We’re in the middle of a unique sequence of events, built around Sri Lanka’s – and Dilmah’s – longstanding friendship with New Zealand. It’s called Pitch to Pitch, and at the heart of the entire programme is a sentiment that we love – kindness.
Pitch to Pitch is in fact part of the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka’s initiative to encourage New Zealand citizens to visit our beautiful island. The Sri Lanka National Women’s Cricket Team, Soul Sounds choir, the Sri Lanka Australia New Zealand Business Council, along with Dilmah Ceylon Tea and other businesses have come together to support the New Zealand High Commission’s kind effort towards the initiative.
A couple of aspects are apparent here – the strong cultural ties between the two countries, and the appreciation of remarkable Sri Lankan women who have contributed towards enhancing Sri Lanka’s global repute. The National Women’s Cricket Team are the reigning Asia Cup champions, and are currently in the midst of preparing for their highly-anticipated tour of New Zealand in February this year. Soul Sounds, Sri Lanka’s very own international award-winning, all-girl choir, led by the incredibly talented Soundarie David, carry fond memories of New Zealand, too, as they grabbed two gold medals at the World Choir Championship held in Auckland last year.
Where does kindness come into all of this, one might wonder. Well, it began with the first event that took place on 22nd January – a visit by the Women’s Cricket Team and Soul Sounds to Suwa Arana, run by Indira Cancer Trust. Here, these commendable women unwrapped the gift of joy among dozens of children receiving cancer treatment by spending time with them and leading them through sport and music activities. It was also a wonderful opportunity for us at Dilmah and the MJF Foundation to reignite and relive the philosophy of our beloved late Founder Merrill J. Fernando that business is a matter of human service, and that kindness should be at the core of whatever we do.
The next event is set for 29th January, when the Soul Sounds choir will visit the Women’s Cricket Team at a training session, empowering one another with a kind and inspiring exchange of knowledge and skills – from one ‘pitch’ to another.
Finally, on 20th February, the Women’s Cricket Team will be given a festive send-off at Sri Lanka Cricket Head Quarters prior to their departure for New Zealand. However, the actual VIPs at the event will be the incredibly brave kids visiting from Suwa Arana and from the SOS Children’s Villages in Sri Lanka. Another little gesture of kindness to put a smile on their beautiful faces.
Keep an eye out on our socials for images and reels from these events.
