Sri Lankan Summer Social – 2009 & 2010

Organizing and Executing a Successful Community Fundraising Event

Event Overview

Appreciation Award

Appreciation Award: A heartfelt moment during the event where I was honored with an appreciation award. I’m pictured carrying my daughter, Mariyam, as the guest awards the medal to her on my behalf. This symbolizes the personal and community-driven nature of the event, blending family and service.

From 2003 to 2008, I served as the Treasurer for the Association of Sri Lankan Muslims (ASLAM), a registered charity (Charity Number: 1137229) dedicated to social and community care services. In this role, I managed the organization’s finances, ensuring transparency and accountability while supporting initiatives that benefited the community.

In 2009, I was appointed as the Organizing Secretary for the Sri Lankan Summer Social and Fundraising event, a start-up initiative aimed at fostering community engagement and raising funds for underprivileged children's education. My responsibilities included conducting research, preparing key documents, and coordinating with team members to ensure the event’s success.

Through meticulous planning and teamwork, we raised £500 in the first year. The event’s success was recognized in 2010 with the attendance of MP Alok Sharma as the chief guest. Since its inception, the Sri Lankan Summer Social has become an annual tradition, strengthening community bonds and supporting noble causes.

Event Highlights

The 2010 event, organized by the Association of Sri Lankan Muslims (ASLAM), was held at the Reading Cricket Club in Sonning. It attracted around 300 members of the Sri Lankan community and featured:

The event extended into the evening, fostering cultural exchange and camaraderie. All proceeds supported a school for disabled children in eastern Sri Lanka.

Recognition and Impact

The event received media recognition, with Berkshire Live covering it under the headline "Cricketing Fun for Sri Lankan Community." The article highlighted the enthusiasm and dedication of organizers and attendees. ASLAM Secretary Lukman Harees aimed to surpass the previous fundraising total, further benefiting the charitable cause.

This initiative set a strong precedent for future community-driven events, demonstrating the power of teamwork and shared vision.

Photo Gallery

Media Coverage

"Cricketing Fun for Sri Lankan Community" – Berkshire Live

Berkshire Live featured the event, showcasing its community impact. Read the full article below:

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