By Kumudini Hettiarachchi Although COVID has disrupted their work here teaching English and other activities in different parts of the country, the enthusiasm of the members of the vibrant Australian Volunteers Program (AVP) has not dwindledView(s): Volunteer Abhinayan Kugendran at a community event in Thailankudiyiruppu village on Mannar island, on Mattu Pongal day, the third day of the Pongal festival. On this day, people pay their respects to their livestock and Bridging Lanka had designated it Kaluthai Pongal (kaluthai meaning donkey) to change the negative perception towards Mannar’s donkeys They heard of the need, they came across the seas, they fanned out across the country, mingled, integrated and helped people in diverse settings.