Sunday, 1 February 2015

Work in progress

Construction begins on the new dining hall 

We have received some exiting news from our friends in Sri Lanka. Work has begun on the construction of the new dining hall. 

We will keep you posted on developments. 

Site of the new dining room - adjoining the kitchen 

Drawing of the the new dining hall 

The foundations are laid 

Work has begun 
Solid foundations 

Friday, 2 January 2015

Warm, connected, community

How can we help? 


Children are eating their meals sitting on the kitchen floor
The young residents of Kalamusu Kedella Home are looked after by a handful of dedicated and wonderful people – among them is Naomi, who acts as a surrogate mother for the children.


We had a number of long chats with Naomi to see how best we can assist their everyday needs as well as helping them with their long-term plans.


With the contribution of a generous American donor, they were able to build a new kitchen recently, but there was no money left to complete the planned dining hall. 



No opportunity to sit around a table like most families do 
“Children are eating on the floor so they do not have the opportunity to learn good table-manners or hygiene habits.” – says Naomi.


“We would like to create a space for our children where they can all gather as a family. A place where they can settle down in the evenings, where they can read, play and come together as a community.”


Working in the hospitality industry, our team at Sheraton Abu Dhabi knows all too well how important it is for families to have spaces where they can enjoy a good meal and a nice conversation. 


Building a new dining hall for the children
We are very excited about the prospect of assisting the Kalamusu Kedella Home to build a new dining room and community space for the children.



Let’s get this project underway! 

Tuesday, 16 December 2014

Joy to the world

Christmas time is coming 

Santa's little helpers 
What's in the box?
In the season of goodwill, we have been busy packing festive gifts for our little friends in Sri Lanka.

When young residents of the Kalamusu Kedella Home will wake up on Christmas Day, they will find an array of Crayola colouring books, crayons, pencils and other arts & crafts under the tree.


“On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, it is important to remember that the effects of that frightful day are still felt in countries such as Sri Lanka.


While based on their religion, some of the children may not be celebrating Christmas, we are in agreement with their carers that the children welcome any occasion that brings joy into their lives.” – said Martin Cramer, our general manager recently.

Colours of the world 

We would like to thank our generous partner sponsors! The gifts were very kindly donated by World Wide Traders F.Z.C, UAE representatives of the Crayola brand.


Santa’s journey to Sri Lanka was generously helped by TNT Express, one of the world’s largest express delivery companies.



Saturday, 1 November 2014

Doing the right thing

Our charity projects continue 


52 boys & girls call Kalamusu Kedella their home


The team at Sheraton Abu Dhabi organises a charity trip each year to assist children in need in a developing country. 


The initiative started in 2012 when we collaborated with the "Glorious Orphanage" in Arusha, Tanzania.


In 2013, our team visited the "Impoverished Children" in Kibera, Kenya.





You can read all about their adventures in the mission's dedicated blog: www.kiberacharity2013.blogspot.ae


Our upcoming fundraising efforts will support the Kalamusu Kedella Children’s Home in the Kalutara region of Sri Lanka. 


The facility houses 52 boys and girls between the ages of 5 – 17. 


The home initially was built to care for children who lost their families in the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, later continued the work with children affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse and abandonment.

The home is about 40 km from the capital, Colombo
Since there are limited number of state children homes in Sri Lanka, privately funded facilities are stepping up to take care of vulnerable children.


Naomi, Nelum and all the children at Kalamusu Kedella - we can't wait to get to know you better!