St Mary’s Helps Cambodians

WHEN Kim Wilson’s bus broke down near a small village in Cambodia in 2013 she had no idea she would form friendships with the local villagers that would bring her back each year and change their lives forever.

Last month Ms Wilson returned to Cambodia with 15 of her friends, including four from Scone Joan Faras, Jessica Faras, Jan Waters and Elsa Burrage.http://www.scone.com.au/st-marys-helps-cambodians/

Gift packs to families at the Peace Village.

In tow they had $12,000 worth of resources that they purchased in Cambodia including mosquito nets, bicycles, wheelchairs and blankets.

Kim said the difference that mosquito nets and basic goods can make in their lives was so significant she had to act.

“They earn about a dollar a day, so they just don’t realise how poor they are and once I had seen how these beautiful people were living I couldn’t just go home and keep living my life without helping them,” said Ms Wilson.

“We raised money through raffles and high teas and a range of different ways and I contacted each of the villages we visited to see what it is that would make a difference to them, to ask ‘what is on your wish list?’, she said.

“As much as we whinge about our government, over there their government doesn’t do the basics with health, education, sanitation and so what we do makes a massive difference.

“When we were there they were at the end of the dry season and they were running out of fresh water.

“It costs $1,000 American to have a well and when people make a dollar a day stretch to cover their needs, saving a thousand dollars is just not possible for most villages,” she said.

“My next goal is to raise money for wells when I go back in January and I have been amazed at the support from our local community to help,” Kim Wilson said.

If you would like to help contact Kim Wilson: kim.wislon@mn.catholic.edu.au or phone: 0412 868 651 0412 868 651.