Monday, 25 January 2016

D-Day is here

D is for departure today...

We are all packed, checked in and ready for take off at Abu Dhabi Airport.

We are beyond excited to finally meet Naomi and all the little ones at the Kalamusu Kadella Children’s Home in Sri Lanka. 

A huge shout out to Etihad for generously sponsoring our tickets to Colombo. Thank you! 

Jorge, Judith and Rui ready for departure at Abu Dhabi Airport

Grateful to our generous sponsor, Etihad for supporting our trip 

Well... We can probably fit a toothbrush in here... Our luggage is full of surprises for children.

Monday, 18 January 2016

Ready for take off

Hotel team to visit Sri Lanka in January 

Rui, Jorge and Judith will be bringing the hotel's good wishes to Sri Lanka 
Since the construction is now close to completion, three members of Sheraton Abu Dhabi’s team will travel to the Kalutara region from the 25th of January for a week to assist with the final touches.
We will also provide school supplies, clothes, arts & crafts, toys and everyday necessities to the children.
Rui Maroto from Portugal, Jorge Guisasola from Spain and Judith Pasztor Duffy from Hungary will be bringing Abu Dhabi’s well-wishes to the children.

Follow our team’s blog here for daily updates about their travels and experiences.

Sunday, 17 January 2016

Finishing touches

Last week of construction 

We have just received news from the home in Sri Lanka that the construction is now in its final week.
Only a few finishing touches left to complete and the room will be ready for the children.
Since the construction is now close to completion, three members of our hotel team will travel to Kalutara to meet the children from the 25th of January for a week.
We are counting the days...
Creating a space where the children can spend time together
The facility houses over 50 boys and girls

Sunday, 6 December 2015

Close to completion

Interior work has started 

Due to circumstances out of our control, construction was halted for a number of months. As of November 2015 however we are delighted to confirm that we are back on track and construction continues on the new dining & community hall.  The builders are currently working on the flooring of the room.
We estimate to finish the project by January 2016. The same time a small team from Sheraton Abu Dhabi is planning to visit the home personally. We cannot wait to see the completed building and finally meet the children!

Flooring is being put in place 


Monday, 20 April 2015

Finish line in sight

Dining hall roof is completed

We have received some great news from Naomi and the team: the dining hall nears completion as the roof of the building is now in place.

As the final steps of the construction, interior works will commence soon with the flooring of the hall.

We are all very exited to see the finished construction!

Construction continues 

Monday, 13 April 2015

Friends in need

Charity markets raise AED 70.000

Our popular charity flea market held recently at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort proved to be another success story raising an additional AED 22.000 for our charity fund of AED 70.000 (approximately USD 19.000).

Sold out market raises AED 22.000
The event showcased 90 private exhibitors selling pre-loved items from their homes and welcomed hundreds of visitors looking for the best bargains.

We would like to thank all our exhibitors and visitors for their continued support and generous contributions.

The exact date of the next charity flea market will be announced soon. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, contact Sabine.Farah@Sheraton.com


Thank you to all our contributors 
If you wish to make contributions to the home directly, you can do so by using the following account:

Name of account: People for Care and Learning Society

Account no: 0050-02359328-001

SWIFT code: SEYBLKLX

Address: Seylan Bank, Galle Road, Panadura

Three members of the hotel’s management team are in the process of arranging a sponsored trip to Kalutara to personally bring Abu Dhabi’s well wishes to the children.  

Wednesday, 18 March 2015

The treasure hunt begins

The charity bazaar returns 

Join us for a fun filled day to sell and buy pre-loved goods this weekend! 

The main source of our charity fund at Sheraton Abu Dhabi is our regular flea market that takes place in Arzanah ballroom.

Sell & buy pre-loved goods 
Exhibitors can sell unwanted items from their home (for example clothing, electronics, small furniture, kids’ toys), while bargain hunters can stroll through the market to look for the best opportunities. 

All funds collected from the table hire will support children living in difficult circumstances - this year we are sponsoring the Kalamusu Kedella Children’s Home in the Kalutara region of Sri Lanka.

Look for the best bargains in town 





Charity flea market 
Saturday 21st of March 2015
9am – 2pm
Visitors can enter free of charge.
Exhibitor tables are still available for AED 285 each.
Contact Sabine.Farah@Sheraton.com or call 02 677 3333. 

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

Wall to wall

Great progress made on the construction 


Another month has gone by and we are delighted to see that great progress is being made on the dining hall.

The walls of the hall are now standing 
Well done to Naomi and the team! Not only are they looking after 52 children but project manage a construction site at the same time. No small feat... 


Grey clouds but great spirits - construction is progressing 

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!