Adopt a Village was started by a group of Australian family and friends who were on holiday in Sri Lanka during the Tsunami disaster.

Immediate help was provided by volunteering with Red Cross in Colombo. Some of the group formed part of a medical group travelling to Galle and Hambantota in the south, while others worked in refugee camps closer to Colombo.

Initial fundraising consisted of friends back in Australia raising money which was then spent on necessities, including medical supplies, as identified by the Red Cross and refugee camp supervisors.

The experience of being in Sri Lanka during such a devastating time and the profound respect we have for the Sri Lankan people in facing such a traumatic event with courage and resilience meant that we were determined to continue supporting them back in Australia.

After assisting in many refugee camps around the country, we chose to assist the area of Vaharai as it is particularly lacking in aid. The area had already been decimated by years of civil war and the people are some of Sri Lanka's poorest. Access to the area is difficult as the only bridge was destroyed by the Tsunami.

Adopt a Village is a grass roots organisation run by volunteers. We are non-profit and non-denominational and aim to spend all donations directly in assisting with rebuilding lives and homes. We will fundraise separately for airfares, etc. Administration costs are met by us.