One presbyterian congregation is taking it upon itself to help the fishing community in Sri Lanka. Bridlewood, Toronto, has launched the Sri Lanka Tsunami Fishing Boat Project in hopes of raising enough money to provide fishermen with new boats and nets, or repair old boats when possible. One well-equipped new boat costs about $5,000 Cdn.
"The concern is partly for people over there," said Jack Charleson, the project's coordinator, "but it's also to show the Sri Lankan community here that we care."
In Sri Lanka, government efforts to help fishermen has focused on those who had licenses to own a boat and fish certain areas. Small-scale fishermen, who borrow boats and equipment from others in order to feed their families, have been virtually left out of the government's aid efforts.
The tsunami destroyed or damaged about 100,000 fishing boats throughout South East Asia. Because a significant portion of Bridlewood's congregation is from Sri Lanka or has family there, the congregation devised the fishing boat initiative.
Charleson is clerk of session and a Bridlewood member of 34 years. He spearheaded the project. "I'm from a seafaring family and I thought about all the people who had lost their livelihood, and how that has impacted individuals, families and villages," said Charleson. He presented his idea to session, and they have been working on the project since February.
Bridlewood challenges individuals, congregations and businesses to support the fishing boat project. Donations over $10 are tax deductible, and the funds will be administered by Samaritan's Purse, whose Sri Lankan director has a daughter who attends Bridlewood. Toronto's Sri Lankan community is already starting showing interest. – AM
