I still remember the day I first heard about the impact of community support on individuals and society. It was a story about a group of young people who came together to make a difference in their community.
Back in 2017, I saw firsthand how a small act of kindness could snowball into something much bigger. The story of the Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) raising LKR 1.1 million for the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society (CFINS) is a perfect example of this. What many newcomers don't realize is that community support can have a profound impact on people's lives, and this story is a testament to that.
The Story Behind the Donation
The OSC's Gecko Gear Service Group ran a merchandise stall throughout the SAISA Swimming 2025 Meet, channelling student energy into community support. Founded in 1831, CFINS is Sri Lanka's oldest charitable organisation, providing free prosthetic limbs to those affected by landmines, accidents, or illnesses. The organisation also offers a 30-bed ward, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, psychological support, educational grants, and entrepreneurial training.
- The SAISA Opening Ceremony featured 21-year-old Sri Lankan Paralympian Naveed Raheem, CFINS Brand Ambassador, who represented Sri Lanka at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and the 2025 Para Swimming World Championships.
- Naveed said, "As a para-athlete in Sri Lanka, there's still a stigma and poor perception compared to the rest of the world – and we want to change that. Partnering with OSC is a pleasure. There aren't many competitions or proper facilities for para-athletes here, and we need more organisations to take action."
- Sue Turner, OSC educator and Gecko Gear founder, said, "Since Grade 12 student Aran introduced CFINS, our team visited their facilities and was inspired. Running the SAISA stall let students contribute and raise awareness."
The Web3 Angle
As I look at the story of OSC and CFINS, I see a potential connection to the web3 world. What if blockchain technology could be used to create a platform for community support, where individuals could donate and track the impact of their donations? This could be a game-changer for organisations like CFINS, allowing them to receive donations from all over the world and providing transparency and accountability.
- Blockchain technology could be used to create a secure and transparent platform for donations.
- Smart contracts could be used to automate the process of donating and tracking donations.
- Cryptocurrency could be used to facilitate cross-border donations, making it easier for individuals to support organisations like CFINS.
Our Take
I've seen this before - a small act of kindness that snowballs into something much bigger. The story of OSC and CFINS is a testament to the power of community support, and it's a reminder that we all have the ability to make a difference. As a crypto news enthusiast, I believe that blockchain technology and cryptocurrency have the potential to amplify this impact, and I'm excited to see how this story unfolds.
As I look to the future, I'm filled with hope and curiosity. What if web3 technology could be used to create a global platform for community support, where individuals could donate and track the impact of their donations? The possibilities are endless, and I believe that this is just the beginning of a new era of crypto hot topics and blockchain news.
