PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING
Fostering a spirit of local and international community engagement, the teams that travel to Sri Lanka each year include individuals, families and corporate colleagues. Since 2005, TRIP Canada has sent 17 teams of volunteers to Sri Lanka for two weeks in support of our programs. Volunteers come from across Canada, all ages are represented and team size ranges from 10 to 27!
Our volunteers have worked on numerous building projects: a village for tsunami survivors, schools, temples, a medical clinic, playgrounds and an orphanage. In 2017, we started to build homes for families with special needs children who live in extremely poor conditions and face very challenging circumstances. Each year we build at least three new homes for families selected by field officers and leaders who live in the community.
The building work we do is exhilarating, demanding, tiring and includes: digging, hauling, making concrete/plaster/flooring, building walls, painting, and lots of clean up. No expertise required – just a desire to help build a better future for those in need.
All volunteers leave something very meaningful behind and cherish their memories of working together and new friendships with Sri Lankan families, workers and students. The feedback heard most often: “I went hoping to change lives and then realized the life that changed the most was my own.”
WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS LOVE
WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY
“Genuinely one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had in my life. The work, the people, there is nothing to compare. I am so grateful I was fortunate enough to be able to be part of a team, with this group, making a bit of a difference, and getting to do it all with my mama too. Here’s to new adventures and new memories.”
– Alex Forrestall, Team 17
“This was my first experience with TRIP Canada and after working for a couple of days I wanted to stay for a year working as an apprentice mason! It was so hot. The work was so hard. And I loved every minute of it. All the people were so great and everyone made me feel at home.”
– Audrey Guyonnet, Team 16
“This serves as a constant reminder of how much we have and how lucky we are. It is my annual reset every April. I love working with local teams, learning about this amazing country and the friends I make along the way. If you are thinking about coming, just do it!”
– Amalie Bruun (Teams 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,)
“I love just working hard…the smiles…the tears of joy…and of course the laughter. The experiences and the relationships are so heartfelt and will be with you forever. Come with an open heart and an open mind to discover this beautiful and different way to experience a community and its people.”
– Don Brimacombe (Teams 13, 14, 15, 16)
“Danielle and Mackenzie were each 16 when they came with me. It was great to watch them work with fellow volunteers and our Sri Lankan friends. The father-daughter experience was exceptional, and we created great memories together that we carry with us to this day. TRIP also reinforced that we lead very privileged lives in Canada and it showed them how important it is to share with those less fortunate at home and abroad.”
– Myer Family: David (Teams 1, 10, 12), Danielle (Team 10), and Mackenzie (Team 12)
