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Since the 2004 tsunami our donors and volunteers have transformed countless lives in Sri Lanka by building homes and creating opportunities for education and employment.

Day 9: Himali’s HomeToday, we had the privilege of working on Hamali’s home — a mother of three who has shown incredible...
25/04/2025

Day 9: Himali’s Home

Today, we had the privilege of working on Hamali’s home — a mother of three who has shown incredible strength and resilience.

Her husband was a valued member of our build team for many years, working with us since 2005. Tragically, he was killed in an accident eight years ago. Since then, Hamali has worked tirelessly at a garment factory to support her children.

Her two daughters are studying hard for their A-levels, and her youngest son, in Grade 8, is incredibly bright.

Their home was in urgent need of repairs and more space. This week, our team 18 helped build a small kitchen and study room, fixed the sidewalk and windows, and gave the house a fresh coat of paint — helping to create a safer, brighter space for this deserving family.

Grateful to be part of this journey with her.

A very special evening with Anil, his wife Viwecka, their daughter Sashini, son-in-law Isuru, and adorable grandson Viha...
24/04/2025

A very special evening with Anil, his wife Viwecka, their daughter Sashini, son-in-law Isuru, and adorable grandson Vihaan.

Anil is the heart of our work here in Sri Lanka—none of what we do would be possible without his support, love, and unwavering dedication. With help from our longtime friends—the incredible local crew who’ve been building up their own community for years—Anil helps bring every project to life.

Tonight, we had the joy of sharing a meal with his family. Sashini and Isuru kindly answered our many questions about Sri Lanka’s political climate, healthcare, and their hopes for the country’s future. We walked away inspired and so grateful.

Day 8: Breaking Ground with Wasanthi’s FamilyToday was our first day working at Wasanthi’s home—and what a day it was.Ou...
23/04/2025

Day 8: Breaking Ground with Wasanthi’s Family

Today was our first day working at Wasanthi’s home—and what a day it was.

Our team rolled up our sleeves and got to work under the hot Sri Lankan sun, alongside Wasanthi, her boys, and their family and friends. Together, we started clearing space and preparing the ground for safer pathways and future improvements around their home.

Wasanthi is a widow who works full-time in a garment factory to support her mother and two sons, Binura and Heshan. Their current home is just one room, with a separate mud hut for a kitchen and an outdoor toilet. These upgrades will make everyday life a little easier—and a lot safer—for the whole family.

This is what community looks like. This is what 20 years of Help and Hope looks like.

Evenings like this… 💛⛅️After a full day on the work site, our volunteer team took some time to unwind and explore the be...
22/04/2025

Evenings like this… 💛⛅️

After a full day on the work site, our volunteer team took some time to unwind and explore the beauty of Sri Lanka — with a visit to Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya, a historic rock temple near Tangalle.

The climb was steep (and sweaty!) but so worth it. At the top, we were treated to sweeping views, golden light, and a peaceful moment to take it all in together.

Volunteering is about more than just building homes — it’s about building connections, embracing new cultures, and sharing experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.

20/04/2025

Meet Monica – Team 18 Volunteer Spotlight

Mom of 4, soon-to-be grandma of 12(!), and proud puppy parent to Chelsea the Bordoodle, Monica is always on the move — and always leading with heart.

As a cyclist, skier, and home care supervisor, she’s passionate about helping people stay active, healthy, and connected. So when a friend told her about the chance to build homes in Sri Lanka, she didn’t hesitate:

“I want to do that!”

We’re so glad she did. Monica brings energy, empathy, and a whole lot of fun to everything she does. Her drive and warmth are exactly what Team 18 is all about.

Day 4: Building a Brighter Tomorrow Today we continued work on the future home of Iroshan, Shalini, and their three chil...
19/04/2025

Day 4: Building a Brighter Tomorrow

Today we continued work on the future home of Iroshan, Shalini, and their three children — 12-year-old Inuja, 7-year-old Minuja, and little May Leila, who is just three and living with congenital heart disease.

Right now, all five family members live together in a one-room shack, sharing a single double bed, with a simple partition outside for a toilet and shower. Despite their circumstances, they’ve made an incredible effort — managing to start a foundation and purchase some cement blocks in hopes of expanding their space.

