One Trust Concert in aid of children affected by conflict

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC ONE TRUST aims to launch a long-term child empowerment and development project targeting children affected by conflict. The objective is to build a sustainable support system by engaging multiple stakeholders towards strengthening and empowering children directly or indirectly affected by conflict.

The project is being supported by the Department of Probation and Child Care Services which is coordinating the process of identifying beneficiaries currently in institutional care or in the care of immediate family. The Department would also facilitate the process of channelling funds to the identified children in supporting and monitoring their educational needs.

The Commissioner of the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Sarath Abeygunawardena highlighted that the government has already covered significant ground in addressing the needs of children who have directly been affected by the conflict. "Children whose parents" whereabouts remain unclear or are confirmed as dead have been absorbed into institutional care and their basic needs are provided for. But of course there are gaps. On the other hand we have also identified children whose parents have been in the forces and have lost their lives in action. Other children have lost parents in a bomb attack or during LTTE attacks on villages. 'one Trust' is hoping to touch lives of needy children from all of these cross sections and we are delighted to support the initiative which is long-term," Abeygunawardena said.

As a first step Cargills Magic would be presenting the first fund raising event under One Trust which is the "One Trust Concert" to be held on December 19, 20 and 21st at the Bishops College Auditorium.

The Concert would feature "Alien Accent" as well as guest artists such as "Wild Fire" All funds raised from the event would be channelled to "One Trust" and thereby reach the identified needy children.