CCT - Cambodian Children's Trust

Hai Nhem and me, CCT, 2008

Late 2008, I went to Asia for 3 months. Travelling to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and south Vietnam. Upon hearing that I was going to Cambodia a local lady, Tulku Rose, asked if I would go to a children’s home in Battambang and deliver some money she had raised. Tulku Rose founded the charitable organisation called Global Good Samaritans. Over the years they have done some great work, particularly in Africa. This is a link to a radio interview she did.

With some additional money that I raised, I headed to Battambang upon the slow boat from Siem Reap. I had decided that I would like to spend a week or so at the children’s home, as I believe it is nice to give something back, in some small way, to the countries that are so accepting of me, my backpack and Western ways.

The children’s home is called Cambodian Children’s Trust (CCT)

Heang Nhem, CCT, 2008

I arrived late December 2008 and left a week later, having spent a very memorable Christmas with Tara and about 18 kids. Tara’s story is amazing and I have the utmost respect and admiration for what she does. She is still only in her mid 20’s, now has 34 kids under her care, supports many families to get back on their feet, resides full time in Cambodia and is out there doing it, living it and breathing it daily.

Her selfless love and compassion for these children is as big, beautiful and heartwarming as the smiles you see on their faces. They were always talking, laughing, dancing and singing and in the week I was there, I did not witness one disagreement between them. Can you imagine that many kids living together with no arguments or complaining? Their capacity for love and ability to live cohesively really overwhelmed me and I have not been able to forget them or their smiles.

To hear more about the CCT story, you can see Tara and the children on Australian Story (click here). This episode went to air in April of this year.

Tou Kein, Annie Lee and friend

Roua Mouern and Somnung Hai

So what does this have to do with our bike ride??

Well, I have wanted to head back to Cambodia and CCT since the moment I left and an idea of a much shorter bike ride through Cambodia somehow evolved into a trip from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. Kit and I then discussed the possibility that our bike ride could be sponsored as a way of raising money to give to CCT. A small gesture, to show our appreciation for the work of this wee lass from Sydney and the Cambodian staff that support her.

Sophy Cheury, CCT, 2008

$10-20 goes a long way in Cambodia. So if you can go without one takeaway lunch this week or that one glass of wine on the weekend and donate the money to sponsor our trip, you are assured that your money will go direct to the source.

And for your money? Well you get to know you have helped ease the financial burden of a small group of people making big changes in the lives of those in need.

And of course…..we will accept donation of more than $20.00 if you insist :)

To make a donation please go to the following link and please write 2g2b in the description box to make you eligible to win the $1500.00 prize kindly donated by Agency of Sculpture

http://www.cambodianchildrenstrust.org/donation-form/p/149

Ahkun jaan
(thank you very much in Khmer)