Our ride starts on Monday 12th Sept 2016

About St Anthony's Home

St Anthony's was established in 2008 to care for orphans and underprivileged boys in Sri Lanka. Situated in rural Hewadiwella, about 44km from Kandy in the foothills of the mountains, it is managed by Kathleen Keegel Children's Fund (KKCF), a grass-roots charity based in Australia.

Currently there are 38 boys living at St Anthony's while attending local schools. Some of these children have suffered abuse or neglect, and many have limited prior education. Despite this disadvantage, four boys have recently completed school and are now receiving vocational training near Colombo where they are given an opportunity to learn a number of different trades and technical skills. On the completion of the course, they will have a properly recognized trade qualification which will greatly increase their chances of securing gainful employment, and both financial and social independence.

But what about the girls?

It has long been a goal of KKCF to provide a separate home for underprivileged and ‘at risk’ girls. Partially derelict buildings on the existing premises have recently been renovated and expanded, and in March this year the new Girls’ Home was officially opened. 10 girls now live at the Girls' Home while attending the local school. One of these girls is endeavouring to complete A levels – quite an achievement for a girl from such an disadvantaged background.

With the expanded facilities, extra staff are required to help with the care and education of nearly 50 children. KKCF now employs 15 people directly through their involvement in St Anthony’s. While this has created employment opportunities for the locals who desperately need work and skills training, it has also increased staffing costs. Additional food, clothing, school materials and medical costs have also placed increasing demands on day to day operating costs. Without a significant boost in funding the long-term future of St Anthony's is uncertain.

Here’s what we’re doing

When we first visited St Anthony's Home in 2013 we were very moved to learn the stories of some of these kids. Almost everything we take for granted in Australia is beyond their dreams. KKCF are working hard to provide opportunities and hope for them by providing a safe home, access to education and vocational training. St Anthony's is funded entirely through private donations or fundraising activities such as ours.

In September Herve and I will attempt to cycle 1000kms around Sri Lanka to raise awareness and desperately needed funds for St Anthony's Home. We will be riding unsupported on mountain bikes, carrying all our gear, through very challenging terrain and conditions, often on roads riddled with potholes.

Our three-week journey starts in Negombo on the west coast, heading north to Puttulam. From there we turn inland to the ancient inland city of Anuradhapura, on our way to Nilaveli on the east coast. Then we will travel south to Kalkudah Bay, and inland to Mahiyangana in the foothills of the mountains. At this point the terrain will become very challenging as we climb up to Ella and eventually descend into Thanjantenna where KKCF runs an agricultural project providing vocational training for young school leavers. The final stages will take us south through the Udawala National Park to Mirissa and Bentota on the south coast, inland to Avissawella and finally arriving at St Anthony’s near Rambukkana. Updates and details of our progress will be posted on Facebook.

Please help push us toward our goal

There will be some stiff headwinds and tough climbs ahead of us. We need your support - please get behind us and help us achieve our ultimate goal - to raise at least $10,000 for St Anthony's Home so KKCF can continue providing a safe home, meals, care, education and hope for otherwise destitute boys and girls. It costs on average roughly $100 per child per month to do this.

On behalf of KKCF and the children of St Anthony’s, we would greatly appreciate any contribution, big or small. Please indicate if you wish your donation to be tax deductible. And please spread the word through your network of friends and families if they could donate too.

You can read more about KKCF and the wonderful work that they do caring for destitute children at www.kkcf.org.

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