AUTUMN 2017 NEWS + NEEDS
rise and shine BOSS TALK I've been "banging the drum" and "shaking the tin" across Australia since mid January in a major fundraising effort for Sunrise. We desperately need more funds and this is a role I relish - I'm glad to be back, leading the charge for Sunrise! Kevin Tutt has returned from Cambodia but is still with us, leading the Board as Chairman from Adelaide where he is also fulfilling the position of Acting Principle of Seymour Girls' College. It's hard not having him around as much, but if our Chairman wasn't as committed to change and progress as he is, he wouldn't have the impact that he does in Cambodia. I miss the kids terribly but of course we're staying in touch. I called them on Valentine's Day and caught them all in the dining room shouting out “Happy Valentine’s Day, Mum”! Fundraisers in Australia have been amazing in recent months. Long term sponsors, Dare to Dream, hosted a very successful QandA night in Sydney recently and Aarwun Gallery in Canberra put together an incredible evening raising over $90, 000 - Wow!
Embark on a 12-day adventure of a lifetime to Cambodia on the only insiders’ trip to Sunrise.
Run Amok with Sunrise and see what we do and who we do it for. This is a hands-on life changing experience. Don't miss out. More on page 5.
SPONSORSHIP CHANGES LIVES What does child sponsorship give to a kid with a hard past? Everything. Panha came to Sunrise after family turmoil, with no idea what his future would look like. As a sponsored child, he was given the support, love and self-confidence that he needed to thrive. Fast forward almost two decades and Panha is living his dream studying agriculture abroad in Israel. Read more about Panha's story on page 2.
In Cambodia, our education, training and residential centres have continued running smoothly in my absence. This is thanks to you, generously giving and always supporting us. My warmest of thanks to all of you kind, generous people.
Geraldine
kids • familiessunrisecambodia.org.au • health • learning
ON INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY #BEBOLDFORCHANGE International Women’s Day 2017 is all about taking bold action that drives change for women everywhere. This year we’re getting on board, and YOU can help us champion change for women and girls at Sunrise Cambodia.
“If I wasn't bold and fearless, I don't know where the kids of Sunrise would be now." Geraldine Cox AM On 8 March wear bright, BOLD Sunrise orange to your office or school, ask your colleagues and friends for a gold coin donation and help Sunrise champion education for women and girls in Cambodia. Investing in the education of girls is the best economic decision a developing country can make. And it's a decision that Sunrise is proud to champion. So this International Women's Day, let's do it for the women and girls of Cambodia. Make like Geraldine and go BOLD orange for change.
PANHA: A SUCCESS A childhood and education as a Sunrise sponsored child has prepared Panha for anything the world has to offer – an international scholarship is just the beginning. Panha came to Sunrise at the age of three. He didn’t know why until his older brother told him that they lived with their Dad’s abusive brother. When a Sunrise community worker found out about their situation, he removed them from the Uncle’s care and into the care of Sunrise so they would be safe. Those early years were hard, but being a sponsor child at Sunrise gave Panha the chance to grow up like every kid should: happy, healthy, and safe.
them, they regularly sent him cards and he was touched by their kindness. The idea that someone out there had so much belief in him really pushed Panha to succeed and gave him the self-confidence to follow his dreams. And what does the future hold for Panha? He wants to run his own farm and business and develop agricultural opportunities within Cambodia for young people like him. Creating this level of independence and aspirations is exactly what child sponsorship and a Sunrise education is all about. Well done Panha, we're all so proud of you.
“Sunrise taught me a lot and makes my future bright. If I hadn’t come here, maybe I wouldn’t have a future.” The now 23-year-old university student was studying at the Royal University of Agriculture in Phnom Penh when he applied for a scholarship for an international exchange in Israel. To his incredible surprise, he was awarded the year-long, fully funded agricultural scholarship to Israel and is there right now, living his dream and working hard. Panha was supported throughout his education by his sponsors in Australia. Although he never met
SPONSOR A CHILD AND CHANGE THEIR LIFE YOU can have a profound effect on the future of Cambodia with child sponsorship. Not only will you give life-changing education to some of the poorest kids in the world, you will also directly transform whole families and communities. Email hq@sunrisecambodia.org for more information.
