WASTING NO TIME

After only 3 months, fundraising from Village Assist had reached over CAN $7000 from the cities of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge in British Columbia. Daughty and Nissar Preena, along with Mara Baudais visited Kinniya, Sri Lanka during March and April of 2005. Upon their arrival they noted the urgent needs of the community and were able to help out right away. They were also pleased to meet Mr. Hassan Azhari.

Mr. Hassan Azhari is the director and founder of the Azizah Foundation. He had already assessed inventory and prioritized the reception of aid prior to the arrival of the Preenas. He has been instrumental in the last 15 years in establishing orphanages and employment opportunities in the area. He was a great help, and remains a vital ally today in the task of re-establishing the viability of Kinniya and its surroundings.

On the initial visit, the Village Assist Ridge Meadows Society took action right away. We donated 20 fiberglass boats so that fishermen could once again sustain a living. Bicycles were also bought for 10 families so they could be mobile to collect and sell wood or fish. Finally, 10 sewing machines immediately helped 10 women who were dependent on producing handicraft to support their children.