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! 

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!