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Surplus goods find new home in Sri Lankan hospitals

on Monday, July 14, 2014

A Victorian not-for-profit aged care provider has donated all their surplus goods and furniture to hospitals in remote and disadvantaged areas of Sri Lanka.

Earlier this month, staff and volunteers at Benetas Hurlingham respite community committed five hours to cleaning and sorting over 60 items to donate to the Mahamevnawa Mediation Centre Melbourne.

The beds, furniture, wheelchairs and walking frames have now been shipped to hospitals and aged care centres in remote and rural regions of Sri Lanka.

Visiting monks from the meditation centre came to bless the equipment before sending it out.

Benetas regional manager for community services Leonie Price said some of the hospitals are the only health facility within a 200 kilometre radius.

“We are providing a level of support to people who wouldn’t normally be able to access it,” Ms Price said.

“As a not-for-profit, we’ve got a social investment to make.”

Ms Price said the items accumulate when residents move on or pass away, because the families no longer have use for them.

“This has enabled us to provide assistance where assistance was needed.”

Benetas Hurlingham centre coordinator Pauline Alvarez said the organisation prides itself on being a community leader and advocate for older people.

“I think it’s a terrific idea and a great way to bridge the geographical distance with a simple act of kindness,” Ms Avarez said. 

Image: Benetas Hurlingham centre coordinator Pauline Alvarez outside the respite community. CREDIT: JUSTIN KANN.

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