NEWSLETTER
Issue 22. January - December 2022
CHAIRMAN'S LETTER
EDITOR’S WORDS Welcome to the 22nd issue of the AHHA newsletter: a non-profit charity newsletter brought to you by our volunteer contributors. After a challenging two years from the COVID pandemic, 2022 was an exciting year for AHHA with the first international field trip to Vietnam and Cambodia undertaken by our volunteers since 2019. This year also marked the return of our first in-person fundraising event in Freedom Plaza, Cabramatta since pre-COVID times. In this issue, you will hear from our Chairman, Dr. William Trinh, who details the progress AHHA has made amidst the pandemic thanks to the support from our donors and volunteers. Further, you will read a detailed account of the September field trip to Vietnam and Cambodia followed by updates on the Tinh Thuong Community School, the Mai Am Cao Nguyen Orphanage, and the Hue Community Centre. We also provide updates on our humanitarian projects including flood relief support for affected communities in NSW and QLD, and our Ukraine UNICEF appeal. Finally, we are pleased to feature the personal stories of two dedicated volunteers, Peter Kandasamy and Dr. Michael Stefanescu, who share their journeys with AHHA and what motivates them to make a difference. Special thanks to all our newsletter contributors especially Ted Mylnarz, Dr Hien Tran, Michael Luong and Dr William Trinh.Your valuable insights and efforts have made this newsletter possible. We also would like to express our gratitude to all AHHA volunteers and supporters who enable us to assist impoverished communities in humanitarian need.
Dear supporters, As we reflect on the resilience AHHA demonstrated throughout the COVID pandemic, I am grateful for the commitment and support from each and every one of our supporters. Together, we have navigated through challenging times, and I want to express my appreciation for your continued dedication. In 2022, AHHA remained committed to our mission to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged, despite the global hardships we faced. With the help of our generous donors and the dedication of our incredible volunteers, we were able to sustain our humanitarian projects and disaster relief appeals. One of our standout moments of the year was the inauguration of the new AHHA community centre at Pho Nam temple in Vietnam. During our visit, we were able to facilitate general medical checkups, distribute essential medicines, conduct eye checks, and extend our support to 600 underprivileged families who sought refuge at the centre over two days. Additionally, through the generous sponsorship of Dr. Juliana Chong, we were able to donate a motorised aluminium boat that will assist with rescuing people during flood emergencies. Furthermore, our trip to Vietnam provided us with the opportunity to witness the impact of the Truong Hoc Tinh Thuong evening community school, situated on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. This evening school, supported by AHHA, has been instrumental in providing education to underprivileged children whose families cannot afford regular day school tuition. In Cambodia, we reconnected with our local collaborators to discuss the resumption of our mission. Together, we are determined to address the severe backlog of cataract surgeries and dental treatments that have accumulated due to the pandemic. We thank the generous support of our volunteers, donors, and AHHA management committee who have made this field trip possible. For more information on past and upcoming projects please visit: https://www.ahha.org.au/, or alternatively please stay connected via our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ AustralianHealthHumanitarianAid! Kind regards, Dr. William Trinh OAM, Chairman
Happy reading, Will C.
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HIGHLIGHTS
September Field Trip: Cambodia Writer Dr William Trinh OAM
In September 2022, myself and a group of our Australian and Vietnamese volunteers embarked on a trip to open the new AHHA community centre at Pho Nam temple, located approximately 30 km from Hue city. The AHHA centre is a resilient two-storey brick building, erected on the hills to endure the wind, storm, and heavy rain during the wet season that frequently occurs each year in Vietnam. The AHHA centre operates as an evacuation centre during floods, and as a hub for education and medical services for the underserved communities in surrounding villages. During the trip, we facilitated general medical check-ups and supplied medicines, conducted eye checks, and distributed 20kg of rice and cash donations to each of the 600 underprivileged families who arrived at the AHHA centre over the span of two days. Additionally, AHHA donated a motorised aluminium boat, sponsored by Dr Juliana Chong, to be used for rescuing people during floods. The success of this AHHA project can be attributed to the tireless efforts and support of many, including local volunteers,
Pho Nam Temple, local authorities, and our dedicated AHHA volunteers and donors. A special acknowledgement goes to architect Mr Michael Luong and our AHHA director, Ms Thuy Nguyen, who oversaw the project. During our visit to Vietnam, we also had the chance to witness firsthand the operations of the evening community school named Truong Hoc Tinh Thuong in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The school, located at the back of a local coffee shop, was founded by Mr Hung Doan more than ten years ago. He runs the coffee shop during the day to fund the evening school for local underprivileged children whose parents are unable to afford regular day school. The school caters to around 70 children aged from 7-17 years old, and the classes are facilitated by Mr Hung and other local university student volunteers from 5:00PM-7:00PM, Monday to Friday. AHHA has been supporting the rental of the school over the years, and it was encouraging to see the school positively impacting the lives of these children.
