Other Ways to Give

Camp Coconut is a child-centred facility, specialising in physical activity and the provision for learning new skills.

As such, we would welcome any donations of sports equipment, craft materials, writing materials, childrens’ books and Daycentre furniture, storage facilities and pre-school/Montessori equipment.

However, (and it’s a big however!), please be aware of two overriding factors when considering sending items of this nature all the way to us in Sri Lanka:

1. The Shipping Cost. This can quite often negate the value of the goods themselves, depending upon the bulk & weight of the goods and the distance they need to travel.
2. Customs – a ‘law unto themselves’ here in Sri Lanka. The Duty payable (up to 40%), customs clearance charges and the sheer amount of time it takes to get these gifts and donations out of Colombo Port is a major consideration when arranging for supplies to be brought in from abroad. We simply cannot afford the time or the money to collect items that have a small face value (and which in many cases, we can buy cheaper here on the island!)

So, whilst not wanting to discourage your generosity and feelings of wishing to help us at Camp Coconut, I would just ask that you liaise with us first, before embarking on this route and, if necessary, be prepared to either bring the stuff yourselves (if you happen to be planning to visit Sri Lanka), give it to a friend who is doing likewise or sending us the equivalent in currency so that we can buy the goods this end.