With the help of their generous neighbours and the energy of our Trip Canada volunteers, we got to work parging walls and making real progress toward their dream of a safer, more comfortable home.

It’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about creating space for this family to grow, rest, and feel at home. 💛

Day 3: Bright Futures Begin HereToday we rolled up our sleeves at Lumbini School — a special place for 15 young learners...
19/04/2025

Day 3: Bright Futures Begin Here

Today we rolled up our sleeves at Lumbini School — a special place for 15 young learners aged 3 to 5, nestled in a low-income neighbourhood where the value of education runs deep.

Miss Harshani has been teaching here for 13 years, supported by generous community members like Nick from Buckingham Place Hotel, who helps cover her salary and sends his team when repairs are needed. Though resources are limited, the love and dedication within these walls are limitless.

With the help of Trip Canada volunteers and the community, we spent the day scraping, priming, and painting — and the results speak for themselves. These photos show the incredible transformation that just one day of teamwork, care, and color can bring.

It was sweaty, joy-filled work — made even more special by the smiles of the children and parents who joined in and cheered us on.

Parents here believe deeply in education as the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. After just one day at Lumbini, we believe it too.

Day 2: Breaking Ground & Building HopeThis week, we began building a safe and stable home for Nadeesha and her daughter ...
17/04/2025

Day 2: Breaking Ground & Building Hope

This week, we began building a safe and stable home for Nadeesha and her daughter Ruhindi — and what an incredible start it’s been.

Ruhindi, now five, lives with cerebral palsy and requires full-time care. Her mother, Nadeesha, has faced unimaginable challenges as a single parent with no steady income. While her extended family has offered all the support they can — even setting aside a small parcel of land — building a home simply wasn’t possible… until now.

Today, with the help of Trip Canada volunteers and our skilled local masons, the first rows of bricks were laid and the walls began to take shape. It was a hot, hard-working day — but spirits were high and smiles were plenty.

The best moment? Getting a big thumbs up from Nadeesha as she watched her new home start to rise. 💛

This isn’t just construction. It’s community. And every brick brings us closer to giving Nadeesha and Ruhindi a space to call their own.

Day One in Sri Lanka — Orientation + InspirationWe kicked things off with a team orientation, walking through what to ex...
16/04/2025

Day One in Sri Lanka — Orientation + Inspiration

We kicked things off with a team orientation, walking through what to expect on the job site, how to stay safe, take care of ourselves and each other, and what’s ahead this week - from build days to cultural events and shared meals.

Then we hit the road to meet the families and visit the sites of the homes and schools we’ll be working on.

It was a powerful reminder of why we’re here - and just how much heart is behind each of these projects.

Swipe through to see where we’ll be putting our hands and hearts to work. More to come this week as the stories behind these builds unfold.

Team 18 has landed! Volunteers are making their way to Tangalle, with some taking the time to explore along the way. And...
13/04/2025

Team 18 has landed! Volunteers are making their way to Tangalle, with some taking the time to explore along the way. And our wonderful workers are gearing up for their arrival. Excitement is building, and we can’t wait to get started!

Wish Team 18 luck as they head off on their journey! Drop your well-wishes in the comments!

Mel and her family recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka—and their message to us says it all:“We had...
11/04/2025

Mel and her family recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka—and their message to us says it all:

“We had an incredible trip. We saw and did so much! But one of the most amazing moments was visiting the home you built. The family was so proud and full of love for you, Janet. They gave us a full tour. It was beautiful.”

They also visited the street of homes built by Trip Canada over the years—driven by Manju, our incredible partner on the ground—and yes, they stopped to admire the Buddha at the end of the road.

🌟 Bonus? Mel’s son Max left feeling inspired… and wants to come back to build!

It’s a reminder that when we travel with open hearts, we don’t just see the world—we connect with it.

Meet the Team 18 VolunteersMeet Andrew Gumley! Andrew, along with his wife, has been a dedicated supporter of TRIP Canad...
09/04/2025

Meet the Team 18 Volunteers

Meet Andrew Gumley! Andrew, along with his wife, has been a dedicated supporter of TRIP Canada as generous donors. His wife, Penny, has been part of two past trips, and now Andrew is joining Team 18 to contribute his skills and heart to our mission in Sri Lanka.

Say hi to Andrew! He’s ready to make a difference in Sri Lanka.

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