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We proceeded to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to reconnect with our local collaborators, including Prof Meng Nguy, Prof Do Seiha, Dr Long Chhour of Khmer Soviet Friendship hospital, Prince Tesso Sisowath, Prof Callum Durward, Prof Ian Findlay of University of Puthisatra, Dr Huot Cheng of Khmer Sigh Foundation and Mr Sideth Ly of Cambodia National Bank. We discussed our plan to resume our mission in Cambodia in 2023, with a focus on reducing the severe backlogs of cataract surgery and dental treatments, consequences of the COVID Pandemic. Our trip continued to Tru Noc village in Kampong Chhnang in the Tonle Sap lake region, Cambodia, where we visited Sister Maria at the AHHA community centre. We successfully distributed 20kg of rice to each of the 200 impoverished families. The AHHA community centre, which was completed in 2019, was in excellent condition and is utilized year-round for educational purposes. It also provides medical services funded by AHHA, with a local doctor visiting monthly to treat minor, chronic illnesses and provide preventive health and family planning services to the needy in the villages. Lastly, we visited the proposed site for the future primary school for the poor, with aspirations that the AHHA school will be completed in 2023. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our donors, our volunteers and AHHA management committee members for their continued support and hard work to keep AHHA going to help the underprivileged.
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Educating The Poor: Tinh Thuong Community School
HIGHLIGHTS
Writer Mr Ted Mlynarz
also conducted by student teachers from a local university and provides them with invaluable hands-on experience for their future careers. Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) has supported the school for several years with financial contributions assisting with the rental costs of the premises.
Dr William Trinh (AHHA Chairman) with the Tinh Thuong school founder
Every child deserves an education. Children of poorer families in Vietnam are often deprived of a decent avenue of obtaining a basic education which would provide them with a brighter future and the opportunity to gain employment and live gainful lives. In Vietnam, children from poorer families are usually required, at a very early age, to seek menial work or beg in the streets to help support the family income depriving them of the ability to attend normal schools during daytime hours.
On a recent trip to Vietnam in August 2022, by a small group from AHHA, a visit to the school provided an insight into the school’s operations and conversations with the students and teachers indicated gratitude for the support provided by AHHA and its sponsors and supporters. AHHA appreciates the work carried out by the school and will continue its support ensuring poor and needy children in Vietnam can gain a basic education to enable a better future. AHHA has been conducting an Education Sponsorship Program for several years, and apart from the Tinh Thuong School, has provided financial support to needy children for several years both in Vietnam and Cambodia and will continue to do so.
In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) an after-hours Community School has been established to provide education for poor children after they had worked during the day. The school was established by Mr Hung Doan with support from his wife commencing with only five students and conducts classes on a daily basis between 5:30 and 7:30pm providing lessons and meals. Since inception, the number of students has increased to 80 with several graduates gaining meaningful employment which include hairdressing and motor mechanic apprenticeships. Apart from the school founder (Mr Hung Doan), lessons are Newsletter • Issue 22 • January - December 2022 | 5
Mai Am Cao Nguyen Orphanage Writer Dr Coung Le, William Cheng
Nurse Tien and Dr Tom Cuong Nguyen (AHHA representative in Vietnam) from Stamford Skin Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) have been helping the orphanage called Mai Am Cao Nguyen in Pleiku, Central Vietnam have demonstrated that the orphanage could greatly benefit from the ongoing support and assistance of AHHA. The orphanage was set up by Carita of the Catholic church in Vietnam and is currently managed by Sister Trinh. The orphanage currently cares for 76 children with severe physical and mental disabilities, and looks after all aspects of the children’s wellbeing from housing, catering, medical care and education. Thanks to the generosity of AHHA donors, in November 2022, AHHA donated 4 iPads to the orphanage. Sister Trinh has informed us that iPads have been extremely useful tools to educate and entertain the children. We are delighted to hear that Sister Trinh has reported that the iPad donations have brought many smiles and much happiness to the children. AHHA is committed to continue to work with Sister Trinh to explore new ways to improve the quality of life of these orphaned children.
