District 9800 World of Difference Committee with representation of 10 RCMS Club members combined to stage an incredible night of fun and a massive boost to the bank of funds to build a community centre in a remote rural village in Cambodia.
With over 165 people registered to attend the Cambodia Gala Gathering over zoom the night proved to be a great mixture of fun through being able to dress up to the table’s chosen theme and for the bold and game venturing into Karaoke.
The night included a live cross to the villagers in Cambodia and lots of insights into how project can improve the lives of villagers who are seeking support for their moves to sustainable improvements in their lives.
Attendees also learnt how they can join a World of Difference tour to make a contribution to these projects.
The fund raising on the night reached over $22,000 and with a dollar for dollar contribution from World of Difference funds up to a cap of $20,000 the team now has over $42,000 in the bank.
The night also showed that there are a significant number of non-Rotarians that see Rotary as a worthy vehicle to channel their desire to help others in the world.
The funds are now the foundation for construction and development of a community centre that will potentially offer villagers access to:
a. Medical services - vaccinations of children and adults, community nurses, dental, childbirth
b. Adult learning – small business skills (fish/frogs/chicken farming etc), basic maths and writing
c. Craft centre – sewing, basket weaving, men’s shed
d. Pre-school education
e. Meeting place for villagers to socialise
f. Safe place for house bound females to meet and support each other.
We had such fun led by Sue in Karaoke with YMCA and also won the best dressed team award. Bronwyn and Bronwyn also successful in auctions for fun children’s furniture contributing to the fundraising.