Media Release - Aussie Mums on Family Day

Wednesday 9 March 2005

AUSSIE MUMS LAUNCH FOUNDATION
TO BUILD AN ORPHANAGE IN SRI LANKA

Over fifteen mothers from across Australia will launch the Light of Lanka Foundation and kick off its fundraising efforts to build an orphanage, by hosting a gala Family Day on Sunday, 17 April 2005 at Collingwood Children's Farm, Abbotsford, Victoria from 10am - 4pm.

The Light of Lanka Foundation was established in January 2005 as a result of mother of three, Needra Doyle's inspiring trip to Sri Lanka just three days after the tsunami to work as a volunteer. After sharing her experiences via emails to friends at home, a group were motivated to form a committee to assist some of the hundreds of orphaned children.

Whilst in Sri Lanka, 33 year old (Melbourne based) Needra was overwhelmed by what she saw and described the effects of the tsunami like that of a war zone. She said; "It felt like I was in another world. The whole experience was surreal, which I am sure is related to the shock of what you are seeing. I could not absorb the extent of devastation and destruction.

"One of the good things to come out of the disaster is the number of people that have been brought together to try and do something to help others. The majority of us being mothers, have been so touched and affected by the destruction caused to so many young lives, that we have now been given the opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and do something to make a difference for some of the children over the next few years."

Light of Lanka Foundation aims to assist orphans of the tsunami and disadvantaged children in the Southern region of Sri Lanka. The Foundation will initially focus on constructing an orphanage in partnership with a respected not for profit Sri Lankan organisation and has a long term goal of continuing to support children by providing funding for key programs such as health, education, emotional counselling and fostering.

The FAMILY DAY will feature market stalls, activities for children provided by Camp Australia, prizes and giveaways, face painting, raffles, entertainment and a variety of food and other interest stalls. To book tickets phone GreenTix on 1300 369 882 or go to www.greentix.com.au

Entry Price
Adults $15.00
Concession & Children $10.00 (under 2yrs free)

Ticket price includes activities such as:
* Hay rides, pony rides & interactive farm activities
* Face painting
* Badge & mask making, plaster mould painting
* Camp Australia Giant earthball challenge, soccer /basketball shootout and tennis radar
* Camp Australia wacky relays and races
* Free giveaways and prizes
* Musical Entertainment for the young and old

For further information contact:
Emma Slade
Tel: 0412 312 888 / 02 9440 7731

Needra Doyle
Tel: 0412 179313

Light of Lanka Foundation
208/370 St. Kilda Road
Melbourne Victoria Australia 3004
t +61 3 9690 4788 f +61 3 9690 4977 e info@lightoflanka.org
www.lightoflanka.org