Page 3 - TEF ANNUAL REPORT 2020

President’s Message

The past 12 months have presented many challenges for charities in Australia.
Unprecedented bushfires destroyed many homes and livelihoods. The
COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our daily lives, creating
a sense of vulnerability that we have not experienced before. We have been
challenged to rise as leaders in our profession to meet the needs of the people,
but also have learned how to do so in a constantly changing environment.
Regardless of the current situation, the Tamil Engineers Foundation continues
the journey which we began in 2007 to provide humanitarian assistance to the
less fortunate people of Sri Lanka and overseas, through the effective action
and leadership of our various chapters and committee members.
Our passion to serve the community has never wavered, and our vision is a
future where we continue to grow and support important causes that are at the heart of our community.
As TEF President, it has been a true honour to be involved in such fantastic projects over the past thirteen
years. It is humbling to see our original vision being carried out in ways we could have never imagined,
testament to the hard work of our members and donors.

During the 2019 calendar year TEF has achieved a milestone in raising well over $150K for its humanitarian
projects in Sri Lanka and Overseas. TEF was not spared from the challenges due to the COVID 19
pandemic. We have cancelled all our fundraising events in all states & territories in 2020 to comply with
Government regulations and social distancing protocols. However, we have managed to raise $75K (Jan
to Aug) by circulating the project proposals and fundraising appeals to wider network for our humanitarian
efforts.
The Tamil Engineers Foundation (Engineers Charity Fund) is a non-political and not-for-profit charity
organisation. We have been registered by ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission)
and recognised as a public benevolent society which in turn has resulted in granting of DGR (Deductible
gift recipients) status by the ATO (Australian Taxation Office). In light of the instability in our homeland over
the past three decades, it is up to professionals like us to take care of the struggling families left behind.
We have a moral obligation to help and support the children to lift their living standards, improve their
education and help them strive to achieve their life goals. We have set a benchmark and reputation for
the younger generation to follow in our footsteps.

Our foundation has a strong national and global presence, and have chapters in many states / territories
in Australia, overseas and in Sri Lanka. Owing to the tireless efforts and passion of our committee
members, I am proud to say that we are one of the leading charity organisations in Australia which
successfully undertakes countless projects to help the needy and affected people in our homeland. This
includes scholarships to needy and affected students in Batticaloa, Moratuwa Peradeniya, Kelaniya and
Jaffna Universities, support to many orphanage centres, livelihood and revolving loan projects to women
headed families, child sponsorship to those who lost their parents, intensive coaching classes to GCE O/L
students and many more humanitarian projects, which have been well received by the local community
in Australia and overseas.

As one of the founding members of this organisation over 13 years ago, I have personally seen us grow
from a small group in Sydney to now involving various Chapters across Australia and overseas, with an
annual turnover in excess of $150K. It has been an absolute privilege to lead this charity organisation
which makes such a positive and regular difference to the lives of affected and disadvantaged people in
our homeland. The journey we have undertaken has not been without hard work and commitment, and
we must continue to move forward with determination, courage and solidarity.

Your support and generous contributions are making a tremendous difference in our homeland, and are
facilitating many sustainable projects for the needy and affected people. Together, we have consolidated
a strong foundation, and for that we should be very proud. We strengthen the power of giving together.

Warm Regards and stay safe,
Thev Theivendran
President, Tamil Engineers Foundation (Engineers Charity Fund) 2020