SO MUCH HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN THE VILLAGE (AS USUAL)!         

Date posted:  3 December, 2006

In this newsletter:   

Our school/community centre is only about a day and a half from completion.  Here are some more photos of the progress.........

Getting the building materials to the site has been fun and games.  Chanti organised five different trucks to deliver materials from five different locations and all five got stuck in the mud in five different places, requiring many villagers to help get them out.  All five truck drivers refused to come out to the village again!  Fortunately, Chanti is very resourceful and always found a way.

Basically, it meant dumping the materials some distance from the building site and then the villagers had to use ox carts, bicycles or even carry the materials to the site (as you can see in the photos).  The villagers work very hard in very trying conditions and yet the morale around the building site is always very upbeat. 

Very exciting news!  We are now able to accept tax deductible donations in Australia.

In order to be able to accept tax deductible donations I have partnered with Global Development Group in Brisbane .   Global Development Group is a Non Government Organisation (NGO) carrying out humanitarian projects with approved partners and providing aid to relieve poverty.  Their website is www.globaldevelopment.org.au

To give a tax deductible donation you can send your donation to Global Development Group, 56 Goorari Street , Eight Mile Plains, Qld, 4113 with a note stating the donation is for Helping Hands Cambodia – project number J213.   You can also donate online via their website.  If you choose to donate online you also need to email them a short note stating your donation is for Helping Hands Cambodia – project number J213. Global Development Group will then send a tax receipt to you.

LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT?

Looking for a truly meaningful Christmas gift?  Why not give a gift that really makes a difference to someone less fortunate.  I'll be selling gift donation cards at the Maroochydore Markets at Fisherman's Roa.  The cards will range in value from $5.00 to $50.00.  See below to find out just how far your money can go.  (I'll also be selling a beautiful range of silk bags, silver jewellery and other gift items from Cambodia at the markets.) 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS

Many people continue to generously give donations.  I'd like to make special mention of:

Ben Taylor and his friends for their wonderful contribution.

Noosa Rotary Club who have paid for 100 bikes.

Zonta Club of Maroochy held a fundraiser and raised $1,000.

And my wonderful big brother, Brett, Larraine  and the crew at Northline who are holding a Christmas raffle.

On behalf of all the villagers, like this little girl, THANK YOU!  We really couldn't do any of this without you.