Nearly 18 months in the planning, there are just 18 days before I depart for the Far East. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 14 adventurous volunteers, most from Canada and specifically Niagara-on-the-Lake, but also England and Singapore, will be meeting up to make a difference in the lives of at least 18 families.
Our goal was to raise $15,000 to build 12 houses. Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, we have raised over $20,000 and will be building 18 houses. The materials for each house cost $1000. The family that is receiving the house, must also contribute towards the cost - approximately $100 - and also own the land. Huge by the standards of a Cambodian family living in poverty.
If poverty wasn't enough, some of the worst flooding in years has recently hit Cambodia. Janne Ritskes, Tabitha's Founder and Director writes "Last week we were rejoicing how our families in Prey Veng were hoping to have a bumper crop of rice. The floods had hit Kompong Thom project a month ago and our families there had lost all their rice but for some reason Prey Veng wasn’t flooded. This weekend the floods arrived – within hours everything was under water." As a team we've agreed that funds raised in excess of our goal will be used for wells and ponds. These will help families replant their crops in the coming dry season.
It's not too late to donate! A field well, which can irrigate up to 10 acres and is shared by two families, costs $250. Any amount is appreciated, no matter how small. If you'd like to help these families, please go to our Giving Page via Canada Helps: http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=3073
Or you can learn more at www.tabitha.ca
Now to get back to organizing, packing, and organizing some more.
Yolanda
