Melissa’s Sri Lanka education project takes a major step forward

Ipswich businesswoman Melissa Day’s ambitous project to raised £12,000 to buy a school bus to help an education in the tea plantations of Sri Lanka, took a major step forward over Easter.

More than 60 people turned out for an Easter Saturdy curry and quiz night at Seckford Golf Club, hosted by quizmaster Simon Jay, which raised more than £1,000 towards her target of £12,000.

Also, on the night, taking part was a team from Kelvedon and District Rotary Club, in Essex, and during the evening the club presented Melissa with another cheque, fro £1,000 towards her project, which supports the Tea Leaf Vision charity, and the Tea Leaf Trust.

Melissa has previously visited the Kelvedon and District Rotary Club, as a guest speaker, to explain the reasons for her quest.

President Derek Cockerill said they had been impressed by her passion and commitment.

The charity supports a project which provides life-changing education for poor people from within the families who work on the tea plantations in Sri Lanka.

Afterwards Melissa said: “What an amazing atmosphere at the Curry & Quiz Night – I am very lucky to be surrounded by such loving an warm people that all want to see me reach my goal. It was a night of smiles and a lot of laughs. £1,000 was raised but on top of that, I was presented with a cheque of 1K from Derek Cockerill, the President of The Rotary Club of Kelvedon and District. Derek made an incredibly touching speech and I am truly grateful of the Clubs continued support.

“That same week, I had been presented with a cheque of £1,000 from Ipswich East Rotary Club. I am very overwhelmed by all the support I have received – I am very grateful.”