"ජීව ධාරා" Blood Donation Campaign

In response to the growing need for blood in the Gampaha region, the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro organized a blood donation campaign on December 7, 2024, aiming to engage youth and address critical healthcare shortages. The initiative sought to support local hospitals by collecting blood for emergencies, surgeries, and patients with chronic illnesses, especially those needing rare blood types. Alongside the donation drive, the project included health screenings and an awareness program to educate the community on the importance of regular blood donations. Planning involved site visits, direct collaboration with medical institutions, and mobilizing volunteers to ensure a well-organized and impactful event. 

This project aimed to empower rural youth by providing practical career and educational guidance to help them identify their strengths, set achievable goals, and build essential skills for long-term success. Through tools like the Career Key Test and support for G.C.E. O/L preparation, participants explored suitable academic and vocational pathways, including alternatives for those unable to complete traditional exams. The initiative also included leadership development activities that enhanced communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills. Data for the project was collected through collaboration with local government officials and community representatives to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

The "Athwela Unbound" project aimed to uplift underprivileged students, including street children, by providing them with educational resources, personalized academic support, and mentorship. It focused on children from a home in Gampaha, offering lessons in core subjects, exam preparation, and basic literacy for younger students. The project addressed key issues such as the lack of access to quality education, life skills training, and support for O/L and A/L exam stress. It also included seminars, workshops, and life skills sessions to prepare students for both academic and real-world challenges. Local resources such as schools, volunteers, and educational professionals were utilized to maximize the project's impact. Data was gathered from previous project committees, probation officers, and local children's homes to assess needs and ensure the program’s effectiveness. 

The Leo Club of Gampaha Metro, The Leo Club of Gampaha Metro Juniors, in collaboration with the Lions Club of Gampaha Metro, carried out a project aimed at supporting residents in a low-income area of Gampaha who were affected by recent floods. The objective was to combat the rise in flood-related illnesses caused by exposure to contaminated water, which often led to gastrointestinal and skin infections due to poor hygiene practices. Many of the residents lacked access to basic sanitary products, making them more vulnerable to disease. In response, the project involved distributing bottles of hand sanitiser to promote proper hygiene and reduce the risk of illness. The initiative was supported by community businesses that provided bottles and label printing at discounted rates, and both Leo clubs actively participated in preparing and distributing the sanitisers. The need for the project was identified through observations made by the Lions Club of Gampaha Metro, which highlighted the community’s vulnerability and lack of resources in the aftermath of the floods. 

This project was designed to provide children at a children’s home with a safe, creative outlet to manage stress and express their emotions through art and music therapy, while also raising awareness in the broader community. The initiative targeted children who often experienced academic pressure and personal struggles without having healthy ways to process their emotions, leading to anxiety and emotional difficulties. By offering activities like drawing, painting, and simple musical sessions, supported by volunteers and accessible materials, the project aimed to boost the children’s emotional well-being and build inner resilience. It also sought to educate caregivers and the public on the benefits of such therapies by distributing easy-to-understand flyers and collecting feedback to tailor the project to real community needs. The awareness campaign not only helped identify those who would benefit most from the program but also ensured that the final version of the project would be shaped by genuine input. Information was gathered from individuals with psychological expertise and reliable online sources to create informative flyers, laying the foundation for a well-informed and community-focused initiative that could later be scaled and renamed for broader impact. 

This project was created to raise awareness about animal abuse, promote animal welfare, and support the protection of both stray dogs and wildlife through education and advocacy. The initiative addressed a clear community gap: the public’s limited understanding of animal rights and legal protections often leads to unintentional abuse and prevents effective intervention. To tackle this, the project launched an online awareness campaign using social media to educate people about ethical treatment, relevant laws, and how to report cruelty. Law undergraduates in the organizing club helped ensure the accuracy of legal content, while insights were also gathered from veterinarians, shelter staff, and volunteers to ground the campaign in practical realities. By making people more informed and confident to act, the campaign aimed to foster a more empathetic and proactive community that supports conservation efforts and contributes to ecological stability. The project not only empowered individuals to protect animals but also laid the foundation for stronger public backing for future wildlife protection actions, despite challenges in maintaining engagement throughout the campaign. 

This project, held at the beginning of the new Leoistic year, aimed to bring together prospects, members, and Leo-Lions to receive blessings for the year ahead by visiting local religious sites and conducting poojas. It served as both a spiritual and communal initiative, benefiting the members of the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro by fostering a sense of unity, renewal, and shared purpose. Recognizing the importance of spiritual grounding and social bonding, the project used sacred spaces like temples and churches to conduct ceremonies led by religious leaders, highlighting interfaith respect and community engagement. Beyond the rituals, it offered a valuable opportunity for members to build connections, enhance fellowship, and start the year with positive energy and collective motivation. The project chairperson and organizing committee coordinated the event by contacting religious institutions and gathering the necessary materials through calls and visits, ensuring a smooth and meaningful execution that aligned with both cultural tradition and organizational cohesion.

