The Foundation of Goodness is a holistic rural development model that seeks to bridge the urban-rural divide in Sri Lanka via 10 empowerment divisions across 900+ villages island-wide, and reached over 307,000+ beneficiaries in 2022 alone by way of 15 Empowerment Centres, free of cost.
Swimming the length of Sri Lanka’s Coastline: A Scottish school girl raises funds to help under-served communities in Sri Lanka.
Uplifting Puthiyanagar: A Village In Need
November 7, 2019
07 FoG players represent Sri Lanka at the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2019
November 21, 2019
The Trinity Academy in Edinburgh conducts an annual sports tour overseas. This year Sri Lanka had been the chosen destination for a hockey and rugby tour for the school. The tragic terror attack on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka and the following travel advisories led to the cancellation of this tour.
A sixth year student at Trinity Academy, Charlotte Drainer, decide to not let this unfortunate turn of events hold her back, putting aside her disappointment with the resolution to do what she could to help under-served communities in Sri Lanka. To achieve this, Charlotte devised an innovative fundraiser that would enable her to help other young people in Sri Lanka through her chosen charity: the Foundation of Goodness
A passionate swimmer, Charlotte’s goal was to swim the length of Sri Lanka’s coastline: 1,340 kilometers to be exact! Swimming this distance in training and competitions, Charlotte was able to raise £280 that has gone into empowering rural disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka through the Foundation of Goodness
Speaking of her inspiration to initiate this fundraiser, Charlotte said, ‘Once I found out that we were going to Sri Lanka I was inspired to learn about the country. Furthermore, it was going to be a once in a lifetime trip so I was keen to make an impact. Also, being captain of the hockey team, I felt like I had a responsibility to do something in addition to the group fundraising. Whilst learning about Sri Lanka I recognised some of the differences that children benefit from here in Scotland compared to the lifestyle of young people in rural Sri Lanka. Growing up in Edinburgh I have been fortunate to have had lots of opportunities at school, with sport, education etc. So this shines a light on the experiences I have benefited from when compared to what is available to young people in some other countries. I was also inspired by the charity’s emphasis on sport as it resonates with my love of sport and being active.’
‘It is rare that someone of your age group will dedicate so much time and effort, especially unasked, towards such a humanitarian initiative which is hard to beat and priceless. The initiative shown by you in driving forward this compassionate act is of significant value and the wholesome deed is most noble especially to enrich humanity for the betterment of those in desperate circumstances.’ said Kushil Gunaseker Founder and Chief Trustee of Foundation of Goodness speaking of Charlotte’s initiative in helping raise funds for FoG.
Encouraging other young people to lend a helping hand to make the world a better place Charlotte advocated an innovative approach to fundraising activities, saying ‘I would really recommend thinking outside the box to try to find exciting ways to raise money for others. We all have lots of skills and it’s great to use them to help others. Everyone has something to offer.’
About Charlotte Drainer
Charlotte is a sixth year student at Trinity Academy. She loves sports and plays hockey for her school 1st XI and coaches younger players at the WIT hockey club. Charlotte also plays for their ladies teams. She has been a competitive swimmer since she was ten and this year was the captain of her club.
