Skal International Orlando takes philanthropy to a global level

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

ORLANDO, Florida – As the second largest Skal Club in the United States and ranked sixth among the top 10 in the world, Skal International Orlando continues its strong tradition of giving back to the

ORLANDO, Florida – As the second largest Skal Club in the United States and ranked sixth among the top 10 in the world, Skal International Orlando continues its strong tradition of giving back to the community not only locally, but globally. The club donates funds annually to The Joseph T. Neary Memorial Foundation supporting the Carmel Piyuma Convent orphanage and the St. Joseph’s Girls’ Home in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Foundation was established in 1990 during the 51st Annual International Skal Congress in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as a permanent memorial to deceased Skalleague Joseph T. Neary, and as a proud source of regular dependable income to the Sri Lankan Community of Apostolic Carmen Sisters in their work caring for the very poor and underprivileged children in Colombo and other areas of the country.

Sisters of the Apostolic Carmelite order care for up to 70 poor and homeless children, ages 4 months to five years old, at the orphanage which was established in the 1920s to support needy children in the area with no family support and in dire need of nourishment, medical care and education. At the St. Joseph’s Girls’ Home, 36 girls ages 12 to 19 currently receive assistance with housing, meals and education in grades 5 to 12, including English, Math, Science and Computer Science. The majority have been displaced as refugees, many with parents killed in war.

The trustee of the Foundation is Skal International Orlando Member and Skal International USA Past President Bill Pullen. In the last few years, Pullen and his late wife spent a week visiting the project sites and meeting with representatives of other organizations in the country with potential for providing future assistance.

“We are extremely proud of Bill’s work as trustee of this wonderful foundation and to assist him as global professionals and global citizens in supporting the extraordinary work and care being done for these children in Sri Lanka,” said Skal International Orlando President Richard Scinta. “It’s something our club members would not have a chance to be a part of, otherwise.”

Skal International Orlando was voted Skal International Club of the Year 2006-2007 and North American Club of the Year in 2007. For more information, go to www.skalorlando.com. For membership information, contact Dennis BeMent, Membership Development Officer, Skal International Orlando, at [email protected]

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Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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