This project was designed to raise awareness about the mental health risks tied to excessive social media use, especially among youths aged 16 and above, while also equipping them with strategies to manage their digital consumption more mindfully. Recognizing the rise in anxiety, stress, and depression linked to unchecked social media engagement, the initiative addressed a critical gap in community awareness and education. It leveraged the Leo Club’s social media platforms to launch a digital awareness campaign, starting with a flyer titled "Protect Your Well-being from Social Media Stress," which offered practical tips for healthier online habits. The project also aimed to involve parents, educators, and mental health professionals as secondary beneficiaries, empowering them with insights to support young people’s digital well-being. By involving Leo members skilled in graphic design and collaborating with mental health experts for webinars, the project ensured both visual appeal and informational accuracy. The online nature of the campaign allowed it to be cost-effective and scalable, making it an ideal approach for reaching a broad audience. Feedback was gathered via online surveys and social media interactions to refine the campaign and ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in promoting mental well-being.

The "Mastering Time" project aimed to address the critical need for effective time management within the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro, focusing specifically on improving punctuality and prioritization. This initiative sought to empower members to become more reliable, efficient leaders, thereby fostering a more organized and proactive community. In an era where poor time management can lead to missed opportunities and stress, especially for young leaders juggling multiple commitments, this project served to develop skills in prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively. Through practical application in club activities, such as using the Eisenhower Matrix to determine task urgency, members were encouraged to adopt a disciplined approach to time management. The project not only benefited individual members by improving their time management skills but also had a ripple effect on the club, ensuring more efficient execution of service projects. Data collection was done through pre- and post-workshop surveys, which helped track participants’ progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the project had a lasting impact on the leadership and productivity of the members. 

The Field Trip Snack Pack Distribution project was designed to support approximately 90 students, teachers, and guardians from CP/GP Paragala Sinhala Vidyalaya during their educational field trip to Colombo on July 19, 2024. Recognizing the challenges rural students face when accessing nutritious food during travel, this project aimed to provide balanced snack packs—each containing a roll, cutlet, sandwich, and milk packet—to ensure participants remained energized and focused throughout their learning experience.

This initiative directly addressed the community's need for accessible and healthy nutrition during educational outings, especially for primary-level students unaccustomed to urban food environments. By alleviating the distraction of hunger and ensuring all students had equal access to refreshments, the project fostered an inclusive and enriching trip experience.

Organized jointly by the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro and the Lions Club of Gampaha Metro, the project also created a meaningful service opportunity for members to contribute through culinary preparation, coordination, and volunteer support. The collaborative effort not only improved the students’ immediate experience but also encouraged schools to pursue more frequent field trips by reducing logistical and financial burdens.

Project Sithiwillata Aruthak is a mental health awareness initiative aimed at promoting emotional well-being among residents of the Gampaha District through simple yet impactful interventions. The project combines motivational sticker campaigns placed in high-traffic public spaces like buses and railway stations, along with free online webinars led by professionals to provide stress management strategies and emotional support. By leveraging local volunteers, mental health experts, and accessible platforms, the initiative addresses rising mental health concerns—especially among youth—while fostering a culture of positivity, awareness, and inclusivity within the community.

This project aimed to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of elderly residents—particularly those with disabilities—by providing art and music therapy, meaningful social interactions, and thoughtful donations such as Buddhist books and essential items. Focused on Leela Withana’s Elders’ Home in Yakkala, the initiative sought to reduce loneliness, offer therapeutic engagement, and foster a sense of connection and peace. By involving local volunteers, musicians, and creative resources, the project successfully created a joyful and supportive environment for elderly individuals who often lacked access to such enriching experiences.

This project focused on supporting emotionally and economically challenged children under 16 living in a children’s home in the Gampaha District. Through engaging recreational activities, emotional bonding, and the provision of essential items like food and sanitary supplies, the initiative aimed to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of care to children who had experienced neglect, loss, or hardship. Volunteers created a safe, interactive environment where the children could express themselves freely, boosting their mental peace and emotional resilience. The project was guided by on-site observations and insights from caregivers to ensure that the support offered was both meaningful and impactful.

The LEARNOVATE Project was implemented to support Grade 10 and 11 students from low-income backgrounds in preparing for their G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations, with a focus on History, Science, and Health Science. Through school visits, surveys, and discussions with principals and teachers, the team identified students' academic gaps and designed subject-specific seminars tailored to their needs. The sessions not only addressed key content areas but also included exam strategies, motivational guidance, and study techniques to enhance performance and boost confidence. By creating an interactive and encouraging learning environment, the project empowered over 150 students across three schools in the Gampaha and Colombo Districts, aiming to reduce educational inequalities and promote long-term academic success.

