Rotary Colombo Metropolitan launches ‘Two Hearts’

The Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan (RCCM) launched a website on 15 December at the JAIC Hilton, Colombo, ceremoniously inaugurating its most recent flagship project, ‘Two Hearts’. Developed by Oddly, the website serves as a portal to generate awareness and raise funds in aid of children suffering from congenital heart disease.

In 2020, RCCM aided by the support of generous donors around the world and in collaboration with Gift of Life raised over $ 115,000 (amounting to approximately Rs. 23,000,000) and helped change the lives of 54 children affected by CHD by facilitating the cost to undergo Atrial Septal Defect Surgery (ASD) which would save their lives.

The remaining children regrettably continue to exist on a waiting list as and until they are permitted surgery; the longer the wait the greater the risk of complications for the children resulting in a high number of infant deaths.

The Two Hearts website serves as an effective marketing tool that aims to shorten that list with haste.

On the journey thus far and the many trials and tribulations faced in order to reach the present juncture, Two Hearts Project Chair Dinali B. Dandeniya stated, “It’s time to give back, help a child, save a life and heal a heart! There are so many to thank for the kind donations and support received for the children who received lifesaving surgery in 2020; the amazing doctors and team that give of their time, our Rotary members who passionately work to raise funds and our supporters who continue to allow us to lean on them! Sadly, its jut not enough as we continue to see young children perish by waiting for life changing surgery. Two Hearts aims to help a further 50-100 children for 2021, so please give generously from your heart to theirs.”

Speaking on the launch of the project, Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan President Gerald de Saram said, “I am truly thankful to all our members and supporters of the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan for their continued efforts and support in raising significant funds which directly assist our local communities and specifically the underprivileged child. Our appreciation also goes out to the Doctors of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital.”

The Two Hearts website is accessible via: https://rotarytwohearts.org/.