The tsunami one year on - don't donate - visit and spend.

I've just returned from our annual trip to my wife's family on the paradise island of Sri Lanka. It was sad to see so much of the overwhelming generosity shown towards the country at the time of the tsunami, had been lost or squandered by political bickering and corruption.

Judging by what I saw, every Sri Lankan fisherman could boast a sparkling new fishing boat............but nowhere for his family to live. Thousands still live in tents (commonly known as 'tsunami microwaves' ) or 3m x 2m garden sheds.

The local aid agencies are worn down by fighting unending bureaucratic battles. The only people making a difference are private individuals who get on with doing whatever they need to do regardless of the obstacles. Nike would be proud of them!

I saw that donating money to a country does not change lives - spending it amongst the people is what matters. So when I'm next touched by the misfortunes of a community I won't donate, I'll go there, spend and change a life myself.