PAGE 2 • Be part of the Sunrise tribe • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • @sunrisecambodia
BUILDING CHANGE FROM THE GROUND UP Working with local groups and leaders to determine the needs of communities and how Sunrise can assist in meeting them is the only way to have a sustainable, positive impact on the people of Cambodia. The Sunrise community development team has been busy in the new year working with local leaders on big plans for the future. In Siem Reap, the Sunrise team approach the communities they work with, with two questions: 1. What do you need to survive? 2. How can we help you thrive? Urgent needs come first. If the community development team hear that there are families sleeping on the streets, parents who have no rice for their kids or children with serious illnesses, they step in to assist. A new, safe home. Emergency food support. Medical attention where it's needed. From here, it's building the foundations for the community to thrive so that this emergency assistance is never needed again. In one village outside of Siem Reap, their biggest issues were high unemployment and low nutrition resulting from community members only being able to afford the basic staples of subsistance. The Sunrise community development team helped them plan and start a community farm. Locals harvest the vegetables to add to their meals for better nutrition and excess veggies and spices are sold at roadside stalls for money for any extras. It solves both issues in one creative approach.
COMMUNITY FIRST When it comes to deciding what's needed to make a community thrive, there's only one way to find out: ask them. The community development team let the people take the lead in development with community assessment surveys and workshops. Everyone has the chance to add their voice and speak up about what they need to thrive. Then, the needs with the most support drive further action.
PHOTO OF THE SEASON Community development work is the cornerstone of building long term sustainable communities. We need your help to continue this crucial work. Please make a donation on our website or by mail to PO Box 2266, Clovelly, NSW, 2031. Orkun.
Friendship and partnership. That's what this image is all about. The little girl in yellow is showing her friend in blue her new house and big future. This photo was captured by our incredible housing partners, Global Village Housing. For more behind the scenes pictures, follow us on instagram @sunrisecambodia
sunrisecambodia.org.au • PAGE 3
#DARETODREAM Hello! My name is Saran. I'm 21 years old. I left Sunrise when I was 18 years old with my life and future changed. I never went to school before Sunrise, now I'm in year three of university studying International Relations. I want to work at an embassy when I grow up - just like Mum! I became involved with Project Gen Z when they came to Sunrise last year. They let people from 15 to 25 join their apprentice challenge so I joined up. The challenge was to split into 5 groups and develop a 'company'. With a budget of $100 we had to make our own brand and sell products - the highest earners won. My team didn't win, my brother Sophal's did. But they had one more individual challenge that they didn't tell us about and I won! I was eating my lunch and I heard them call out my name.
"Saran, you won the challenge - you're going to Australia!" I was so surprised, I cried. I won a scholarship to come to Australia for three weeks. I flew to Australia on February 6. I feel like I have a home here. Families, brothers, sisters. Because of this, I'm not afraid of anything. Thank you. Saran won Project Gen Z's 'Apprentice Challenge' at Sunrise in 2016 and undertook a business and entrepreneurial traineeship across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in February as part of her prize.
DOUGH FOR CHANGE AT MDAY THOM We knead your help to roll the Sunrise training centre into shape and watch it rise! The first intake of Mday Thom hospitality trainees are getting set to graduate in April. Four of the graduated teens have secured jobs with reputable restaurants and catering organisations around the country with the other 12 trainees continuing rounds of interviews as we speak. But there's one thing missing before this batch of future cooks are baked to perfection: a top-knotch bakery oven. Baking is a required skill for many hospitality jobs in Cambodia, especially in some of the top-end kitchens. It's so important for cooks to get that breakfast baguette parfait and the croissants délicieux but it's a skill that Mday Thom graduates are missing because they don't have the right equipment. The bakery section of the traineeship was cancelled for the current intake due to insufficient funds and these teens missed out.
"Well-rounded hospitality training is a golden ticket out of poverty for at-risk teens. It gives them skills, independence and a big, bright plan for the future." It will cost $8,000 to buy a quality bakery oven for Mday Thom social enterprise and training centre and restart the bakery course to give graduates the skills they need to ace it in the 'real world'. Please contact us at Sunrise HQ if you can come to our rescue and provide the dough for the oven.
YOUR SUNRISE CREW PEOU SOPHORNPISEY, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT + FUNDRAISING MANAGER
care of a relative who mistreated
"I strongly believe that there will be a positive change for Cambodian children "
Sophornpisey landed her first
Peou Sophornpisey grew up in the aftermath of Pol Pot's reign. Her experiences as a child shapes the work she does today. Sophornpisey grew up in Phnom Penh where her parents were both government officials. Her father spent months at a time in unstable regions, while her mother worked hard for the family, often coming home late and leaving the three kids in the
them. Back then, Sophornpisey didn't have the power to stand up for children. Now, it's a different story. With a Masters of Business Management under her belt, job with Wold Vision. 10 years later, she made the move to Siem Reap to work for Sunrise as Deputy Manager. Working with the children, she used her skills and exererience where they were needed most: restoring lives. Now, after over 5 years and multiple promotions, Sophornpisey drives change, innovation and developement at Sunrise. She's the best.
