How it started
In the year 2000 Sam and Molsy Arulanandam visited Sri Lanka and India to see their families and during that trip had the opportunity to spend some time at an orphanage run by a retired Pastor. Before leaving the orphanage, they asked “what is your most pressing need at the orphanage?. Immediately the response was; “how great it would be if we could purchase a new bus as the current one is on its last legs. The bus is used to transport the children to and from school and church plus many other uses”.
On their return Sam raised funds to purchase the much needed bus. This was achieved through a series of fund raising dinners (supported in no small way by Sam’s customers) and other activities, and in 2004 the bus was purchased and delivered to the orphanage.
Health Caravan: Launceston, Tasmania
In 2009 a fundraising Lunch was held in support of a health Caravan that is used right around Tasmania to assess health of the community. The caravan was in desperate need of funds to continue providing invaluable health assistance for thousands of people. The caravan is still operating today in helping many people achieve a healthier quality of life.
Garmar Academy: South India
In 2011 another great success was helping the students of Garmar Academy, a school in South India. 200 girls had been sleeping on the floor because they could not afford beds or mattresses. With an Indian Cuisine lunch held in Parramatta, Sydney enough money was raised to give every girl a bed as well as much needed cupboards to store their belongings. The girls were so excited to receive these items which are taken for granted in many parts of the world.
On a recent trip to Sri Lanka Sam witnessed firsthand the plight of many orphans as a result of the issues that have plagued his home country for a number of years and on his return to Australia resolved to do something that would make a difference. And so Safe Haven International was born; it was officially registered in Victoria in April 2012 as a charitable organization. Through God’s leading a board was appointed of 10 women and men, all operating in a volunteer capacity to further the vision encapsulated by Sam and his wife Molsy.
Safe Haven International is now funding Reach Orphanage in Sri Lanka to develop their agriculture land to become self-sufficient and has committed to helping non-Christian orphanages in Southern India by sponsoring the education needs of children from these orphanages.
Safe Haven International sponsors are from a range of backgrounds including Buddhist, other faiths, and Seventh-day Adventists.