BOBBIE SMITH – APRIL 2006

It all began when I saw a program on Global in February 2006 and TRIP Canada was mentioned. I've never had the desire to go to a third world country before but everything about this trip called to me. After reviewing their website, I sent Janet an e-mail thinking I wouldn't hear back for a few months if ever; but Janet emailed me back the next day and I KNEW I had to go.

After ensuring that my work, my kids and my dragon boat team could do without me for two weeks, everything was a go. I didn't know where to begin fundraising so I sent emails to all my contacts, phoned all my family members and put it out to my co-workers past and present. Every single person I knew was aware that I was going and that I needed funds to come through. I have a beautiful circle of friends who know how important it is to me to help others and I began receiving pledges immediately.

By the time I arrived in Sri Lanka I had learned a fair bit about the country, Tangalle and the tsunami. I had expected to feel very sad for the natives of Tangalle, imagining them to be incredibly poor, still grieving from the loss of family members and their homes. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I didn’t feel sorry for them once. Sri Lankans are the most beautiful, welcoming, appreciative, warm-hearted people I've ever met. More I felt sorry for Canadians in that we have so much and appreciate so little.

I felt very welcome from the moment I stepped off the van and onto the worksite. There were days that were exhaustingly hot and we all did tremendous amounts of heavy physical work. While it is demanding physically and your body can feel very taxed at times, you still have time and energy to get to know the locals and their families. In the short time we were there, strong bonds were formed and they hurt just like we do when it's time to leave.

While it was an extremely hard-working volunteering excursion, I can say I've had a "holiday" in Tangalle. I came home with arms of steel, one or two abs, and a lifetime of memories: the oceans, the heavy salt water that we floated in that after a long day working, the scenery, the culture, the food, the sunsets, the parrots, the tuk-tuks, the smiles, the tears, the friendships. Participating in TRIP was the best thing I've ever done. It’s a very powerful and emotional experience and I encourage everyone to go!

NICK CUNLIFFE – APRIL 2006
Having seen many incredible pictures and heard the stories from previous TRIP Canada participants, I knew that my two-week volunteer experience in Sri Lanka would be something that I would never forget. But after experiencing everything first hand I realized that words and pictures cannot describe this life changing adventure.

On the first day the team sat down for dinner to get to know each other, it was incredible to meet such a great group of people from across the country that all shared the common goal of wanting to help others. The next day the work started and after paying our dues digging trenches we earned the privilege of working alongside the local workers. Over the course of the trip we all developed close bonds with those we worked with. At the end of each day we left the work site able to see the progress we made and by the end of the trip our contribution to the project was plain to see in the form of complete houses. During our time in Sri Lanka we also met many of the tsunami survivors who will eventually take residence in the community we were helping to build. It was an incredible experience to hear their stories first hand and just by looking at their faces, we all knew that our efforts were making a difference.

The trip to Sri Lanka also provided a great mental vacation, perhaps because we were exhausted by the end of each workday, and had some time to get to know the culture and see the country. To anyone considering volunteering with TRIP I strongly encourage you to take part as it is an experience you will never forget.

LARA VISHWANATHAN – APRIL 2006
Having always thought about ways I could help those less fortunate than myself, when an old co-worker mentioned he was going to Sri Lanka with a great organization for a fantastic cause , my interest was quickly sparked. After just a few sleepless nights, tossing and turning about how I could make this happen...I decided when is a better time to make a difference than right now!

This trip surpassed all my expectations in every possible way. I was definitely apprehensive to be so far away with a group of people who barely, if at all knew one another. However, within a couple of days our team dynamics were amazing. I suppose we were all there to contribute to a greater cause, which automatically created a bond among us all. Everyone pulled so much more than their own weight and we came away with amazing friendships. The most difficult part of the trip was not seeing the hardship the Sri Lankan community has endured because of the tsunami, but leaving behind such caring, warm spirited, giving people.

This trip impacted my life in a way that words will never be able to describe, and I would most definitely love to go back to both see the progress of the project and the development in the community. TRIP Canada and DWC did not leave any detail unattended and continues to do a fantastic job to keep this project alive. Congratulations to all involved!