A KENT-based charity is ensuring that money collected for tsunami victims is going straight to those in need.

The KASTDA Fund - Kent Association for Sri Lankan Tsunami Daruwo (daruwo is the Sri Lankan name for sons and daughters) was set up by the Sri Lankan community in the Thanet area on Boxing Day when the tidal wave devastated parts of south east Asia.

So far the group has raised £10,000 and founder member Meththa Methananda said that "strict controls are upheld to ensure that money goes direct to the point of need".

He said: "The KASTDA Fund is dedicated to helping orphans throughout the stricken country, and members have visited on fact-finding missions to see how best they can help.

"Links have already been forged with orphanages and schools and KASTDA funds have been released to help more than a hundred children and young people, including aiding a medical student to finish his studies.

"We work hard to make sure that all the money we send goes direct to an accountable and responsible adult who is caring for the orphans, whether it is a teacher, a churchman or nuns who run orphanages. It enables us to keep track on how our efforts are helping and to ensure the money is being spent on social welfare and education."

Meanwhile, an evening celebrating culinary delights from Sri Lanka is being held to raise money for the orphans.

The social get together is at Chaucer Technology School, Spring Lane, Canterbury, on Saturday, October 22, from 7.30pm.

The £15 entrance fee includes the chance to sample a full range of traditional meals from Sri Lanka, plus listen to music from the country. The food is being prepared by specialist chefs from the The Golden Platter caterers from London.

Mr Methananda added: "The social evening is one of our major fund raising events this year and it follows a successful similar evening we held in Birchington in the spring. As well as being a chance for people to try out dishes from our country, it is also the opportunity for the volunteers to mix socially. "

Any business that wishes to donates prizes for the raffle to help raise money for the tsunami orphans should contact Mr Methananda on 01843 228828. Also call this number for more details about how become a volunteer with the group, or for information about the Sri Lankan evening.

Tickets are available from KASTDA, 75 Canterbury Road, Westbrook, Kent, telephone 01843 228828.

Fact file:

* The volunteer group chose the Sri Lankan word for ‘sons and daughters’ – Daruwo – as part of their name to create a high profile focus on the children who will need assistance for many years.

* KASTDA Fund members include representatives from the Thanet, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Deal and Dover areas.

* Patrons have been invited to join the fund, which is seeking charitable status.

* KASTDA Fund is supported by the Sri Lanka High Commission