| I just got word that the Children's Improvement Organisation in Cambodia, the great orphanage in Cambodia where out beautiful daughters, Jenny and Jenna were taken in, received some bad news; a Taiwanese organization had pledged to pay the lease for their location - $400 a month - through 2015. But now, they are backing out as of September of this year because of their own financial issues. Without that money, CIO can't pay rent and will have no place to go for 37 orphaned children who will be out on the street with no housing or food. That. Will. Not. Happen. | Saying goodbye to Jenny and Jenna at their new home, the CIO orphanage. |
I'm pledging my support to do whatever it takes to make sure Jenny and Jenna and the rest of the 35 wonderful children at CIO can stay there and are safe, healthy, and happy. In case you don't know, the Children's Improvement Organisation (Australian spelling) is not a big international nonprofit with a PR department and high admin costs. In fact, CIO consists largely of two pure-hearted Cambodians - Sitha Toeung and his wife, Sreymom, who have dedicated their lives to help these children and live, work, and eat right among them in humble conditions. 100% of donations go directly to keeping the children housed, fed, educated, and providing basic medical care when possible.
To help, I will be setting up their website and handling a campaign of awareness to collect pledges from companies, relief organizations, and caring individuals. I also envision getting them on the map as a destination for charity/volunteer tourism to benefit from the bustling tourism industry in Siem Reap. Of course I will be donating myself, every month, and if I can find 50 people who want to commit a little bit every month - even the cost of a coffee at work instead of Starbucks or a meal at home instead of at a restaurant, we can keep the doors to the orphanage open. To be clear, this is not a hand out. These children only want a chance to have their basic needs met and the opportunity to go to school, so they can work hard at decent jobs and eventually take care of the next generation of Cambodians, healing their country from the inside, out.
To help, I will be setting up their website and handling a campaign of awareness to collect pledges from companies, relief organizations, and caring individuals. I also envision getting them on the map as a destination for charity/volunteer tourism to benefit from the bustling tourism industry in Siem Reap. Of course I will be donating myself, every month, and if I can find 50 people who want to commit a little bit every month - even the cost of a coffee at work instead of Starbucks or a meal at home instead of at a restaurant, we can keep the doors to the orphanage open. To be clear, this is not a hand out. These children only want a chance to have their basic needs met and the opportunity to go to school, so they can work hard at decent jobs and eventually take care of the next generation of Cambodians, healing their country from the inside, out.
But I don't want to collect any money now. Not a cent. Instead, let's build a community of caring people who are ready to spread the word and take consistent action as we get closer. More details will follow, but any other ideas you can brainstorm are greatly appreciated. But I assure you - we WILL ensure a happy ending for Jenny, Jenna, and all of these kids.
Please share this on Facebook and email me to pledge your support when the time comes.
And thanks x 1,000,000!!!!
Norm :-)
Please share this on Facebook and email me to pledge your support when the time comes.
And thanks x 1,000,000!!!!
Norm :-)
 Check out this insanely fun video about Jenny and Jenna's Big Day Out and find out all about it here. If you want to learn more about Jenny and Jenna and all the children who need help in Cambodia, click here. | |
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