TRIP Canada Founding and Mission
TRIP Canada started in response to the tsunami which devastated Sri Lanka on Boxing Day 2004, leaving 110,000 homeless, 35,000 dead or missing and 250,000 with no means of support. The program was started to provide short-term aid for tsunami survivors. After three trips leading volunteers to build a village for families who were left homeless, TRIP Canada founders, Janet and Bruce McKelvey, had learned a great deal about the local community and gained a deep understanding of the people and their needs. They decided to continue building homes and infrastructure and expand TRIP Canada’s programs to include education, a passion they share with Sri Lankan parents.
Through collaboration with local partners, these programs have continually adapted to ensure that efforts are driving sustainable and measurable change for the community. TRIP Canada selects beneficiaries for its programs working with community leaders – Monks, Teachers, Village Mayors and Navajeevana, an organization which provides services for disabled adults and children. TRIP employs a full-time Project Manager and hires local people for all building projects, volunteer team support and local education programs. We are very grateful that we have two local people in Sri Lanka who oversee our programs year-round. Our Project Manager, Anil Muthumala, has been with TRIP since our arrival in Sri Lanka in 2005 ably coordinating all aspects of our building, education and volunteer programs. Raelene Shea is a Canadian who volunteered in Sri Lanka following the tsunami. She took up permanent residency in 2009 and has given her time and valuable insight to help us support those in greatest need.
Building projects are selected annually based on funds raised. Then a team of local workers is hired to see the projects through to completion. They work closely with the Canadian team when the volunteers come each year to spend 10 days working. The volunteers ‘witness’ the difference they make in people’s lives and feel the impact on their own. TRIP Canada’s deep roots in the community and strong bonds with the local people create a very meaningful and intimate volunteer experience.
TRIP Canada’s mission is to create sustainable communities and transform lives.
Founders - Janet and Bruce McKelvey
Janet and Bruce McKelvey run TRIP Canada on a volunteer basis paying 100% of the expenses. They have travelled to Sri Lanka every year since 2005 (except during COVID) leading volunteer trips, meeting with partners and students and building. In addition to lengthy corporate careers, both have been very involved in philanthropy and board service. For this and their work in Sri Lanka, Janet was awarded the Order of Ontario in 2022 and they both received Canada’s Meritorious Service Award.
Over the years many family members have joined them volunteering in Sri Lanka. In 2023, they were very excited to have three generations represented accompanied by their daughter Heather and granddaughter Maddie.
