Come Join TRAIL 2016 and help us raise LKR 735 Million for a Cancer Hospital in the South

As the walkers complete 20 days of their journey to the South of Sri Lanka amidst the scorching heat, heavy rain, slippery roads, blistering feet and body aches all in the name of humanity, the amazing team of Trail Blazers along with many volunteers who support the cause reached Colombo on Tuesday 25th of October 2016. The walkers completed 474 Km up until Galle Face Green and will follow through the journey of another 196 Km until they reach Dondra Head on the 2nd of November 2016.

Mapping the North to the South, they are walking to raise USD 5 Million (An approximate value of LKR 735 Million) to build a new cancer unit at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle. The 28 day walk from Point Pedro in Jaffna to Dondra Head in Matara has now reached Colombo. According to the official Trail website, approximately USD 1.9 Million (LKR 279 Million) has already been raised, while over 6348 donors and 2158 walkers having registered for the event thus far. The Sri Lankan Government has pledged to match every dollar raised through this initiative.

(Caption from Left – Sarinda, Mahela and Nathan)

Sarinda Unamboowe and Nathan Sivagananathan commented, “It is humbling to see people from all walks of life eagerly contributing to our cause. Along the route thus far, we have collected over LKR. 8 Million. A small donation of even LKR 100, makes a huge difference to the contribution. As a united Sri Lanka, we can heal our nation one step at a time.”

(Caption from Left – Christina and Mahela)

Mahela and Christina Jayawardena commented, “One of the highlights for us was a little girl and her family who donated a large portion of their savings. They were eagerly waiting for me to pass their house and when we stopped by, they were so happy to see all of us and make their contribution to Trail. It is amazing to see so many people who believe in this cause as much as we do and give so generously despite not having a very large income.”

(Caption from Left – Ikram and Aman)

Aman Ashraff commented, “Seeing so many people taking the time off to commit and participate in such a noble cause was unbelievable, especially in Jaffna. The kindness, support and encouragement shown by the locals towards every person who walked was so heartfelt. It was a true sign of hope. It proved beyond measure that Sri Lankans truly are one!”

(Caption from Left – Mahela and Saroj)

Saroj Somarathne commented, “It finally rained on Day 17, as we walked from Dampalassa to Pannala. The rainy weather was a welcome reprieve from the heat of the past 17 days, and everyone had an enjoyable walk. Rain or shine, the support from onlookers, sponsors and walkers cheering each other on is a constant characteristic of Trail. We have come to expect this kind of support by now because we have seen firsthand the generosity and kindness that all Sri Lankans have regardless of race, geographical location or background.”

(Caption from Left – Tanisha)
Tanisha Panditharatne commented, “Throughout this walk we have often met fellow Sri Lankans who have battled cancer themselves, and although they may not have enough income to donate, they make sure to give us whatever they can. It is heart-warming to see the selflessness and generosity of our people and it motivates us to keep walking. This is why we Trail.”