PAGE 4 • Be part of the Sunrise tribe • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • @sunrisecambodia
Escape the first world you know for a country with a history both inspiring and challenging on a trip for the heart and soul November 17 - 26 2017
For the second year running, Sunrise Cambodia is hosting a life-changing travel experience to visit Cambodia the and Sunrise projects with the dedicated Sunrise Crew. The trip commences inNovember, but the fun starts now. Raise a minimum of $4,000 for the work of Sunrise, cover your travel expenses and you’re off! Our fundraising staff will support you to raise the funds and you'll get to see them in action when your feet hit Cambodian soil. This trip is for our most adventurous, passionate supporters. Run Amok will take you straight to the heart of the country we call home. See what we do, how we do it and who we do it for. You’ll witness first-hand some of the heart-stopping gems of Cambodia while stepping off the well-beaten path to gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s people and culture. If you're passionate about changing the world, this is your chance to do it. Visit our website to download the full itinerary and trip notes, then register online to get the ball rolling. Call 1300 894 591 or email us on hq@sunrisecambodia.org.au with questions or to sign up today. #RunAmok17
Get set for a spine tingling experience... your adventure starts here!
sunrisecambodia.org.au • PAGE 5
URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED Saray*, a four year old girl with a debilitating disability is surrounded by a family struggling to care for her and make ends meet. The older kids have dropped out of school to work as farmers. $1.50 a day each, they make, along with Dad's $2.50, and still they can't afford the surgery little Saray needs. They can hardly afford the two meals a day that sustains them. The Cambodian government referred this family to Sunrise and now we're on the search for a sponsor. Is it you? Sunrise community workers have determined that an ongoing sponsorship of $300 a month is all this family needs to survive. With emergency relief and ongoing support to improve their nutrition, pay for little Saray's medical needs, get the kids out of the fields and back to the books, this family will stay together and thrive. *Name has been changed to protect her privacy. If you can help with a part or full sponsorship of Sary's family, please let us know on 1300 894 591 or at hq@ sunrisecambodia.org.au.
NEW LEADERSHIP, SAME SUNRISE The Australian fundraising team are taking on new challenges this year with George Passas at the helm as Acting Chief Executive Officer. He is taking on the title along with his permanent position as Chief Financial Officer and is doing the team proud. George, the structure you're introducing is amazing and we're excited to see the benefits that this new leadership will reap! Thanks George.
SPEAKING OUT With over 20 years as a humanitarian, a Member of the Order of Australia and a colourful past in the diplomatic corps, Geraldine sure has a lot to talk about. Book Geraldine Cox AM as a keynote speaker for your next conference, event or morning tea and change the world at the same time. Speaker’s fees are negotiated to fund the most desperate community needs in Cambodia such as housing, education and sanitation. Your event could fund a teacher's salary, a safe house for a homeless family or clean water for a whole community. Long after your event is done and dusted, you will be having a profound impact on some of the poorest people in the world. hq@sunrisecambodia.org.au
PAGE 6 • Be part of the Sunrise tribe • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • @sunrisecambodia
5 TOP WAYS TO FUNDRAISE Sunrise supporters who go the extra mile and fundraise for the cause are absolute heroes. If you'd like to try your hand at a market day, cake stall or small event but don't know where to start, here are some top tips for ways to put the FUN back into fundraising from Sunrise rockstar volunteer Shirley Cachia. 1. Hold a ‘pop up’ trash and treasure stall If you’ve got stacks of toys, a garage full of kitchen gear or a box of 'old but gold' records, shoes and clothing, follow the trend and hold a ‘pop up’ stall at your local market, school fete, or even out of your own garage. Raise funds and give your wardrobe a long overdue clean up while you do it! 2. Get fit, fab ‘n' fundraise Now that the temperatures are dropping it’s a great time to get out for a run at lunch or after work. How about starting a run club with your workmates? Ask participants to make a gold coin donation to support Sunrise and your fitness goals.
