Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Saturday, 12 July 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Every year, to celebrate Poson, thousands of pilgrims flock to one of Buddhism’s hallowed places of worship; they are often in need of hygiene services such as washing and brushing teeth. For Signal Herbal and Lifebuoy Shampoo, flagship brands of Unilever Sri Lanka, it was a mission of social importance to be able to reach out to the pilgrims in capturing the essence of the Poson season. This year, over 1.5 million pilgrims were expected to be present in Anuradhapura and Mihintale during the season.
“Mihintale’s significance on Poson Poya means that there are many pilgrims who visit from all over Sri Lanka,” says Unilever Sri Lanka Category Head – Oral Care Wathsala Aluthgedera. “They spend a lot of time getting here and the large crowds often mean they may not have access to even basic facilities such as washing and brushing teeth. Signal Herbal teamed up with Lifebuoy Shampoo to provide toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo for these travel weary pilgrims. For us, it is a privilege to be able to reach out to them at a time such as this.”
Signal Herbal toothpaste packs and toothbrushes along with Lifebuoy shampoo sachets were given out at several locations such as crowded bus stands, pilgrims’ rests, public sanitary areas and in the vicinity of some of the area’s biggest tanks where people gather to bathe and wash up. Facilities for showering and permanent tap units were also made available at these locations and in the central temple premises.
The initiative went on for four days in Anuradhapura and Mihintale, making it an outstanding success as a CSR venture. There were also Signal Herbal sponsored public signage based on the noble words and wisdom of the Buddha, placed along key points in the sacred town.
At Mihintale and Anuradhapura, over 100,000 products of Lifebuoy Shampoo, Signal Herbal and Signal toothbrushes were distributed among the pilgrims.
Commenting on the program, pilgrims visiting the sacred area on a Poson pilgrimage said that they were extremely grateful for the gesture of receiving these packs that enabled them to clean up before continuing on their pilgrimage.
Most of them who visit Mihintale every year on Poson Poya, were able to refresh with the products supplied under the initiative. “We have been on the road travelling throughout the night. It was good to be able to refresh ourselves in this way,” said one pilgrim.
The Signal Herbal and Lifebuoy Shampoo CSR initiative was amplified via Sirasa FM, enabling the pilgrims to connect with the program. For both brands, it was a massive effort that was empowering in its reach and the ability to touch people one to one. “To be present in such a sacred place on such a significant day and contribute towards the well being of the pilgrims has been such an honour for us,” says Lifebuoy Shampoo Asst. Brand Manager MilindaWeerasinghe.
