orel IT and retail malls of John Keells Properties to implement Community Food Collection Boxes at the vicinity of 3 Keells stores at Crescat, K Zone Moratuwa and K Zone Kapuwatta. In this initiative too, Sri Lanka Unites and Meda Mawatha have joined in as community support partners to help collect and distribute the dry ration contributions of our donors among over 30 families in need since the launch of the project. With the on-going crisis nearing a critical stage over the next few weeks, overshadowing livelihoods and worsening the food security of vulnerable communities across the country, Keells appeals to the generosity of its customers, partners and all other well-wishers join hands with the community outreach program to ensure that as many communities are supported during this period.