The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) was delighted to host nearly 70 staff from renowned accounting firm KPMG as part of a fund raising trek across Sri Lanka last month.

18 staff from various branches of KPMG’s UK operations undertook the ten day trek to raise money for worthy causes in Sri Lanka, and were joined by around 50 of the KPMG Sri Lanka staff for their stop in Seenigama.

KPMG’s Corporate and Social Responsibility team, with guidance from KPMG Sri Lanka Chairman Mr Rajan Asirwatham, has been a great support to FoG since the 2004 tsunami caused massive destruction in the Seenigama region.

Donations by staff from across the world were matched by the business to support construction of the KPMG village in Seenigam, a unique project consisting of 25 brand new houses with modern amenities, household items, landscaped gardens and community facilities.

KPMG has continued to provide regular support to FoG and the KPMG village since that time, something FoG Founder Kushil Gunasekera said is highly valued by people in the region.

“KPMG has been very consistent in addressing the welfare of this village and not leaving it just like many others did after providing immediate relief,” he explained.

“Periodically they keep gifting various items and on this occasion provided 25 wooden wardrobes for the 25 new houses they had built.”

The residents of KPMG village are extremely proud of their new neighbourhood and their new homes, which provided them with certainty, strength and hope for the future in the aftermath of the tsunami.

For the UK KPMG staff, the visit to Seenigama showed first hand the difference that their organisation has made to people in need – with many moved to tears on hearing the stories of the KPMG residents.

“We were very proud to be able to show the KPMG staff what a massive difference their funding has made to our village,” said Mr Gunasekera.

“KPMG’s support of FoG has been fantastic, and we look forward to an on-going relationship with the organisation well into the future.”

The collaboration with KPMG no doubt enhances the image of the Foundation of Goodness being closely associated whilst also being the official audit firm.  There has been a lot of interest from donors seeing the partnership between KPMG and the Foundation to further enrich humanity.

Mr Rajan Asirwatham the head of Sri Lankan KPMG Ford Rhodes has taken a personal interest with his dedicated team to constantly monitor and improve the standards of the KPMG village at every given opportunity for the greater good of those affected by the tsunami having lost their dwellings and belongings in the tragic tsunami waves.

Ynys Onsman – Foundation of Goodness, Communication Specialist, Australian Youth Ambassador.