Ben bought me a brick
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
One of my favorite non-profits in Cambodia, Mith Samlanh "Friends", is running a fundraiser to secure the future of their amazing programs. The organization reaches out to approximately 20,000 children living and working on the streets of Phnom Penh, and was recently faced with the possibility of eviction from its main center. In order to pay off a $2.5 million dollar loan they took to purchase the center, they've kicked off a very creative campaign: buy a brick to build their future.
I became well acquainted with Mith Samlanh during my time in Cambodia, as I was a regular visitor to two of their vocational restaurants: Friends and Romdeng. Both are entirely run by former street kids - the cooks, the managers, the wait-staff, etc. And the food is fantastic. At any rate, when I heard of the campaign, I immediately shared it with several of my close friends. Ben was the first to step up to the challenge, and for his first donation to charity in a long time, he amazingly and immediately plunked down the funds to "buy a brick". I'm honored that he dedicated half of that brick to me, and it made my day today when he sent along a photograph of the brick with my name on it.
Thank you Ben, for the dedication, and especially for the street kids who have hope because of Mith Samlanh. If you or anyone you know is interested in supporting this wonderful organization, please visit their campaign webpage.
Posted by kalabird at November 14, 2007 3:28 PM