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Orphanage Letter of Gratitude
HIGHLIGHTS
Writer Sister Trinh (Mai Am Cao Nguyen Orphanage)
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WC
Hue Community Centre Writer Ted Mlynarz, Michael Luong and Dr William Trinh OAM During October 2022, Central Vietnam was faced with a catastrophic flood event that caused significant damage, all while battling the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several villages were battered by torrential rain, leading to extensive flooding which resulted in severe damage, loss of life, and widespread displacement. Approximately 53,000 villagers were left homeless with around 180,000 homes submerged and damaged by the floodwaters, coupled with a heavy loss of livestock. In response to this dire situation, AHHA, aided by local volunteers in Vietnam, sponsored a program of food and water filter distribution to provide some relief to those affected and experiencing heavy personal losses. The impacted area, not far
from Hue in Central Vietnam, is often victim to flooding, and the population frequently suffers disruption to their normal lives and wellbeing. With no alternate resources or facilities available for them to escape and seek relief from the rain and floods, a comprehensive solution was urgently needed. In partnership with the Vietnamese community in Australia, AHHA undertook a fundraising effort to enable the construction of an emergency/community centre, designed to provide relief for the flood victims. The generous donation of land from the Chau Pho Nam temple allowed for planning to commence and the project to progress.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Central hall to Kitchern
The project also included the donation of a rescue boat, complete with an outboard engine, which will be used to provide transport to flood victims” the following: “The boat was generously donated by Dr Juliana Chong and Dr David Worsnop During construction, several delays were experienced due to seasonal rain and more floods, as well as restrictions caused by COVID-19. Despite these challenges, by May of 2022, the AHHA Community Centre in Hue was completed and subsequently handed over to the temple. Located on high ground in the land of the Pho Nam temple, approximately 50km from Hue City, the centre will serve as a vital hub for the surrounding communities. During the monsoon and flood seasons, it will provide much-needed shelter and evacuation services to vulnerable families in the area. The centre, constructed on budget and on time, even amidst a global pandemic, marks a significant milestone for AHHA. On August 27th, 2022, AHHA representatives travelled to Hue to officially open the centre with blessings and prayers from the temple. AHHA Chairman, Dr William Trinh, performed the opening ceremony along with representatives of the temple, the construction engineer, and local dignitaries. The project also included the donation of a rescue boat, complete with an outboard engine, which will be used to provide transport to flood victims. The primary purpose of the centre is to provide emergency accommodation and
flood relief. However, during times when not used for emergencies, the centre will be used by the community to provide activities such as education and medical examination programs, ceremonial and official events. It will also facilitate vital eye health services, with the local Vietnamese eye team planning to utilise the facility for cataract surgery screenings. Following the official opening, local medical volunteers conducted health checks, eye testing, and screening for cataracts, along with the dispensing of medication. Volunteers from Australia also participated in this program. Over 500 patients were processed on the day, with 600 food parcels distributed. Special mention goes to Ms Thuy Nguyen, who presented the idea and project to AHHA, and to Mr Michael Luong, who designed the facility and project managed the construction. Both worked tirelessly to ensure a successful result. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Nun Chon Hanh of Pho Nam Temple, Minh Ha Builder of Briant Construction, and all the local volunteers who assisted in bringing this project to fruition. The local volunteers in Vietnam also provided extensive support during the entire program. This project would not have been possible without the support of the AHHA sponsors, supporters, and donors, along with the AHHA volunteers who participated in the many events to enable completion. We thank everyone involved for making this vision a reality.
