Abstract, a joint venture by the Interact Clubs of Royal College and Bishop’s College was held for the 17th consecutive year on June 17, at the Royal College Junior Grounds. The project commenced at 9 a.m. with the participation of 180 orphans from eight different orphanages. The project focused on treating children living under special circumstances to a day of fun and frolic.
The day kickstarted with breakfast served on the journey to Kelaniya. The kids were then taken on a fun filled adventure to the Water World Aquarium and Bird Park, in Kelaniya. It was both, an educational as well as, a fun filled experience. After coming back to the Royal College MAS arena, registration took place, mixing up the students from the different orphanages, especially, to develop teamwork, interaction and leadership skills. It paved the way for them to make new friends. Later on, they were escorted to Navarangahala and provided lunch packs, water bottles, drinks and cake.
Next, they engaged in a range of 15 games centered on Disney cartoons, including bouncers and a photo booth, where all the kids smiled and posed with their respective group leaders.
The day’s proceedings came to a close with a magic show, an entertainment show featuring Bathiya & Santhush, Randhir, Jerome, Rangana Herath, Watalappang and a dancing session which saw all the children along with the Interactors stand up and dance to their hearts’ content. It was an unforgettable experience, as some kids had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned personalities featured at the event.
At the time of departure, the organizing committee presented each orphan with a surprise hand-made gift pack, made just for that child by the committee members.
The organizing committee’s mission was to leave no stone unturned, assuring all 180 children, a day they would never forget. As the day came to an end, the mission was accomplished.
Abstract 2017 succeeded in raising the bar within the entire community service arena. This day may not have been a fairy tale, but it certainly had its ending of ‘Happily Ever After’.