Pacha Gaha Yata

A night of side splitting comedy in aid of social causes

Pacha Gaha Yata (PG-Y),  organized by Altru Circle  will  take place on August 3, 2024, at Elevate by Jetwing

Altru Circle, a Social Enterprise committed to fostering sustainable community development and supporting equal opportunity through innovative fundraising events and charitable activities invites you to step into a night of comedy Under the Fibber's Tree. Drawing inspiration from Galle’s historical meeting and  performance spot for community dreamers and doers, "Pacha Gaha Yata" promises an evening of tongue-in-cheek relatable and  funny anecdotes with candour.

This event marks Altru Circle’s soft launch and stands as its first fundraising initiative as a commercial venture.

 "We aim to address socioeconomic disparities through inclusive access to material and experiential resources through impact-driven, socially engaged commercial ventures. The mission is to break cycles of dependence and nurture economically self-reliant communities, through linking resourceful partners to create lasting changes' said its Founder Jessica Fernando.

The brilliant lineup will consist of comedic performances from Isira, Tharusha and Lulu produced by Reihan Stephen and hosted by Dominic Kellar. Attendees can look forward to a night filled with networking, a curated F&B service and a healthy dose of comedy.

Q: What  is Pacha Gaha Yata in aid of?

PG-Y was conceptualized as the first of many fundraisers Altru Circle hope to set up through the year to maintain a sustainable fund dedicated to empowering economically challenged communities. While the public donor funds can be unpredictable, commercial ventures will provide Altru Circle with the opportunity to plan projects ahead, while compensating the imperative human and material resources required to accomplish these objectives.

The profits made through such commercial ventures will be funneled into programmes that foster equal access to resources and expanded opportunities for underserved, marginalized communities. Further our community relief programmes will take a step further from simply providing aid toward helping break cycles of dependency by providing these communities with growth opportunities that will be monitored by our on ground stakeholders.

This initiative aligns with Altru Circle's mission to combat socioeconomic disparities through sustainable, socially engaged commercial ventures. Further it allows us to plan community empowerment programmes ahead rather than waiting for funds to be collected as times have changed in economical capacities among every individual who wants to donate.

Q: What work has the social enterprise achieved?

Altru Circle, a social enterprise is the evolution of Kindness Collective, a purely volunteer based effort that had been in operation only in  times of need striving with the greatest of difficulty thanks to public individual donors. We have driven community support efforts through community relief drives plus disaster search and rescue efforts paired with medical support and rehoming with temporary relief.

Over the last 8 years, we have conducted over 10 community events such as Medical Camps, Volunteer Driven Search & Rescue Operations, and Relief Distribution Drives. We have raised over Rs. 8,000,000 in funds for relief and community initiatives, coordinated with 100+ volunteers who have dedicated their time and skills while engaged with our projects and nurtured over 20 partnerships and collaborations with local and international organisations.

This year alone Phase 1 of our pilot project of Altru Circle has seen our organisation donate critical resources to 110 families in Kosgama, Avissawella area. Phase 2 is underway with daily necessities including daily meals for these families, with collection boxes set up at multiple locations around Central Colombo. Phase 3 will see these families receive necessary training required to broaden their scopes in employment, thus looking forward to alleviating the current crisis of a brain drain the country is facing even by small waves.

Further during the flood crisis Sri Lanka faced this year, with the help of partners like Anim8.lk, Round Table of Sri Lanka, Asia Pacific Alliance of Disaster Management (A-PAD) & the PTA of the British School in Colombo, we managed to help provide nearly 300 families affected by floods around Sri Lanka, with dry rations.  These ration packs were standardized by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of  Sri Lanka.

Altru Circle remains committed to continuing this impactful work, ensuring that empathy, sustainability, and community support are at the forefront of our efforts.

Q: Why is community support  needed?

Community Relief and Empowerment is crucial for marginalized and economically challenged communities in rural Sri Lanka for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses immediate needs such as food, healthcare, and shelter, which are often unmet due to poverty and limited access to resources. By providing these essentials, it helps alleviate daily hardships and improve the overall quality of life.

Secondly, empowerment initiatives, such as education and vocational training, equip individuals with skills and knowledge, enabling them to secure better job opportunities and achieve economic independence. This breaks the cycle of poverty and creates sustainable livelihoods.

Moreover, community development programmes foster social cohesion and support networks, which are vital for resilience in times of crisis. They also encourage local leadership and participation, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the unique challenges of each community. Finally, these efforts contribute to reducing inequality and promoting social justice, leading to a more balanced and equitable society. Overall, Community Relief and Empowerment lays the foundation for long-term development and prosperity in rural areas of Sri Lanka. Altru Circle’s community service model as a Social Enterprise highlights the transformative power of community support in creating a more equitable society. 

Q: What is the unique factor about Pacha Gaha Yata stand-up comedy show?

Dominic -This is going to be stellar by some big personalities and I'm excited to see them perform.

Q: What is your brand of humour?

I'm a pessimist at heart so my humour tends to be very real and sarcastic. Can say anything with sarcasm!

Q: What can the audience expect on the day?

It's going to be a super mix of styles, so something for everyone. 

Q: What is the unique factor about Pacha Gaha Yata stand-up comedy show?

Isira - It's all about emphasising the FUN part in FUNdraiser. Altru Circle is no stranger to uplifting the community. With a few dad jokes and an out-of-this-world mixologist, Pacha Gaha Yata is doing more than just that!

Q: What is your brand of humour?

It's usually  dark and dad jokes based style of a "brand," but not necessarily limited to the two genres and are usually jokes that help keep myself entertained on a daily basis. A 'Kottu of Comedy' would be an apt title for it.

Q: What can the audience expect on the day?

My pretty face. Next-level mixology. A bar of soap for Tharusha’s mouth. Great Music. Lulu's sass. And Dom's iconic laugh

Q: What is the unique factor about Pacha Gaha Yata Stand up comedy show?

Tharusha -The organizers are bringing to life an age old Sri Lankan entertainment tradition with the Pacha Gaha Yata concept. Very excited to see that unfolding in this modern day and age. While you can have a good laugh for the money you spend at the event, your contributions will go towards a very good cause too. So it’s a win win.

Q: What is your brand of humour?

I will be mostly talking about the pleasant, unpleasantries I have gone through in Colombo. If you feel like I am judging you, I am.

Q: What can the audience expect on the day?

Side splitting antics and equally good drinks and food.

Q: What is the unique factor about Pacha Gaha Yata Stand-up comedy show?

Lulu - It’s all for charity, so every time you laugh like it’s a good deed. So laugh please, a lot!

Q: What is your brand of humour?

Inebriated 

Q: What can the audience expect on the day?

I am a first timer so to be honest, it’ll be a miracle if nothing goes wrong.

Pacha Gaha Yata (PG-Y),  organized by Altru Circle  will  take place on August 3, 2024, at Elevate by Jetwing. 

Pix courtesy (PG-Y)