Trail reaches half way mark of USD 1 million

Saturday, 23 July 2011 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Trail, the 27-day long walk from Dondra to Point Pedro to raise USD 2 million to build a paediatric cancer ward for the Jaffna Teaching Hospital achieved a significant milestone, reaching its halfway mark of USD 1 million recently. The 670km long journey commenced at Dondra, Matara on 1st July, 2011 amidst a large gathering of well wishers.

With a total of USD 2 million funds to be collected by the end of the journey, Trail aims to build a paediatric cancer treatment facility in Jaffna, which will immensely benefit patients in the Northern, North Western, North Central and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka; at present the only facility available for cancer care in Sri Lanka is the National Cancer Institute in Maharagama.

Speaking of this significant milestone in the journey, Nathan Sivagananathan, who initiated TRAIL together with Sarinda Unamboowa stated, “An impressive number of Sri Lankans taking a step forward marked the beginning of a 27 day journey across the island in our fight against cancer. To have achieved the half way mark early on into the walk is a testimony to the support and generosity of Sri Lankans across the country. As we march on, we are confident that as a nation we will reach our end goal.”

To date, a diverse cross section of Sri Lankans has taken part in the walk including a group of indigenous people. The walkers taking part in the journey were given the opportunity to register through the official website to generate funds through friends and relatives. While most of the funds were collected by walkers who were sponsored by well-wishers, both local and foreign organizations have also made direct contributions to Trail.

Further initiatives to generate funds included the sale of Trail merchandise comprising of t-shirts, caps and umbrellas and the ‘buy-a-brick’ campaign where proceeds from purchasing Trail bricks priced at Rs 500/- were directed towards the cause as well. The ‘Colombo Flavours’ food festival organized by the Colours of Courage Trust, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to uplifting cancer treatment facilities in Sri Lanka, was open to the public on the 8th and 9th of July, where the entrance ticket revenue was a further contribution towards the Trail funds.

Volunteers are still welcome to join the walk for a three day period, a single day or through a city or town depending on their ability. The project also allows volunteers who are unable to physically join the cause to participate in the journey as virtual walkers by donating Rs.10,000/- online. Interested walkers should register at the TRAIL website at www.trailsl.com or by calling on 071 3827025.

Trail is initiated by the Colours of Courage Trust, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to uplifting cancer treatment facilities in Sri Lanka, supported by its partners Mobitel, MAS Holdings, Sri Lanka Tourism and A&E who are platinum sponsors of the walk.