Elders are the forgotten or least cared for in our society at times. Especially if they are living in elders’ homes and/or have disabilities. Now more than ever during this time of the Covid 19 Pandemic it is our duty and responsibility to ensure that elders are looked after and their needs cared for. Since they are most at risk during this time of Pandemic, we are unable visit elders’ homes. However, their needs remain the same and the institutions that look after elders need our assistance to look after their inmates.

As a Scout and a Messenger of Peace I decided help two Elders homes and also provide Dry rations packs to the Garbage collection personnel of my area who have worked to keep my neighbourhood clean even amidst the Covid 19 pandemic.

My project provided personal needs packages to the 20 inmates at The Cheshire Home Mount Lavinia Sri Lanka. It is a home that looks after differently abled Elders who have been abandoned by their families or have no families to take care of them. Each Package included the following items for their personal use. A Towel, Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Talcum Powder, Eu de Cologne, Joint pain Balm, and biscuits.

I also made a Christmas and New Year card for each of them to wish them a Happy Christmas and New Year. I thought that it will make them happy to receive a card for the new year just like any of us would.

In addition, dry rations and cleaning supplies needed for the general use of the home were also provided. This included dishwashing liquid, laundry washing powder, Surface cleaner, Tea, Sugar, Milk powder and Dhal.

I also made available to the Day Care Centre at the Samata Sarana Mutuwal - Sri Lanka, which provides day care facilities for the needy elders, clothing items for the 65 elders who are provided with Day care facilities.

The essential service workers have been working tirelessly even during the Covid 19 -Pandemic. And in my neighbourhood, the 6 Municipality Garbage Collection workers have come regularly to collect Garbage and keep the street clean. As an appreciation to these daily wage workers, and to help them in their immediate food needs for their families, I provided them with a relief package each consisting of Rice, Dhal, Tea, Sugar, Milk Powder, Flour and tinned Fish to help their families.

In doing the above project I was able to contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goals.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. This includes mental well-being as well. Providing the elders in the elder’s home with their personal requirements will help the home to cater to each one’s personal needs. Also, I think the Handmade card will make them happy and bring a smile to their faces.

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within society. Reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind irrespective of their age or disability among other things.

SDG 02 – Zero Hunger

Providing the Garbage collection workers with a Dry rations pack that would be sufficient for a week at least will help these low-income daily wage earners to meet their immediate food needs for the week, and at least save the money for that week for another extended week to support their families.

SERVICE HOURS

6.5 Service Hours