Project Two Wish List ...

To be delivered in November 2013

- 400 Towels any color but bath towels not small. 
- 400 Shower sponges 
- 20 x 500g Liquid soap
- 400 Sheets - single size
- 100 Pillow covers (we sent 300 last year with the pillows)
- 400 pair Panties all sizes boys and girls

The shed is up!

Dear Mandi
 
It took a while but the shed is up---will will put in a floor next week--It will be a great addition to our Village
 
A groub of Aussies traveling through Cambodia stumbled accross us and asked if we had anything that needed building----Well---they showed up --all builders from  Australia and in a few days with the help of our staff it was up!!! 
 
Photo  attached 
 
We plan to Paint "Donated by The Chance Foundation and Safety Steel Structures"  --is that OK 
 
John

• John and Kathy Tucker                                 State side address
• NHCC                                                                John Tucker c/o NHCC
• P.O. Box 2490                                                P.O. Box 690597                                      
• Phnom Penh 3, Cambodia                           Killeen, Texas   76549                      
•  John 012 830 562          Kathy 012 815 918     

Words from Ruth

Hello again! 

It's been a little while since I (Ruth) have written here. We recently got back from a wonderful family vacation in Thailand. Well working vacation, as hubby was there to work and the kids had to work hard on their journals while there! 

This was my facebook status today 

One of the most amazing things during our trip to Thailand was the time spent with Andrea Cross and David Cross and visiting the Zoe Children's home. They have a rescue center, where they take calls, and work on the ground to rescue enslaved children. They have therapy rooms, school rooms and family living areas. I saw the gorgeous grass area where the kids can run and play. I saw on the roof where the children had washed and hung out their clothes, something I am told they take great pride in. Although slavery breaks my heart, it was so inspiring to see the good being done. I also saw in Thailand how far every Aussie dollar could go. I currently have other sponsorship on the go, but have decided to add to that a $5 per month donation to the Zoe Children's Home. In posting this I am hoping to perhaps inspire others to do the same. I know it's not much, but it's something I can do right now with what I have! If you want any information on the Zoe Foundation please let me know, or check out the links below!

http://www.zoefoundation.org.au/
http://www.zoefoundation.org.au/who-we-are/#.UVfQkRw_uJs

I have started the $5 a month donation as of today. I know it's not a big amount  Honestly with other sponsorship's I am already doing, it's the most I can do at the moment. Perhaps soon I'll double it, perhaps I will never go higher. But over time that $5 a month can do so much good. Maybe others will join me! 

Think about what you can do with what you have in your hands right now. Do not wait for more money, or things to slow down, or that new job. Do something now, no matter how small, with what you have. This could be something towards some on the wonderful organisations we have spoken about here, or perhaps something closer to home. Maybe the salvos, maybe volunteer in a soup kitchen. What about a word or encouragement to at least one person everyday! 

There is so much good we can do in this world...the best thing to do is just start! 

As for Mandi, and I we are so keen to get started on our next project with goods and funds, and a team of volunteers going again to the New Hope Orphanage in Cambodia! 

Ruth

Zoe Children's Home - great example of care in action

Another great cause

Zoe Children's Home

Great blog

http://zoechildren.org/blog/

Lovely merch too

Zoe clothing company

Zoe Children's Home

Another great cause.

Zoe Children's Homes.

Great merchandise too

Zoe Children's Home Blog

Project Two

First little purchase for Project Two 

They are after small 'washing' cloths etc for showering to save on soap.

Read more about the orphanage here....

Also:

Pediatric AIDS in CambodiaIDS

---

Cambodia has the highest HIV prevalence rate in Southeast Asia, with an identified infected population of 64,750, including 3350 children under the age of fifteen. According to Mean Chhi Vun, the Director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STDs (NCHADS), in 2008 approximately 2900 of these infected children were receiving ARV treatment, an increase from 1800 in 2007. However, NCHADS estimates that as many as 109,000 children could be orphaned by HIV/AIDS by 2011. The largest portion of the population infected are direct and indirect female sex workers, and according to a UNAIDS report, one-third of new HIV cases are due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT).

There are an estimated 461,000 live births annually in Cambodia -- predominantly outside of health centers and hospitals -- and an estimated 9,700 pregnant women are living with HIV at any one time, of whom only approximately twelve percent are receiving ARV treatment. UNAIDS data indicates that without intervention, some 3000 infants may be born with HIV through vertical transmission each year.