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Chhnok Tru Kampong Chhnang Province School Project: Cambodia
Writers Michael Loung, William Cheng We are pleased to report significant progress with the Chhnok Tru Kampong Chhnang Province School Project in Cambodia despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sr Dang, who recently returned to Chhnok Tru after the long COVID-19 restrictions, shared some current photos of the village and the school building site which you can view in the newsletter photo gallery. Currently, the construction team has started raising the building platform using the excavated soil from the site. Soil from the site will also be utilized for the creation of a second community fish farm/dam: highlighting the project's commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. Building approval for the school is pending processing by the local authority: we are optimistic that the new energetic parish priest has taken charge in the area, and we have received information that he is actively working to expedite the necessary paperwork. We remain hopeful that the approval process will be completed soon, allowing us to go ahead with the construction of the school. The temporary canal serves as a trading and docking location for the "lake people" who are prohibited from residing on the lake. These resilient individuals have built their homes on the canal banks to ensure convenient
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access to their canoes and boats. However, the rising water during the wet season poses an annual threat to these houses, necessitating the installation of empty oil barrels and plastic drums beneath the floor frames to mitigate the impact. The proposed site for the local school building, which will be constructed by AHHA, is located approximately one mile from the canal. The land is owned by the local Catholic church and holds great potential for community development. It is worth mentioning that the site also hosts other community-run projects initiated by AHHA, such as the fish farm, chicken farm/ hut, and vertical garden. These projects, along with the proposed school, aim to encourage the "lake people" to move to higher land for enhanced living conditions and opportunities. As we move forward, we express our sincere gratitude to all our volunteers and supporters who continue to play a pivotal role in making this project a success. Your unwavering dedication and support empower us to overcome challenges and bring positive change to the lives of the children and the community of Chhnok Tru.
FUNDRAISING
Writer Thaya Ponniah (President of the Rotary Club of Strathfield)
AHHA is thrilled to finally return to Freedom Plaza, Cabramatta in Sydney for our first public community fundraiser since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Under a bright, sunny sky, the day was marked by heartwarming community spirit, the joy of reconnection, and the determination to make a difference. Our dedicated volunteers gathered as early as 8:00AM, setting up marquees, readying the BBQ trailer, arranging photo displays, and preparing the sound system. The event soon kicked off with vibrant performances from our talented singers who entertained the public with their great vocal talent. The aroma of our popular snags wafted through the air, selling out quickly as the public learned about the charity work that AHHA performs. The turnout was
remarkable, and we were heartened by the strong public support. In total, the event raised almost $6,000 - a significant contribution that will greatly support our plan of resuming our annual overseas field trip in 2023. An event of this scale would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers, whose dedication and hard work ensured its success. We would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals for their invaluable contribution: Ted Mlynarz, Jim Leahy, Dr Hung Tran, Michael Tran, Christine Nguyen, Joseph Vu, Quynh Dao Lieng, Will Cheng, Stephanie Wong, Dr Dr Hien Tran, Tanya AnhTuan Nguyen, Dr Le Vu, Man Kiet, Thanh Thuy, Xuan Thao, Thuan, Hoang Phuong, Minh, Loc Cung, Tuyet Trinh, Nhat Luan, Xuan Mai, Hang, Dan Dang, Chinh Dang, Luong, and Dr Michelle Tjeuw.
Back with a Bang: Freedom Plaza Event Fundraiser
We would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr Michelle for her generous organic honey donation. As we wrap up another successful event, we reflect on the journey AHHA has undertaken and the resilient spirit of our volunteers and community. It is this spirit that propels our mission forward, enabling us to create a positive impact across geographical and political borders. We are excited for what the future holds, and we're committed to continuing our work to provide health and humanitarian aid to the underprivileged. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this remarkable day.
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YOU HELPED CHARITIES GE
T FOOD TO PEOPLE IN CRISI S
Ukraine: Unicef Appeal
As homes were destroyed and families displaced, req uests for food relief sky destroyed in the floods, or they’d been forced to evacua te so quickly they could Christian Care said “After people had endured days of bad news, getting an somebody out there loves them and cares about them. When you feel like you're and rain and all that scary stuff, it’s such a powerful thin g.”
