National Disaster Management Centre hit for six over cricket gear aid to the Maldives

Republic of Maldives, is an island nation consisting of a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives is located about seven hundred kilometres (435 miles) south-west of Sri Lanka. The Maldives' twenty-six atolls encompass 1,192 islets, roughly two hundred of which are inhabited by local communities. This nation was hugely affected by the tsunami caused by the earth quake off Indonesia, December 26, 2004.

In July 2007, in conjunction with a New Zealand engineering firm, The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles Humanitarian Service was able to send over $750 worth of Cricket gear to the Maldives.

These items were sent to the National Disaster Management Centre, Laamu Gan project. This is part of a combined tsunami response and population consolidation project, constructing some 240 houses, electrification, community centre, sports centre, sewage system, pre schools, and a regional hospital.

Excerpt from a thank you letter to The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles Humanitarian Service dated January 20, 2008 from the National Disaster Management Centre.

“… there has been a real effort by the French Red Cross and this office to improve morale and living conditions on the island. It was a real stroke of luck when I arrived in August a plan had already been formed to reserve an area of the island for weekly cricket matches for the workers, who generally come from a very strong cricket culture. Hence the cricket gear you provided on behalf of The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles Organisation was flown down to the island and put to immediate use. I am confident and happy to report that your donation has helped to achieve the aims and purpose of your organisation by improving the lives of migrant labour in the Maldives. Once again, thank you very much for your support and generous gift.”

From the Project Manager
National Disaster Management
Centre Republic of Maldives

The opportunity to send aid to a remote part of the world, from a remote part of the world is truly indicative of a oneness-world. This New Zealand firm had business in the Maldives and was willing to transport the aid free of charge, a testimony to the spirit of giving and dedication from those people who are prepared to help. We are grateful to all those people who do their part to ensure the aid goes to those in need.