Our History
FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS
In 1982, the Eighty Club Melbourne began its charitable work in Sri Lanka. Today the work continues - it has progressed from helping 25 beneficiaries with a pension of Rs.70/- a month; to helping 200 families (young and old) - with a welfare benefit ranging from Rs3000/- for singles to Rs.9000/- for families, per month. Membership, which started with a small group of 18 friends meeting in private homes, has risen to over 600 from all over Australia, with a few from USA, England and Canada. Benefits are provided to Burghers in Sri Lanka or Burghers married to persons of any other race.
The Club aims to improve the employability of the community which has one of the highest rates of unemployment in S.L. 140 sponsored students receive a monthly allowance of Rs.900/- to Rs.2000/- while in school and Rs.4000/- at university. An allowance is paid for the purchase of books; bilingual dictionaries are available to students at the age of 10 yrs. In Batticaloa, after the tsunami for example; bicycles, desks and lamps were provided. Under the Post Secondary Education & Training Program fees are paid for students who have finished schooling and wish to qualify in a trade. Several courses cost in excess of Rs.10,000/- and would have been beyond the reach of many students if not for the Club.Sponsors contribute $15-$20/- per month depending on the level at which the student is being educated. One-off contributions to the sponsorship and /or vocational training programs are solicited from anyone with an interest in improving the employability of youth in the community. Information about the Student Sponsorship Program is available on this website. The Social Service Fund of the Dutch Burgher Union, a registered charity distributes beneficiary payments in Sri Lanka.
The DBU is responsible for:
1. Making quarterly payments to pensioners and, the parents or guardians of children.
2. Providing receipts and accounts.
3.Investigating applications and recommending payment of allowances and sponsorship.
4. Making emergency one-off relief payments to those in distress from the Emergency Imprest maintained by this Club.
The Club will be happy to arrange for members when holidaying in Sri Lanka to visit the DBU on pension payment day, or will arrange for meeting with sponsored children at the DBU. This gives members an opportunity to see charity at work and acquaint themselves with the extent of the problems of one of the poorest communities in Sri Lanka. Over the years many of our members, general and Committee has seen the distribution system at work.
Should you wish to join in caring for these beneficiaries (many others are still on the waiting list); the cost of membership, which has not changed since 1982, is only $2.50 per month for a single person or family, payable yearly in July. Membership dues are not tax deductible but the Club is exempt from paying income tax. The local cost of administering most international charities exceeds 60% of collections; our cost is less than 8%. This includes the cost of printing, publishing and distributing an informative quarterly Newsletter to all members.
The poor of the community need your charity. We will help you to reach them and bring to you the fellowship of our Club. If you need more information on how you can help, please do Contact us and we will be only too happy to assist you in every way we can. Should you and your family, relative, friend or associate wish to become a member, please contact the Membership Secretary .
Thank you for reading this summary.
"The best and more beautiful things in the world
Cannot be seen or even touched;
They must be felt with the heart"
- Helen Keller -
The Management and Fundraising Committee
25th Anniversary Celebration - September 2007
