Brave Hearts is an initiative led by the Royal College Red Cross Society aimed at supporting injured war veterans. The project is designed to provide both essential resources and emotional support to veterans, recognizing their sacrifices and improving their quality of life. Through donations, interactive sessions, and community engagement, the project fosters a sense of appreciation and connection for these heroes.

The primary objective of Brave Hearts was to support injured war veterans by donating essential items for their homes, providing an opportunity for meaningful interaction, and improving their living conditions. By gathering and distributing essential goods, the project aimed to enhance their comfort and dignity, while the engagement activities allowed the team to connect with the veterans, listen to their stories, and offer them a sense of community and recognition for their service.

The project involved a team-based donation system to gather a wide range of items, including personal care products, food, and clothing, which were distributed to the veterans. These donations consisted of fish oil, paper bags, floor brushes, brooms, mops, face wash bottles, toilet cleaners, bathroom brushes, T-shirts and sarongs. These essential items were collected to ensure that the veterans had access to the resources necessary to improve their daily lives.

In addition to the donation of essential items, the project included meaningful interactions with the veterans. The veterans were given the opportunity to share their personal experiences, allowing the team to hear their stories and gain a deeper understanding of their journeys. These conversations not only served to express gratitude but also helped foster a sense of connection and mutual respect.

A special tea time event was organized as part of the initiative, providing the veterans with a relaxed setting to enjoy refreshments and engage in lighthearted conversation. Entertainment acts, including music and performances, were also arranged to bring joy and uplift the spirits of the veterans, giving them a well deserved break from their daily challenges.

Brave Hearts successfully achieved its goal of offering support and appreciation to the injured war veterans through donations of essential items and emotional engagement. The project enhanced the veterans’ living conditions, provided them with a sense of community, and highlighted the importance of honoring their sacrifices. This initiative serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that veterans are cared for and valued throughout their recovery journey.

• Donation of essential items needed for the veterans home: Providing them with crucial resources such as clothing, hygiene products, and medical supplies. These contributions aimed to address the veterans' immediate needs and improve their living conditions. Through this initiative, we sought to enhance their comfort and dignity, ensuring they have access to the necessities for a better quality of life.
• Engaging with the veterans and listening to their personal experiences: This interaction allowed us to gain insight into their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the resilience they have shown throughout their service. Through these conversations, we were able to not only express our gratitude but also build a deeper connection, ensuring they feel seen and appreciated for their sacrifices.
• To show our gratitude towards the ex-military serviceman: This initiative was designed to remind them that they are not alone in their journey. It serves as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for their sacrifices, while also emphasizing that they continue to have the support and recognition they deserve. This gesture aims to uplift their spirits and reinforce the sense of community that exists to support them in their post-service life.

Items Donated

• Fish Oil bottles - 400 capsules x 10
• Sarong - 24
• Floor Brushes - 10
• Mops - 10
• Large Harpic Bottles - 10
• Wipers - 5
• Toilet Brushes - 10
• T-shirts - 24
• Facewash - 24
• Ekel Brooms - 5

Food Items

• Sandwiches - 70
• Cake Pieces - 70
• Fish Buns - 70
• Tea - 70
• Cutlets - 70

Project Chairman: Dave Perera

Project Secretary: Dhanindu Herath

Project Committee:

• Risara Wijasinghe
• Yeshwith Kandegedara
• Thisara Nanayakkara
• Risandu Pothupitiya
• Abhiru Amarasekera
• Chanmira Athukorala
• Vinuwara Gunasekera
• Dinuth Pathirage
• Yomika Sasnula
• Janek Peiris
• Nevan Rubasinghe
• Oshen De Silva