It was all smiles and laughter when more than 1,500 Cambodian students received a special delivery from Awareness Cambodia (ACI).
Over two days, backpacks filled with life-changing school supplies were distributed across three primary schools in Cambodia’s poorest province, as part of ACI’s Case for Change educational program.
Case for Change coordinator Jessica Hull said for some children, this was the first gift they had ever received.
“The look on the kid’s faces is so gratifying. Seeing their huge smiles as they sling the new backpacks across their shoulder for the first time is truly moving,” Jess said.
It was certainly a team effort to raise the $15 needed for each backpack, with students from Atwell College, Wesley College and Lake Joondalup Baptist College, and businesses Crown Money Management, CRS Australia, Interact Club Freshwater Bay, Kayu and Kennerlys leading fundraising efforts.
Fundraising included quiz nights and money-for-chores including cooking, cleaning and dog walking. Jess says she’s looking forward to seeing more innovative fundraising ideas next year.
“Since 2008, we’ve touc
hed the lives of around 3,000 primary-aged children, and in 2014 we’re looking to raise the bar again to reach out to a further 2,000.”
If you would like to be involved, email Jess Hull on [email protected]