“Senehas Geththam” was more than a clothing donation project—it was a heartfelt initiative aimed at restoring dignity, warmth, and hope to individuals and families silently enduring poverty within the Gampaha community. Organized by the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro, the project collected new and gently-used clothes and distributed them to underprivileged children, the elderly, and economically struggling households. The effort was driven by a youth-led movement that embraced compassion, collaboration, and generosity.

Through an extensive PR campaign, strategic collection points, and community outreach, the project inspired wide participation and partnerships. Local businesses, volunteers, and donors united to ensure the clothes reached those in need, while also delivering a message of care and inclusion. The initiative succeeded in addressing clothing insecurity, promoting social dignity, and reminding the community that simple acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.

In response to Sri Lanka’s escalating diabetes crisis, the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro organized a health-focused initiative to identify undiagnosed diabetic individuals, promote early detection, and educate the community on the consequences of untreated diabetes. The project primarily targeted adults over the age of 30 in the Gampaha District—particularly those with limited access to healthcare, testing, and awareness.

Over 100 individuals were tested during the program, and personalized one-on-one counseling sessions were conducted to guide them on healthy lifestyle changes, treatment options, and the importance of regular medical follow-up. The initiative revealed multiple previously undetected cases and empowered participants to take proactive steps toward managing their health.

Led by a team of volunteers, with the support of a registered nursing officer and community partners, the project utilized locally sourced resources, such as donated testing equipment and a well-known community venue, to maximize outreach. Informal interviews, conversations with healthcare workers, and national health statistics guided the planning process, ensuring the initiative addressed real, urgent community needs.

By offering free testing, awareness materials, and practical health guidance, this project delivered a significant public health impact—transforming simple interactions into potentially life-saving interventions.

The Lotus Within, a two-phase initiative organized by the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro in collaboration with Ladies of Liberty Alliance (LOLA) Sri Lanka, aimed to address both the physical and emotional well-being of women across Sri Lanka. The project was carefully designed to uplift underserved women by offering practical hygiene support and a safe space for emotional healing and empowerment.

Phase 1 focused on distributing menstrual hygiene packs to low-income women in the Gampaha District. Each pack included a leaflet containing essential information to dispel menstrual myths and encourage healthy practices. Despite Gampaha’s image as a developed district, the project intentionally highlighted underserved areas where financial constraints and cultural stigma continued to hinder access to menstrual health products and education.

Phase 2 extended the initiative’s impact nationally through a virtual mental health webinar titled "Understanding My Emotional Code—Healing, Power, and the Female Heart". Conducted during Mental Health Awareness Month, the session aimed to support women silently coping with stress, anxiety, and societal pressures. The webinar created an inclusive and judgment-free space for participants to reflect on emotional resilience and self-care.

This dual-phase project was built on both field data and broader national research. Informal surveys, interviews with women in the Gampaha area, and consultations with healthcare professionals and local officials confirmed the widespread lack of affordable menstrual products, low awareness about hygienic practices, and the emotional toll carried by many Sri Lankan women. Studies further indicated high rates of untreated depression and anxiety among female populations, reinforcing the need for an emotional support component.

The initiative was made possible through strategic partnerships and local resources, including volunteer health professionals, LOLA’s expert facilitators, donations for hygiene supplies, and community spaces for outreach. By addressing menstrual health and emotional well-being in tandem, The Lotus Within created a holistic support system that empowered women to live with greater confidence, dignity, and mental clarity.

Project Leo Design Studio was designed to enhance the design skills of Leo Club members and expand the club's media team by training new Canva and Photoshop designers. The initiative included five sessions focused on flyer design and practical skills development.

The project addressed the club's need for more skilled designers, as a small group of members were overwhelmed with design tasks. By training new members, the project aimed to reduce this workload and introduce fresh creativity.

Weekly Canva design sessions and hands-on assessments helped participants build skills and create real designs, such as flyers for upcoming events. Experienced members and guest professionals led the sessions, ensuring high-quality learning and engagement. This initiative strengthened the club’s design capacity and encouraged creativity within the team.

The “සෙනෙහෙ පියස” project, organized by the Leo Club of Gampaha Metro, aimed to support and uplift special needs children by providing a day filled with joy, creativity, and meaningful interactions. Phase One focused on engaging activities such as painting, dancing, and playing, fostering self-expression and social connections among the children.

The project was carefully planned, with responsibilities assigned through virtual meetings.

The project successfully enhanced creativity, emotional well-being, and engagement, leaving a lasting impact on the children and the community. Through teamwork and dedication, the Leo Club laid the foundation for future initiatives to continue supporting these children.