About us
Hello! My name is Sarah and I'm the founder of The Free Town Trust charity.
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It all started when I was scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka in December 2005, and when civil unrest broke out I was re-booked to Kenya. During my trip I met some local people and got to know a little of their lives and struggle.
When I returned home I decided I knew enough like-minded people back in the UK to be able to raise a few pounds to help change the outcomes of some of the families I’d met for the better.
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In 2017, I decided to expand the charity to Sri Lanka. I felt a synergy with this country and the only thing I can put it down to is that my father was stationed there at the end of WWII and had told me a few stories.
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Since then we've helped countless children and families, working closely with partners based in Kenya and Sri Lanka to ensure the greatest impact possible.
Our story so far
2005
Sarah's planned trip to Sri Lanka is rerouted to Kenya due to civil unrest Whilst there, she meets Teresa and her family in Mombasa, Kenya, sparking the idea for the charity.
2006
The charity is established to support children and families in the Malindi area of Kenya. Sarah begins working directly with Blessed Generation Children's Centre and starts supporting 8 children.
2017
The charity expands its work to Sri Lanka, and support begins for the Yasodara Girls' Orphanage in Galle, Sri Lanka.
2019
A partnership established with Karuna Sri Lanka, an Australian charity. The Yasodara Girls' Orphanage closes, but The Free Town Trust continues to support the displaced girls.
2020 - 2022
Despite the global pandemic, the charity continues its work, locating and supporting former Yasodara girls. Joint projects with Karuna Sri Lanka include installing water at a remote property and building a toilet and shower at another.
2024
In April, The Free Town Trust officially registers as a UK charity. The charity begins supporting three sisters through their education Support continues for rebuilding a school bridge at The Sukhitha Home in Galpatta, Sri Lanka.