Alert 9.0: Third Phase (සුව ස්නේහ)

Alert 9.0: Third Phase (සුව ස්නේහ)

Healing Beyond Boundaries, Giving Beyond Limits

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

With hearts full of purpose and a vision driven by impact, Leo Club of University of Colombo proudly concludes the third and final phase of Alert 9.0, under the theme “සුව ස්නේහ.” This phase stands as a testament to what meaningful service truly looks like,where support meets action, and where giving is guided by genuine need. At its core, this initiative is dedicated to empowering young fighters, true little heroes who battle one of life’s toughest challenges with extraordinary strength. They do not seek sympathy, but rather the right support to continue their fight with courage and determination.

 Initiative 01: Sustainable Gift Packs with Purpose

The first initiative of this phase focused on supporting the parents and children battling cancer at Indira Cancer Trust. With a deep understanding of their daily realities, our team curated 20 carefully designed gift packs, each valued at over LKR 5,000, totalling more than LKR 100,000.

These were not ordinary donations; they were carefully designed solutions. Each item was selected with intention, practicality, and long-term value in mind. The packs included essentials such as a single bedsheet, cotton towel, stainless steel lunchbox, premium flask, glass mug, toiletries including Dettol and baby soap, toothbrushes for both children and adults, sanitary napkins, coffee packets, and small additions like puzzles and notebooks for the children.

Every item carried purpose. The stainless-steel lunchbox was chosen over plastic to ensure safer food storage without harmful health effects, while also maintaining warmth. Items like flasks, towels, bedsheets, and mugs were selected for their long-term usability not just during hospital stays, but also in daily life making the entire initiative sustainable and meaningful beyond the moment.

A particularly impactful addition was the baby toothbrush. Based on insights from paediatric oncology professionals, maintaining oral hygiene is critical for children undergoing cancer treatment, as even minor infections can become life-threatening. Encouraging regular brushing even after every meal or snack was a small yet significant step in supporting their health and recovery.

Through this initiative, we supported 20 families, directly benefiting 40 parents and 20 children, not just through items, but through thoughtful and purposeful care.

Initiative 02: Donating Life-Saving Medicines

Understanding that real support goes beyond comfort and directly contributes to recovery, the second initiative focused on providing essential medicines required for treatment.

As responsible Leos, we gave special attention to this effort, recognizing that access to the right medicine is a crucial part of a child’s fight against cancer. Accordingly, we donated urgently required medicines to the Apeksha Hospital, through its medicine donation unit serving the paediatric cancer wards.

These medicines, directly requested by paediatric oncologists, included Voriconazole 200mg tablets (276 units) and Paloncetrone 50mg injections (200 vials) both vital in the treatment and recovery process of young patients. The total value of this donation amounted to approximately LKR 250,000.

“Strength does not come from what we can do easily, but from overcoming what we once thought impossible.”

Through this initiative, we aimed to stand beside these little heroes in their fight providing the support they need to overcome the challenges they face. Each medicine donated represents more than value it represents strength, resilience, and a step closer to victory.

A Journey of Strength and Impact

With the successful completion of both initiatives, Alert 9.0: Third Initiative, Third Phase marks the conclusion of a truly impactful journey.This project reflects the power of purposeful service where every effort was driven by the intention to create real impact. More than the numbers, it is the strength of the children, the resilience of their families, and the hope that continues to shine through them that define the success of this project.

As we conclude this chapter, we move forward inspired not by what we gave, but by the courage we witnessed. A reminder that true heroes are not defined by size or age, but by the battles they fight every single day, because in the end,They are the fighters, and we are here to stand with them.