Relief Riders International (RRI) announces its special Tsunami Relief Ride to Sri Lanka. Following the disastrous tsunami that claimed 30,000 lives in Sri Lanka, Alexander Souri, Executive Director of RRI traveled in April 2005 to undertake a needs assessment trip to see first hand the hard-hit southern coastal areas. Two thirds of the beautiful coastal areas were damaged by the extraordinary waves.

As a witness to this extraordinary human tragedy, it was absolutely clear to me that we had to respond and do everything we could, Souri noted.
In response, building on its award-winning relief rides to Rajasthan, India, RRI will take 8 horseback riders on a humanitarian journey to bring desperately-needed supplies and medical aid to Sri Lanka. Working with the Ministry of Health, Souri is tailoring the trip to coordinate with on-going relief efforts, details of which are still being developed. Currently there are plans to help schools in four communities, replacing lost educational materials and holding pediatric clinics for the children.

A pioneer and leader in the VolunTourism field, RRI offers its travelers the opportunity to combine 170 km horse-back ride through rare and beautiful landscapes with a life-changing humanitarian mission. Participants will travel on white sand beaches, and through lush jungles and natural game reserves, while visiting Buddhist temples, and learning about local customs.