The Ministry of Health’s national response primarily recognizes that the loss of young, productive adult males has a severe socio-economic impact upon poor rural households, in which males are the primary source of income and labor. In Cambodia’s situation, where the majority of the population survives on subsistence farming, the impact is enormous, as informal estimates from NCHADS suggest that HIV/AIDS may be responsible for 50% of all deaths among young men between the ages of 20 and 30. As such, Cambodia’s National Strategic Plan for a Multispectral Response to HIV/AIDS for 2006-2010 (NSP II) lacks a specific strategy for combating the rapid spread of pediatric AIDS within the country. Data presented in UNGASS’ 2008 Report shows that the number of Cambodians with advanced HIV infection currently receiving ART has more than doubled since early 2006. The survival rate of ART patients after twelve months is currently estimated at close to 90 percent for adults, and over 90 percent for children. However, the health care costs for a person infected with HIV remain significant; the annual cost of treating opportunistic infections associated with the disease is estimated at $300 per person – in a country where the average income hovers at approximately $260 per year. Due to such costs, very few orphanages in Cambodia are willing to take in orphans who have HIV/AIDS, causing many of these extremely vulnerable children to end up living on the streets. NHCC is actively working to mitigate this problem by relieving almost 1000 poor rural families of the financial burden of providing treatment, education, and a nutritional diet to their infected children through the ‘Outreach Program’, and as such are providing for both these children’s futures, and the future of Cambodia’s next generation.

Project Two. The Human Container.

After the success of Container for Cambodia we contacted Kathy from NHCC direct and the following information came to light: 

Hi Mandi,

I am looking at the price of a truck. Towels any color but bath towels not small. And u know those sponge things you put soap on to take a shower? Those would be nice too for the kids to safe on soap. Now they pour in their hand and rub their body. Sheets are single sizes.....lol they'll you aunty thank you from the kids for the pillow covers. Panties all sizes boys and girlsThank you for helping us. You have helped us so much and my children love every thing you send. If we have to much stuff like the books and clothes we share them with 2 other orphanages. With the books you sent we have a full library, the orphanage next to us set up one too and sunrise 3 has set up a small too. A small very poor orphanage about 20mins from us Children running around with no clothes on because their 2 outfits s were being washed..got some of the clothes you sent so they now have clothes on each time we go over to give them rice. So you see it is not just NHCC you are helping there are others....Thank you for all your hard work. 

Kathy
John and Kathy Tucker
New Hope For Cambodian Children
012 830 562 John
012 815 918 Kathy

So from this: A NEW WISHLIST:

Wish list:
- Towels any color but bath towels not small.
- Shower sponges
- Liquid soap
- Sheets - single size
- Pillow covers.
- Panties all sizes boys and girls

And $2000 to buy a new truck for the village. 

Our new project will involve sending these goods with a group of individuals who will also volunteer at the village for 7-10 days. Expressions of interest are now being sought. Please see our contact page to register your interest. 

Klong Toey

Greetings!

www.handicrafts.org.au/

If you're looking buy a special gift be sure to take a look at Klong Toey!

" Klong Toey handicrafts is a fair trade initiative that aims to provide employment with an income that gives dignity & hope to the poor in Klong Toey Slum Bangkok."

We have been buying Christmas gifts from them for three years now. They have beautiful handicrafts and it's so nice to know its a gift that really gives to all involved. Why not take a look at their web page or pop into their showroom.

Cheers Ruth

Prem Rawat (Maharaji) - Quotes: But what gets in the way? Doubt.

Prem Rawat (Maharaji) - Quotes: But what gets in the way? Doubt.

Very interesting thoughts.... Keep believing in yourself and your truth

Inspirations

“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”

Sir Winston Churchill  (1874-1965);
British statesman, prime minister, author, Nobel Prize winner

My word is DETERMINED! But I also love HOPE as a great all-rounder :) 

What's yours? 

I don't think I have ever done a new years resolution. This year I was reading a blog (sorry I can't remember who's it was) she was saying rather that doing a resolution she picks a word that will become her word for the year. Something to work towards daily. 

I have chosen the word Grateful. Everyday I will be grateful. Even in the hardest moments I will be grateful. After a car accident last year (perhaps a story for another blog entry) I wake up very sore most days, but I still have so much to be grateful for. 

I am so grateful for my warm bed, a panty with food, a roof over my head. I am also really grateful for the Chance Foundation. I love the passion we share together, and the beauty and generosity others bring to the table. 

What are you grateful for today? 

I shared this with a few others my, sisters word is Trust. My pastor chose the word Enjoy. She told me life got so busy that she forgot to really enjoy some of the moments. This year she aims to Enjoy life, and find enjoyment even through trying times. 

What word would you choose and why? 

