I’ve taken part in Secret Santa many times before; exchanging smiles, guessing who got whose name, and enjoying the little surprises that come with the season. But this year was different. With the recent floods devastating so many parts of Sri Lanka, our Dilmah family decided to take Secret Santa beyond our office walls and into a place where it truly mattered; our very own Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy & Other Developmental Disorders (CCCPDD) by the MJF Charitable Foundation.
CCCPDD is more than a centre. It is a place of learning, therapy, training and quiet resilience. It supports children with cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders, while also guiding their families, caregivers, teachers and professionals who walk alongside them.
My colleagues Gayan and Purnima had the thoughtful idea of hosting a Secret Santa at the CCCPDD and Dilmah HQ members volunteered to purchase a gift for each child. Every gift we packed and tagged for 96 children felt more meaningful. There was genuine enthusiasm as teammates helped wrap presents, pack goodies and add thoughtful little touches, each of us hoping to make a child smile.
On the day of the visit, the Secret Santas were welcomed by the brightest little eyes and the warmest little hearts. We were taken around the centre and witnessed first-hand the dedication of the teachers and staff who work tirelessly to help these children grow, learn and become as independent as possible; even when society has placed them in corners far too easily. It made me pause and wonder if people truly realise how far their cup of tea goes when they choose Dilmah.
The children were eagerly waiting for us. In their classrooms, they proudly showed us their artwork, sang songs, and handed over handmade Christmas cards thanking us for their gifts. Each smile, each gesture, spoke louder than words ever could. We saw hope and happiness in their eyes, and in the eyes of their parents too.
We left the CCCPDD with our hearts fuller than when we arrived, reminded that sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness carry the greatest meaning. And this Secret Santa… will stay with me for a very long time.
