Mary Taylor, Geoffrey Roberts 2005 Awardwinner’s report

I can honestly say that The Geoffrey Roberts Award changed my life as it gave me the credibility to take my project further.

On Sunday I held my last major fundraiser of the year with a High Tea attended by 275 which included demonstrations on high quality tea, an address from the Camellia Society on growing tea, a tea pluckers dance and a charity auction as well as continuous projected images of Sri Lanka.. The attention that this event achieved took me a little by surprise - almost a year on folks wanted an excuse to donate to something that 'got through'.

While the project is measured in terms of oru, or outriggers, the monies are used for rehabilitation within the fishing community and have included components for nets, energy efficient ovens, home garden developments and new bicycles as well as boats. In order to add value to the fish, consideration is now being given to refrigerated distribution options.

The area with which I have been working is on the south coast of Sri Lanka a little off the main road and because of its isolation it was left largely untouched by other international aid. Attention will move to the east once this area is back on its feet.

I have been interviewed on NZ and Chinese radio and Chinese TV and there have been articles in top-selling publications about my work. 

Returning to Sri Lanka in June was wonderful and very sad.  It was apparent that much of the international aid package had not yet got through, for a variety of reasons.  I am returning at Christmas with a producer and cameraman to record the anniversary of the tsunami. Whilst this will be largely self-funded, the remainder of the Geoffrey Roberts monies will also be used. The object is to make a documentary that looks at issues relating to the tsunami, opportunities from adversity, the possibility that one can make a difference and promotes Sri Lanka as a tourist destination. I will also be reporting back to our leading newspaper.

During the year I have continued with my fundraising through 'show and tell' dinner party functions. Interested people invite 20 others to their home for a dinner which is prepared using a Sri Lankan chef. Before dinner I do a presentation on Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, its food and the tsunami using my new digital projector. On average every function has generated funds equivalent to at least one oru/outrigger. Whilst this method of fundraising is time- consuming in comparison to holding large events such as last Sunday's High Tea, this method is most effective in getting the message across of Sri Lanka as an ideal vacation destination. I am positive that these functions will generate future travel.

In between fundraising I have continued to run my own business and food tours. It has definitely been my busiest year ever, but thanks to The Geoffrey Roberts Award, also my most satisfying. I will be forever grateful.