Members of SIDAP have a long history of local and international charity work and crisis assistance. One of the first memorable ones demonstrating how personal service can have such an impact, was after the first gulf war when members of SIDAP - along with community partners in Sudbury and Northern Ontario - undertook to assist the Kurdish refugees in Turkey and Northern Iraq. We continue to be grateful to all the generous donors / supporters, community leaders and the media. As a journalist from Northern Life accompanied members, the events of this mission are very well chronicled.
After the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, members once again delivered personal assistance to those in need regardless of age , gender and religion. Our generous donors from the Greater Sudbury community and beyond came thru once again. The stories we have to tell are heart warming as were the comments form most of the recipients "...We cannot thank your Community enough..they are so far away , but still think of us" or .."your Community has done more for us than some countries have.."
In 2006, after along campaign of fund raising, the memorable TsunamiRx concert organized, directed and produced by Dr. Brian Lynch and the numerous very talented artists, and the unbelievable support of Municipal, Provincial and Federal leaders as well as school children and teachers, members returned to Sri Lanka. First to asses impact of assistance, but also to deliver the funds for both - a nursery school in Batticoloa and a technical (vocational school) in Seenigama near Galle. The nursery school is operated by Ramakhrisna mission and according to Swamiji ..."it is a model nursery school in the north". The vocational training housing scheme and school model in Seenigama could be emulated in many other countries. A journalist from the Sudbury Star accompanied members and did a terrific job of informing our donors, well wishers and helpers.
Thank you all. God bless.