Writers Dr Hien Tran, William Cheng
Over the past months, we have all watched the media coverage of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The United Nations estimates that since the Russian invasion on February 24, over 5.2 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homeland. A majority of these refugees are women and children who have not only witnessed their schools and hospitals being destroyed, but also have endured the loss of their homes and, more tragically, their loved ones. Many of our volunteers and supporters in AHHA have roots in Vietnam, a country that has suffered from scourges of war. We understand firsthand the hardships refugees endure. Moved by their plight and aligned with our mission to support vulnerable communities worldwide, AHHA has successfully launched a fundraising appeal for Ukrainian refugees. AHHA is committed to ensuring that your generous donations go directly to where they are needed most. To this end, all funds raised were donated to UNICEF to provide urgent humanitarian and medical aid to Ukrainian child refugees. We are thrilled to report that a total of $24,000 was donated to this cause, demonstrating the collective strength and generosity of our AHHA community. Every single donation brings relief to suffering Ukrainian children, providing them with comfort in these challenging times. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Dr Stefanescu for his extraordinary generosity and to all our generous donors. Your support reinforces our belief that together, we can make a positive impact, transcending geographical borders, and providing aid to those who need it most. On behalf of AHHA management, thank you for standing with us as we stand with Ukraine.
Flood Relief NSW & QLD Writer Dr Hien Tran, William Cheng
We are pleased to inform you of an important collaborative effort in response to the devastating floods that struck NSW and southeast Queensland. AHHA has joined forces with the Human Right Relief Foundation (HRRF) and the Vietnamese Lawyers' Association (VALA) to raise funds and provide assistance to the victims of this unprecedented disaster.
YOUR IM
This projec The torrential rains that plagued NSW and southeast QLD over this ti have caused severe flooding, resulting in immense human and environmental damage. The emotional toll of these floods has been ensures we felt by thousands of Australians, as families were seen fleeing the disaster with their children and pets, seeking refuge on rooftops or trapped in their homes. Farmers, too, have suffered greatly, with their livestock swept away and machinery destroyed by the raging waters. Regarded as one of Australia's worst flood disasters in decades, these floods have caused the separation of families, loss of lives, endangerment of wildlife, and extensive damage to vital infrastructure, properties, and businesses.
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and South-east
FUNDRAISING
yrocketed. Either their foo d had been dn’t bring food. Pastor Phi l, from Shiloh n emergency food hamper told them e so alone, surrounded by flood waters
The communities of Lismore, Ballina, and Hawkesbury Nepean River had to face the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and lives.
astounding total of $123,000 for the flood victims in Northern NSW. This significant sum will go a long way in providing essential relief and support to those in need.
following organizations:
Once again, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. Your generosity has greatly supported the NSW and QLD floodaffected communities, and serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their challenging journey towards recovery.
MPACT WAS FAR REACHING - THANK YOU! In response to this crisis, AHHA has partnered with the
ct was1.completed by October 2022. The food sourced and distributed with your gener Australian Vietnamese Health Professionals Association NSW (AVHPA NSW) ime period to affected communities held a retail value of above $20,000, as the Food 2. Vietnamese Lawyers' Association (VALA) e can 3.make your donation go further. Thank you for your support of Queenslanders i Human Right Relief Foundation (HRRF) Thank you for your compassion and ongoing support. We are thrilled to announce that, after nearly two months of dedicated fundraising activities, the Human Right Relief Foundation (HRRF) and the Vietnamese Lawyers' Association (VALA), with the support of Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) and the Australian Vietnamese Health Professionals Association NSW (AVHPA), have collectively raised an
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VOLUNTEER PROFILE:
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Peter Kandasamy Alcon Surgical Equipment Manager Peter was born in Malaysia and completed his primary and secondary schooling in Tanjong Malin & Rawang. Growing up in a rubber plantation as a kid, Peter’s parents went through a tough time raising a family of 6. I was very lucky enough to attend English school when I was 6 years old, especially from an Indian background in the early 60’’s Then I moved to Kuala Lumpur when I was 18 and started to work in a Law firm as a junior clerk. Opportunity arrived when I was in Kuala Lumpur to travel to Australia, so I sold my Honda Motor Bike to finance my trip to Australia. After arriving in Australia in 1974, Peter worked a few odd jobs in Perth & Melbourne, finally a friend of mine recommended that Peter should apply for a job at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital in Melbourne. Whilst initially applying to pursue nursing, an opportunity arose to be a Operating Theatre & Anesthetist Technician thus kickstarting the beginning of Peter’sOphthalmology journey in 1975 at the Eye and Ear Hospital. In 1996, then joined Alcon in as a Surgical Account Manager and is now a Cataract Equipment Manager. Seeing so many Cataract Surgeries from ECCE to Phaco with 2.4mm incisions and outcomes in the operating theatre, motivated Peter to seek an opportunity to use his knowledge and skills to join any organisation which helps the poor in the third world country to restore eye sights.
