A Family Who Needs Your Help

As you may already be aware, there was a house fire at the home of one of the orphan's sister's house yesterday. The family's home was burnt to the ground and as a result they lost everything they owned. This included all their money as Khmer people do not use banks, their personal belongings and the farming equipment that they use in order to earn money. This will have devastating consequences for the family. As there is no welfare system in Cambodia, it will mean that they will have to rely on the generosity of neighbours, friends and family, most of whom do not have much themselves.

Unfortunately, house fires are common in Cambodia, especially in rural areas and are commonly caused by lightening strikes during storms. The fires are not easily extinguished and there are no fire fighting trucks or equipment available. Traditional Khmer homes are built on stilts with a wooden frame. The walls and often the roof are made from homemade palm matting. So as you can imagine, once a fire starts there is usually nothing anyone can do to stop it.

An example of a traditional Khmer house

So this family with two young children are now left to live in a small tent-like shelter. They have the overwhelming challenge of not just replacing their home but also to address their more immediate concern of buying basic necessities such as bedding, cooking utensils, toiletries, just to name a few.

Can you imagine trying to live in such a basic shelter with nothing at all to your name? Or the uncertainly of how you are going to survive this and find a way to feed and support your children?

 So what can we do to help?

We would like to raise some money in order to firstly get this family food and the necessities they need to get through this difficult time. Secondly, to build a new home for the family. Altogether we are probably looking at around AUS$1500.

 The boys at the Stepping Out Cambodia Half-way House have set themselves the challenge to help the family rebuild their home once we have the funds to do so.

If you, your family or friends can help in any way, please contact the Stepping Out Cambodia Support Program or myself (nshanahan79@yahoo.com.au). Please keep in mind that the family has nothing at all so any small donation will help.

We can all make such a difference to the lives of this family.

Nikki