As it has been said repeatedly in the media, cash contributions are the best way to help people in South Asia. While we believe this to be true, we also know we are in a very unique position to personally ensure that the money donated here on scubasf.com gets to the Sri Lankan people of Madiha and Polhena. You, our friends, colleagues, and fellow divers can help provide the necessary tools, equipment and infrastructure that will allow Polhena to get back on its feet.

We want to be direct about why we are accepting cash contributions. We think it is important to state very clearly our policy with regard to your specifically designated contributions and what we will do with money that we receive. Your donations are designated for the community of Polhena, post-tsunami relief efforts in the form of PADI scuba training through a dive master level and education on reef conservation & repropagation.

First, we are not using this specific tragedy as a general fundraising opportunity. All of the funds we raise are specifically for –Madiha and Polhena.

Second, we will keep a separate bank account ledger of activity where specifically designated funds will be deposited and withdrawn for the sole purpose of assisting the fishermen and their families in Madiha and Polhena.

Third, we consider any funds that have been entrusted to us a tool we can leverage to powerfully benefit the people whose lives have been tragically affected. The people in Madiha and Polhena face extraordinary challenges and are very traumatized. They have specifically asked us to help them get professional scuba training and gear. We understand this, and we will honor how they would like to be helped by teaching them and securing as much equipment as we can.

Fourth, we will use this money solely to pay for expenses directly related to our training mission in the Polhena community. These expenses will include such things as air-cargo transportation, procurement of oxygen and medic first aid kits, scuba equipment that has not been donated by AquaLung, other health-related items (such as water purification equipment) that are not donated, packaging material, extra travel costs for professional staff or contract experts to go to the disaster areas to ensure efficient distribution and use of material, or cash grants to organizations providing on-site relief.

Fifth, we will not pay any fees to our current professional team from your contributions. We are donating our time and our service.
We thank you for your generosity and welcome any questions you may have on the accounting of our trip and efforts.