After his first trip in 2006 with the group, Peter was amazed to see how the poor lived in the rural area without any medical assistance which prompted him to be an active member and help in whatever capacity he could. Since 2006, AHHA has been like another family to him and he always looks forward to not only seeing the group but also enjoys spending the long working days with our volunteers . The most memorable moment for Peter during field trips was the 2 to 3 hours travel per day via bus to work, take away breakfast and the team singalongs on the journey there. Despite the wake-up calls at 5 am and the late returns to the hotel around 7 pm, you still see very happy volunteers after a long day’s work.
Then in 2006 Dr.Tess Huynh asked Peter to assist her and AHHA (formerly Vietnam Vision Project) with small incision Cataract surgery using the Phaco machine: Peter's first trip with a small group of Australian medical professionals. The team in 2006 only had one old portable phaco machine which Peter borrowed from Alcon for the trip. Since working with Alcon, has been an incredible asset toAHHA and been instrumental to our charity’s success with giving back sight to the poor in the third world. Below was the first Phaco Machine used on the 2006 trip in 2006. After 16 years AHHA, there are now 6 Infiniti’s stored in Cambodia for our yearly trip, these Infinit’s were kindly donated by Alcon and various hospitals in Victoria as a direct result of Peter’s advocacy. At AHHA Peter’s role involves organising the Intra Ocular Lenses & Consumables for cataract surgery. During field trips his day to day consists of running & managing the phaco machines and assisting the ophthalmic operating theatre. Peter's current role for Alcon Australia as a Cataract Equipment Manager, which gives him the unique opportunities to collect donated consumables and other medical devices for AHHA’s trip from various hospitals. Newsletter • Issue 22 • January - December 2022 | 15
VOLUNTEER PROFILE:
Dr Michael Stefanescu Writer Optometrist
It was August 2016 when I embarked on my first mission with AHHA. Joining the group on the second week, I got to experience first hand what it was like to deliver health care and humanitarian aid to the poor and underprivileged. I initially volunteered after hearing about the work of AHHA and its volunteers. What drew me in was the fact that all donations made went 100% to those in need and the cost of the trips were self funded by volunteers. The fact that this group was a selfless and hard working entity of hardworking and dedicated individuals from all walks of life then getting together and working as a team to provide free medical, eye, dental care as well as delivering humanitarian aid is what really inspired me to be part of. I have been practising as an Optometrist now for almost 17 years and graduated from UNSW. I spent 2 years in a rural setting learning and honing my skills from my first mentor who sparked my interest in Myopia control as well as complicated rigid contact lens fittings to manage keratoconus and other corneal ectasias. During this time I also used it to plan before deciding to set up my practice in Canley Heights in 2008. The goal of every business is to create internal and external raving fans and even after almost 15 years this is something we continue to strive to achieve in our business. The first trip to the steaming hot and humid phnom penh was in 2016. It would be a trip that I will always remember and it was also the spark I needed to dedicate my time and future towards helping the less fortunate locally and overseas.
