ABOUT US
Who We Are
Our Organisation
Tree of Life was founded by Dr. George Tupper Jr. during his tsunami relief efforts in South India to support communities affected by poverty and natural disasters. Guided by a commitment to dignity, respect, and fairness, we serve all individuals without discrimination.
We operate with a lean organizational structure to maximize impact, directing 85–90% of donations straight to those in need. Working in close partnership with local communities, we assess needs, identify beneficiaries, deliver appropriate support, and measure outcomes based on community-defined goals. Through this collaborative approach, Tree of Life helps individuals and families rebuild their emotional, mental, and physical well-being after catastrophic events.
1. TOLSA (Tree of Life South Asia), USA (EIN: 92-2920436)
2. Tree of Life International Private Limited, India (CIN: U74120UP2011PTC047514)
3. Tree of Life International Consultancy, Bangladesh (C-132838/2016)
Our Founder
Dr George Tupper Jr has over 38 years of experience in disaster relief and community development
Dr George Tupper Jr qualifications include:
BS Horticulture Science 1987 Louisiana State University
MS Agriculture Extension 1992 Mississippi State University
EdD Vocational Education 1999 Auburn University
SPHERE certified 2018
1988-1990
Served as Project Director for Agriculture in Ethiopia with Ethiopian Baptist Mission
Overseeing food for work projects for 200,000+ families in famine/war zones including tree nursery and tree plantation of over 2 million trees in deforested areas, soil conservation through land reclamation via SALT, terracing and check dams in 5 miles of gully erosion reclamation.
1992-2005
Served as Project Director of the Development Service Center
Helping poor farmers maximize food production by providing hands on training and resources to increase food production through horticulture, fishery, poultry and livestock projects.
2002-2005
Served as adjunct professor at Dhaka university
providing field training for future extension agents in production of local feeds for farmers using local ingredients in their communities.
2000-2005
Served as Chairman of Bangladesh Baptist Mission
2005-2008
Served as Country Director of Tsunami Relief for South India
2008-2010
Served as Refugee Relief Coordinator in Odisha
2010- present
Coordinator for Global Disaster Response Team in South Asia
Project Categories
When floods, cyclones and other natural disasters occur we provide necessities to victims:
- Food aid for basic health and nutrition
- Basic household items needed for cooking
- Clothing
- Blankets during winter
- Temporary shelters for housing
Long-term we also provide income generation projects to help communities be self-sufficient and self-reliant again.
In areas where there is no clean water we provide borewells and tubewells, so communities have access to safe and clean drinking water. We also provide WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) training to help increase understanding how disease spreads by poor sanitation and hygiene and what can be done within homes & local communities to prevent disease transmission through water treatment, sanitation and hygiene.
In areas where medical care is not available due to location or extreme poverty – we provide medical camps/clinics, and basic medical supplies to communities without medical care including education in basic health and hygiene practices to improve quality of life.
In man-made disasters such as riots we provide secure camps, housing, food, clothing, shelter and trauma counseling to the affected communities. In these situations, we work closely with affected communities, assigned government agencies and non-profits to ensure long-term solutions for the communities resulting in peace and stability.
Tree of Life was born in 2005 out of Dr. George Tupper Jr.’s lifechanging tsunami relief work in South India, where compassion met action in moments of profound human need. From that beginning, the organization has remained committed to offering hope and restoration to those affected by poverty and disaster, always with dignity, respect, and unwavering impartiality.
Guided by a deep sense of stewardship, Tree of Life minimizes administrative overhead so that the vast majority of every donation directly supports those who are hurting. By working hand in hand with affected communities, the organization listens first—identifying real needs, selecting beneficiaries with care, and shaping assistance that reflects the community’s own vision for recovery.
At its heart, Tree of Life exists to help people rebuild not only their homes, but their lives—emotionally, mentally, and physically. After catastrophe disrupts families and futures, Tree of Life seeks to walk beside survivors as they rise, rebuild, and reclaim hope.