It's been a hectic few months, so I thought I would do one last update on recent happenings before the year ends and another begins.
First of all, we became aware back in September that the Cambodian Handicraft Association (CHA) were struggling a bit for money due to the economic downturn, and due to the earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan meaning that two of their regular customers were not in a position to place any orders with them. As such, we made a donation to them of three months' rent (US$ 2100) on their shopfront, workshop and dormitories in Phnom Penh.
Not long after the donation was received in CHA's bank account, I got this email from Kim Tha, the director of the CHA:
Dear Alan,
Warmest greeting from CHA, I send you this email to tell you that three of our group got jobs at the garment factory in Phnom Penh. They are Mom, Sareun and Malin, and we have two new trainees who come from the countryside to CHA, one is polio victim and another one is landmine victim.
These are the photos of the new trainees.
Chun Ry
Danei
This is proof positive that the money you donate has a huge impact on peoples' lives in Cambodia. Thank you all so much for your support!
I also finally made it out to Cambodia in November, and I visited both main projects the Cambodian Futures Foundation supports. The CHA was buoyant after our donation, it just gave them the little breathing space that they really needed. The workshop was busier than I ever remember it being, reflecting the fact that Kim Tha has been able to take on several new trainees over the past few years, as I have mentioned in previous updates.
The New Cambodian Children's Life Association (NCCLA) has changed a fair bit over the past couple of years, as the children get older. Most of the children are in their teens now, and many are doing extremely well at High School, with one already at University. Ty is in the first year of his degree studying engineering and architecture, and is a very open and gregarious lad, a pleasure to talk to. All the other older children were also very welcoming and polite, but the days when they all wanted to play with me are gone - now they just want to hang out and talk about things that interest them, like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham!
The younger ones, like new boy Arin and twins Monika and Molika, are still full of fun, as I think these photos will testify.
Arin and Molika
Monika
I enjoyed my stay as much as always, and came away very content that all donations we have made to both organisations have been sensibly spent, and are starting to show tangible results. Neth and Thavy as directors of the NCCLA and Kim Tha all inspire huge confidence, and make me as eager as ever to do as much as I can to help them reach the desired outcomes for the people they are dedicated to helping.
On my return we held the 5th CFF wine-tasting hosted as ever by Henry Butler of The Butler's Wine Cellar. We had 67 attendees this time, and from the feedback I received it would appear that a good time was had by all. People showed huge generosity in buying raffle tickets, spending over £230, which meant the overall profits from the night reached a phenomenal £700 - the most we have ever raised. I would like to use this forum to thank Henry, Kate and Cassie for their wonderful generosity and support, and I would also like to thank all organisations and individuals who donated prizes for the raffle for their generosity, which made such a difference to the amount we were able to raise.
And I think that is about all the news for now. I would like to thank everyone who supports or has supported the CFF for your belief in the charity, and for your wonderful support. We hope we can make you proud as we continue to improve the lives of disadvantaged people in Cambodia.
We wish you all an extremely Merry Christmas, and a prosperous and happy New Year.