In August 2016 I hopped on a flight to join the team that had already set up the week before. Being my first trip I wasn't sure what was installed or the type of emotions that I would feel. I had little expectations and my main goal was to do my best and help get the job done regardless of what I had to do, whether it was to check eyes or carry a rice bag and lift heavy boxes. I was there to help. I was very surprised by the organization of the trip and realized that the team must have surely done this many times before. Our role on the optometry team is to check vision, measure eye pressures, dilate pupils and examine the anterior and posterior eye for cataracts and other disease, then recommend surgery if needed or provide glasses, eye medicine or even just counselling the patient that perhaps all they needed at that time are eye drops and a pair of sunglasses to help protect their eyes. On the first day setting up our clinic room. It was quiet and cooler in the morning. It wasn't long till the line of people outside started to pile up and then the line would expand far beyond the walls that I could see. There were young and old, and many had a second person who was either their carer or family who guided them as they could not see. In that first moment I was standing at the door of our clinic room and peering over towards the line of patients waiting. I suddenly felt a little overwhelmed and my eyes started to tear up and I said to our team leader I had to go for a walk. I walked down to the other side of the hospital and had to take some deep breaths to really calm myself down. This feeling of
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sadness, love and sorry for these people all exploded in my mind and in my eyes. I needed some space to breathe, reflect and also remember why I was there. It took me a few minutes to get myself back together and then after thinking why we are here really helped me get control of my emotions again. This was my first trip though I said to myself that I will continue to provide ongoing support from this day forth and help create lasting change for the less privileged and have attended the field trips each year since. Having grown up in a single parent household and also in a very rough part of Sydney all my life I had thought I had things tough. Yet after seeing the lifestyle and the helplessness the poor have to live with, it really woke me up. In life it’s so important to have contrast (the good and bad) to help you appreciate even more of what you have. Each day I makes sure to take out time to show gratitude for all life has given me, for example the heart that beats over 100,000 times a day to pump blood and nutrients throughout my body without even having to thinking about it, the magical moments spent with my wife and 3 wonderful boys and even the small things like receiving a message or phone call from an old friend wishing me well. In more recent times I have also taken a more involved role within AHHA and joined the management committee. My role at the moment has been to help with information technology such as updating our website and also attending monthly
OUR VOLUNTEERS
meetings, also helping with fundraisers and field trip planning. This year I have also been handed the role of Optometry team leader and am very proud to be given the opportunity to serve. Apart from spending quality time with family and friends, my top interests are ongoing fitness and health training and running ultra marathons, obstacle course racing, as well as scuba diving and fishing. I also look forward to our fundraising events such as the annual big fundraiser where we get to let our hair loose. It's during these fun times at events and field trips where bonds, friendship as well as a sense of family are forged. Lastly I have also been dedicated to a life of constant and never ending improvement and making sure to work on all areas of life. In order to live a happy and fulfilled life we must meet all 6 human needs (certainty, variety, significance, love, growth and contribution) and the key to this is to convert experiences that are uncomfortable but are good for you, good for others and good for the greater good and convert them into experiences that feel good, are good for you, good for others and good for the greater good. It's also not about us making sure that we “tick off” all our goals though what is important is who we become in the process. Each day if you choose to make a 1% shift or improvement you can only imagine the compounded growth you have an entire year. If you see me around, don't be shy and just say hello. I'm always happy to have a chat or drink especially after our work during the field trips. Newsletter • Issue 22 • January - December 2022 | 17
CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS
Dr Trudy Lin
Congratulations to Dr Trudy Lin on her invitation to join Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and represent her state (SA) and Australia at the Funeral Service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Trudy is a member of the AHHA family and travelled to Cambodia with the team of 2017, it was on this trip where she gained invaluable experience in working with Special Needs Dentistry. With continued education and studies Trudy has become a specialist in Special Needs Dentistry as well as Restorative and Pediatric Dentistry. Trudy has been honoured in 2021 as the SA Young Achiever of the Year and in 2022 as the SA Young Australian of the Year.
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September: Field Trip Cambodia
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Kampong Chhnang Province School Project
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Freedom Plaza Event Fundraiser
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Cambodia Health Check
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We need your help Our mission would not be possible without the generous donations from our valued donors. Your donations will help us to provide life changing cataract surgeries, vital dental treatments, medical & dental supplies, medicines, education sponsorships, school supplies, food packages and more to those in need.
Donate today to help us give sight to change lives! Donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donation forms are available online at www.ahha.org.au/forms/ or see pages 19-22 of this newsletter.
We thank you for your support.
