Sampath Udasri
If you thought that the Invisible Youth Network advocated for street kids just in San Diego or even here in the United States, you were mistaken.
We are at work on the island of Sri Lanka half way around the world. One of our members, Sampath Udasri, has made it his life's mission to help bring supplies and a little hope to the homeless children there.
If you are not aware, there has been a civil war going on in Sri Lanka for the past twenty years, every bit as tragic as the ones in Africa. The Tiger Rebels are trying to take over the northern part of the country and are murdering the Sinhalese people in the area. Sampath is Sinhalese and has seen many of his friends die. This war has left many homeless, a great many of them children, often times with no parents. Sampath uses his spare money to buy supplies, toys and candy for these children.
In 2008, Sampath joined IYN and told us of his conviction to help these homeless kids. In his own words....
"Once I was playing at a game zone with my friends, while on a break, I saw through the glass, on the other side of that shopping complex... there was a group of little street kids, who are awaiting to see a couple who finishing their meal and their leave. After they left, instantly that group came inside and ate remnant of that couple... and that moment was a very sensitive one for me and my mood to play was vanished... after that we went to the other side and called the kids... they were afraid and they ran... but we just wanted to buy some meals for them... and we call them softly and they finally came... we were the waiters for them and they were sat on the table... and we serve them, while seeing their shy and joyful faces... finally we did something that we never forget in our lives... they didn't cry... but they were so thankful and joyful as we serve them and bought them food... and that moment change my life to think about street kids who rejected from the world of wonders... so every time as possible I helped them when I met... and this is a chance for you to join with me, if you like... I don't ask money... if you have some used stuff of your kids, you think useful for street kids live in SRI LANKA, please send those."
Soon after this post, IYN members began to respond. Christopher Everson sent the first box of supplies and goodies for the kids. Then Kim Smith decided to get involved and presented Sampath's story to his church, St. John's-Grace Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY. They have since become one of our partner organizations. The members there brought supplies and money for shipment to be delivered to Sampath as well as some of Russell's kids in San Diego. Christopher has also sent a second package. Sampath is an example of how a pebble thrown into the lake can have rippling effects beyond our imagination.
I want to note that Sampath not only sacrifices his money but as a Sinhalese himself is risking his life for these kids by helping them. And his giving does not stop there. He has sent delightful thank you gifts to all who have supported him. He is currently working on what he calls "Can You Help Them, Phase II." Sampath is not only a very caring and compassionate young man, but he has a wonderful sense of humor. We at the Invisible Youth Network are proud to call him our friend and are privileged to help him in his mission.
Find Sampath & Angels for Street Kids @ FaceBook
Pictures from Sri Lanka:
Clymore Attack
Sri Lanka Children
Sri Lanka Child
Care Package for Sri Lanka Children
Do you want to reach-out and help Sampath Udasri help these children? E-mail Sampath and find out how you can help.
sampathgood@yahoo.com
If you would Like to make a donation by credit card, please do so here!
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