Peninsula donations build house for Cambodian family
Money raised on the Peninsula has built a new home for a Cambodian family of five.
Local resident Mr John Orme and his sister Jenny have been involved with the charity Choice Family Australia for many years, raising funds for school improvements and to assist with medical expenses.
"A few months back Ross Wright, the founder of Choice, asked if we could assist the family of five who were residing in a tin shed on a dirt floor," he said.
"When it rained, the rats would seek shelter and then the snakes would follow, so hammocks were the only sleeping options.
"Choice looks after two villages in the Kandor province, about an hour north of Phnom Penh.
"The villages have no running water or electricity so the community is very impoverished," he said.
Mr Orme said they kicked off a raffle with all prizes donated by the community.
"Tickets were on sale at both Woy Woy hotels and money was also raised thanks to the Ettalong bowlers at Ettalong Bowlo, and Cambodian business owners in Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina.
"Coming up several hundred dollars short, we were helped over the line with donations from Ettalong Bowling Club and their social fishing club.
"The house in Cambodia is now complete thanks to volunteer workers.
"It is only six metres by three metres and it has living quarters downstairs and sleeping upstairs.
"Made with a concrete base and brick veneer and colourbond structure, it has greatly improved the quality of life of the parents and their three children, aged 2, 7 and 9."
Mr Orme said the house has a plaque on it, stating it was funded by the Woy Woy Peninsula community.
Solar power for the house is still needed.
Donations can be made to Choice Family Australia, NAB BSB 095910 Account 856471420.
SOURCE:
Media release, 26 Jun 2023
Ken Dixon, Woy Woy