Light Up A Life

By Rtr. Zaafir Reyaz 

If there is one cause that every man and woman breathing should support, it is the conscious embracement of diversity. A future paradigm crucial to the preservation of mankind. A mantra supporting equal rights for all people. A shift of mind that will make you a happier, better person. Each and every one of us is unique in our own way, and this uniqueness comes in its many forms. These differences can be in terms of intellectuality, culture, socioeconomics, religion, family and so on. Among the more shunned-away group of people are the disabled, handicapped and mentally challenged. 

It is wrong to say that people falling under this category do not contribute to society to a great extent. Stephen Hawking has arguably contributed more than a lot of non-disabled people out there. The same could be said for Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ralph Braun and Stevie Wonder. It is also wrong to treat these people any less. They should undoubtedly be treated differently, but with a great deal more love and care. Which is why the "Light Up a Life" project was held with the goal to show these kids that they are loved and wanted, and to enlighten the public that these children need to have a normal education and live a happy life. 

"Light Up a Life" was held on the 25th of November 2017 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Auditorium from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. This project was hosted by our parent club, the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency alongwith us, the Rotaract Club of the College of Chemical Club and our sister club, the Rotaract Club of Colombo Regency. We adopted a Christmas theme and invited Ronny Leach to host a concert for the differently abled kids from 4 homes, which was sponsored by our parent club. In spite of their disabilities, these children danced and sang along to the music and it was truly beautiful to see. Towards the end, a Rotarian in a Santa Claus outfit arrived and gave away chocolates and sweets to the children from his red sack. Upon the departure, the children were given presents, which included refreshments, books and other stationary.

This event, held in collaboration with these 3 clubs was a success and that day was a beautiful and heart-warming one, which will be remembered and treasured, not only by the kids, but by us as well.