In late 2004, a massive tsunami pummelled 14 countries and killed more than 230,000 people. DWC sprang into action. Within weeks, a team was on the ground in Tangalle, Sri Lanka, to start rebuilding homes, lives and hope. DWC has sent numerous teams to volunteer in Tangalle over the years and continues to work on projects to make life better for residents there. Keep up the tradition and volunteer in Sri Lanka to help those that need it.
About The Trip:
Sri Lanka was the first country that DWC ever sent teams to and that is why it has always been a location that’s special to the organization.
Since 2005 DWC’s TRIP Canada Volunteers in Sri Lanka have worked on a village for tsunami survivors, building schools, temples, a medical clinic and playgrounds. For the past three years the volunteers have worked together at one site on a new building for an orphanage to expand and accommodate more young children in need. In 2018, homes were completed for families with special needs children who live in extremely poor conditions and face very challenging circumstances. The 2019 team will continue with this work in Tangalle, making improvements to schools (and playing with the kids while they’re at it) and other community facilities. They have made an impact in the lives of people struggling just to put food on the table and children who need an education to open doors for their futures.
Read day-to-day experiences from our volunteers on the Sri Lanka Blog »
It’s Not All Work:
As a volunteer in Sri Lanka, you’ll find that April in the Tangalle region is usually humid and hot, with daytime highs reaching about 32C. Being a tropical island, Sri Lanka never really gets cool. Tangalle is perched on the Indian Ocean, where you can go for a swim to get a break from the heat.
Sri Lanka offers a wealth of temples and beaches, but there’s also the Kudawella blow hole where sea water froths up through a hole in a rock cliff, Yala National Park, turtle watching, the Weverukannala Buddha statue, the historic city of Galle and the elephant sanctuary.
Learn more about Sri Lanka »
Learn more about DWC’s TRIP Canada program
The Project:
Team members will be mixing concrete, hauling bricks or doing whatever other manual labour is required for people who need a hand up. Volunteers in Sri Lanka won’t be doing anything requiring specialized skills, so anyone is welcome to sign up and help out.
When / Itinerary:
- Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29 – Team travels to Sri Lanka; arrives at Colombo airport; transport to Tangalle; check in to hotel and acclimatize
- Monday,March 30 to Friday, April 3 – PROJECT WORK in Tangalle
- Saturday, April 4 to Sunday, April 5 – Free days for some R and R
- Monday, April 6 to Thursday, April 9– PROJECT WORK in Tangalle
- Friday, April 10 – PROJECT WORK and celebration
- Saturday, April 11 – Return to Colombo, travel home or continue to travel
FAQs:
DWC Team Leader:
Janet McKelvey
Janet McKelvey is DWC’s Program Manager for TRIP Canada and has led all teams since 2005. Each year she is accompanied by her husband Bruce and several volunteers who go on every trip.
Volunteers who join Janet will be appreciated for whatever interests and skills they offer. This is a trip where the abilities of the heart and soul are more important than physical strength and endurance.
To learn more about DWC’s Trip Canada adventures in Sri Lanka, read their own stories in the Volunteer Blog
Are You Ready To Go?
Ready to apply? Fill out our online application. You can secure your place on this trip with a $500, non-refundable deposit that will go toward your total trip cost. After you’ve submitted your forms and deposit, our office will contact you and send you a welcome package.
We’re glad to have you join us.
Still have some questions? We’re here to help, please feel free to contact us now, or fill out the form.