The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has taken upon itself to care for a group of children who do not have the opportunity of a normal joyful childhood in a more meaningful and a thoughtful way through the ‘Apeksha Dalwana Sithuwam Dakma’, art exhibition, on World Children’s Day.
The prime objective of the bank was to bring some happiness and excitement that every child should experience. For children, art is one of the best modes to communicate their joy, excitement or sorrow and at the same time enjoying doing so.
“The idea was generated as the bank organised the ‘Little Picasso’ art competition for the children in the whole country to mark the Bank’s 78th anniversary.
It was observed that there are children who do not have the privilege of enjoying even the simplest things in life as a child simply because of a life-threatening illness such as cancer. Understanding the need to bring some ray of hope and joy of living to these little hearts and encouraging them to look at the brighter side of life the Bank decided to organize an art exhibition giving them every possible comfort to engage in this enjoyable task,” said the Deputy General Manager Sales and Channel Management, Senarath Bandara.
The bank firstly brought them a stationery pack, containing drawing papers, colour boxes and other equipment needed to draw a picture which was later collected to be exhibited at the Apeksha Hospital Children’s Ward, play area.
The exhibition and the Children’s Day celebration took place on October 1in line with the World Children’s Day, for all the children who will be present at the Apeksha Hospital to enjoy.
Several entertainment programs took place for children to have fun, whilst proudly enjoying their own paintings that were on display at the exhibition. Further the Bank presented a toy to every child being treated at the hospital. Since October 1 is a significant day for children and elders alike, the Bank of Ceylon with the Apeksha Hospital arranged a lunch for all patients in the hospital on this day. Apart from events such as these, the Bank has constructed and also maintains three floors of the children’s ward and conducts these types of activities from time to time.
Children’s Day celebrations did not simply stop at the ‘Apeksha Hospital- CSR Activity’ on this day. The Bank teamed up with the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation as one of the sponsors to the event that took place at the Independence Square.
The event was filled with fun games and activities for children to enjoy. The bank too organized several games for the children to take part and win gifts.