Sri Lanka Donation Put to Good Use

By Mary Donovan

Last month Evan Page returned to Sri Lanka. His goal was to monitor progress made since the catastrophic tsunami of December 26, 2004. He was accompanied by Kathryn Hunter who succeeded Evan as president of the YMCA of Greater Worcester.

The Worcester YMCA has a sister city relationship with Negombo, a coastal community in Sri Lanka. Evan has made several trips to that country because of that relationship. Last year, St. Mary's Parish donated $14000 to add to the funding sent by the Greater Worcester YMCA to aid in the rebuilding in the Negombo area. The funds were divided between three recipients: the Negombo YMCA, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and Father Risario of St. Sebastian Church.

According to Evan, the donated funds enabled 60 fishermen to receive loans of $150 ($15,000 rupees). Once the interest free loans are paid back, the individual can borrow twice that amount. The micro loan program also distributed 30 loans of $150 to women who were starting businesses such as sewing, catering and raising of animals.

Evan said that Fr. Risario from St. Sebastian Church in Negombo sent his greetings and thanks to the parishioners at St. Mary's Parish in Shrewsbury. Through the parish donation and assistance from Catholic Charities, the YMCA, and other non-profit agencies, he has been able to construct 40 houses for members of his parish who lost their properties due to the tsunami. The cost of each home was $4,500 and families moved in on February 2, 2005. Needless to say the families are extremely grateful, he said, and send their prayers and blessings to everyone who helped them

"Their lives have been totally changed but they are happy to be alive and grateful for their new homes," he said.

The Sisters of the Good Shepherd also send thanks from all the sisters and 40 girls who now have repaired their kitchen and pantry which was damaged and falling into the lagoon.