Dilmah Partners from 45 countries cement the company’s founding commitment to family values

Moratuwa, Sri Lanka – A gathering of over two hundred members of Dilmah’s Global Family demonstrated support for the unique vision of Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando who built his tea business on a foundation of family values. The group was in Sri Lanka for the Dilmah Global Partner Conference. As a part of the celebration of ‘The Teamaker’s’ 82nd birthday, they signed a commitment to participate in the unique philosophy of making business a matter of human service.

The declaration was made on7th May 2012 as the ‘Dilmah Family’ visited the MJF Foundation’s Centre in Moratuwa in Western Sri Lanka.

The pledge reads “Merrill J. Fernando crystallized values of family and humanity into the philosophy of making business a matter of human service. The work of the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation demonstrates that in the expression of this simple philosophy lies a powerful solution to issues of poverty and those affecting our natural environment.On this day, 7thMay 2012, we the Global Partners of Dilmah, pledge our support in forever upholding that pledge of making business a matter of human service.”

Speaking at the event, the Founder acknowledged the support of every Dilmah distributor and customer without whom his philosophy could not have had the outcome that it has. He thanked Dilmah partner in Poland – Gourmet Foods Ltd., - for their support with the Dhiriya Centre, a vocational training facility benefitting the isolatedrural community in Eastern Sri Lanka.

The MJF Centre is a 10-acre facility which offers support for differently abled children and youth, abused women, underprivileged youth and also features a Dilmah Conservation project to research and demonstrate sustainable agriculture. The MJF Foundation’s successful MJF Kids programmeaims to provide children from marginalisedurban communities a better chance at life. A Centre for abused women offers counseling, legal advice and refuge for women and their children whilst the Peace Centre offers guidance and counseling.
On the same day, the Dilmah Family declared open the Rainbow Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy. This landmark facility is a part of the MJF Foundation’s endeavour to ease the plight of children with the condition and those with Down’s Syndrome and Autism with therapy whilst providing guidance for parents and care givers.

The visitors were welcomed by the childrenat the centre and their parents who showed off their skills  to the visitors in dance, singing, painting and traditional lantern making.

The MJF Charitable Foundation was established in fulfillment of Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s wish to share the success of his business with those less privileged. Several hundred projects that are designed, funded and managed by the MJF Foundation each year, aim to empower marginalized communities and individuals with dignity. More details online at www.mjffoundation.org.