PAINTING FOR THE FUTURE
When Iranian born artist, Abbas Mehran first met Geraldine Cox in 2007, he didn't know that this meeting would change the next 10 years of his life. He would be back in Cambodia, frequently running painting workshops with the kids, designing and then painting the stunning mural on the music room with the help of up and coming young Sunrise artists and ultimately capturing a series of portraits of the kids and Geraldine that perfectly portrays their heart, spirit and culture. Now, Abbas is selling these portraits and donating 50% of all profits straight back to the kids. Head to artforsunrise.com to purchase a portrait and support desperately needed projects in Cambodia.
3. Go mufti for Mum There’s no easier way to fundraise than a good old mufti day. Organise with your local school to go sans uniform for the day – if you’re at the office make it a casual Friday for Sunrise – and shake a collection tin for the work of 'Big Mum' Geraldine Cox. 4. Odd jobs add up If two of your neighbours paid you $5 per walk to walk their dog, you could feed a child with no home. Every week. That’s a pretty good reason to get to know your neighbours! Or clean a car for the price of a pair of shoes for a school child… clean 20 and you and your neighbours will pay to get a toddler off the dump and into pre-school for a whole year.
WORKPLACE CHAMPION Fundraising in the workplace is alive and well in
Melbourne where Allan Campion of Melbourne Food
5. Get moving for Sunrise
Experience is raising funds through work with an
What's that Usain? You run like lightning? Now all you need are some sponsors behind you and you’re in! Friends and family will love supporting you as you take on a made fitness challenge - and nothing makes you run like an Olympian like picturing the smiles on the kids faces you're helping!
April food tour for Sunrise. The MFE guides will be
If you’ve got a cracker and you need some help with posters, brochures or just a tricky question, shoot us an email hq@sunrisecambodia.org.au and we’ll be happy to help! #FUNdraising
volunteering their time and a minimum of $100 from each ticket sold will go to supporting the amazing work of Sunrise Cambodia. Orkun MFE! #OurHeroes Book your spot on the April 1st Melbourne Food Lovers Tour for Sunrise now! $125 pp. melbournefoodexperiences.com.au
sunrisecambodia.org.au • PAGE 7
A NIGHT TO BE REMEMBERED The art community of Canberra showed their generosity in one huge night on 4 February with an art auction at Aarwun Gallery to raise desperately needed funds for Sunrise Cambodia.
On a recent visit to her hometown of Adelaide, Geraldine met up with ex-Sunrise staff and volunteers. There's over 50 years of service to Sunrise in the this picture and we can't thank them enough! Geraldine is grateful for their friendship.
PLEASE DONATE • Make a credit card donation online at sunrisecambodia.org.au • Post a cheque made out to the Australia Cambodia Foundation to PO Box 2266 Clovelly NSW 2031 • Donate by calling us on 1300 894 591 • Drop into Sunrise Cambodia HQ in Sydney and make a cash donation and meet the team
We want to say a huge thank you to Robert Stephens, Darren Hynch and all the talented and generous artists who participated in the evening. This stunning image was painted by prominent Australian artist and Archibald finalist, Robert Pengilley. The painting has generously been donated to Sunrise Cambodia and has been shipped to Geraldine’s house in Kandal as the first piece of Sunrise history. Orkun.
“Our most urgent need is funding for lifesaving community development in the poorest provinces of Cambodia. Your generosity literally changes lives. Please make a donation, or even better, consider a regular monthly gift. A reliable income from monthly donations helps us plan for the future to support at-risk kids, struggling families and poor communities in Cambodia. Every little bit makes a difference. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” Geraldine Cox AM, Founder
Sunrise Cambodia is a world-class charity on the ground in Cambodia giving much-needed help to at-risk kids, struggling families and poor communities in some of the most poverty-stricken provinces of the country. The charity is one of a number of projects in Cambodia which are funded by the Australia Cambodia Foundation Inc (ABN 37 730 989 411); a DFAT and ATO approved Deductible Gift Recipient charity, registered to raise funds in all states and territories of Australia. Any excess funds will be allocated to approved projects in Cambodia. Figures throughout this newsletter are in Australian dollars. Your donations to Sunrise are applied where they are needed most urgently. Thank you for reading the fine print.
The Sunrise Cambodia fundraising team would love to hear from you. We are on deck Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Our website works 24/7 and you can email us anytime and we'll respond to you pronto. Phone Email Visit Social media Snail mail Pop in
1300 894 591 hq@sunrisecambodia.org.au sunrisecambodia.org.au @sunrisecambodia PO Box 2266 Clovelly NSW 2031 39 Burnie Street Clovelly NSW 2031
Images shot by: Richard Lyons, Tony Lewis, Imogen Champagne, Sopheak Louch, Rebecca Tapp, Lucy Magazine and Cambodian ground staff