I have made this picture my phone wallpaper. This way I have a constant reminder. 

Cheers
Ruth 

Here are some of the latest lovely images from
New Hope for Cambodian Children's Facebook page  ...

Hello all,

So many people out there are doing wonderful things...I thought I might 'share the love" rather than 're-invent the wheel' so to speak.

I feel we have so much to be grateful for in this lucky country of ours & it seems others agree. Here are a few of my favourites.

Have  great day :)

Sole Hope - Putting closed toe soles on African children - one pair at a time...

After hearing about Sole Hope and reading about Nat @ Take the Cannoli’s Shoe Cutting Party, I immediately knew I wanted to get involved. I’m honored and humbled to be a Sole Hope Ambassador, spreading the news about the need, the cause, and how we can help. One way to help? Host a Sole Hope Shoe Cutting Party. Every pair of shoes you cut is sewn into a pair of shoes for a child to protect their feet from jiggers. Every pair provides a job and income to someone in need who was trained to sew the shoes. Every pair changes lives.

To prep for the party, I went on a hunt for fabric. My mom offered up everything in her fabric chest. So generous!

As an aside, I uncovered some gems! Yes, these are vintage late 70s/early 80s patterns. I had some awesome homemade clothes.

The day before the party, I traced the shoe patterns onto cardboard for templates, and traced a few patterns onto denim and fabric to help get us started.

But shoes are not created on their own. I am blessed with some amazing friends who came ready and willing to help. We all have young kids. The thought that there are children who are suffering from jigger infestations because they do not have shoes, touched all of us.

And we traced. And we talked. And we cut. And we laughed. And we safety pinned. And traced. And we ate. And cut some more.

Sometimes you have to switch from cutting fabric to cutting your friend’s hair. See? It’s fun to sit around with friends, chat, laugh, all while cutting shoe patterns and giving back.

7 friends. Nearly 3 hours. 17 pairs of shoes cut! My heart is overflowing with joy. 17 children will have shoes!

May the children whose feet these shoes will cover be blessed.

May they know how much they are loved.

May the hearts and lives of those sewing the shoes be transformed.

Want to help send these shoes to Africa? Donate to Sole Hope here.

Want to host a Sole Hope Shoe Cutting Party? Order a shoe party packet here and for more info email Ashley at Ashley@solehope.com.

Live in the Boston area and want to have a Shoe Cutting Party? I’d love to help you out! Seriously. I would love to help you host, answer questions, whatever you need. You don’t need to have a huge group to make a difference. Email me atGiveTodayblog@gmail.com

Sole Hope Shoe Cutting Party

Lovely video from facebook from a volunteer at the orphanage where the container went. His face & smile are priceless.

Child of New Hope for Children - Cambodia :)

Man's kindness....inspiring

One of my favorite quotes

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Hi! 

Welcome to our blog! 

I though I would start the blog by sharing one of the highlights of the year. 

Sending the Container was certainly a huge highlight.... but I will share more about that one another day.

Late 2012 Mandi and I had the privilege to volunteer at a breakfast where Somaly Mam was the guest speaker. If you have not heard of her it is worth the research to learn more about her. She is an amazing, inspirational woman. Her beginnings in life is heart breaking, but what she is making of the ending inspires me daily. If there is one book to read this year it's hers! 

The link for her web page:  http://www.somaly.org/somaly-mam

You can find her book on here, plus some products made by survivors. 

Someone asked her the question "What do you recommend for someone struggling through hard times". Her answer was beautiful she said how important it was to forgive. I find it amazing that with all the wrongs done for her she can offer forgiveness. Because of her ability to forgive she has so much love to give the girls she has rescued. She also said find something you are passionate about to do something to help others. She said it does not have to be her organisation, just anything to help others. 

She would have spoken had hundreds of these type of events, met hundreds of volunteers. I know she has spent time with so many celebrities who are supporting her cause. Yet when Mandi and I met her she was so grateful, thanking us so sincerely for our help and support. I am so thankful I got to meet this amazing lady! 

Thanks for taking the time to check out our blog! We hope we can inspire you with amazing stories and some of the projects we take on! 

Cheers Ruth 

Hello

Hello & welcome! Ruth Wilson has been inspiring in her support & starting a blog for the Foundation is another of her ideas. Each post will reflect on activities and inspirations from the Chance Foundation's core values & functions.

First up though...and introduction and some basic information:

THE CHANCE FOUNDATION INC... For Want of None. Delivering goods to those in need.

Several journeys to third world countries by our founder clearly demonstrated the need for some essential goods for orphans and other needy children. Projects were borne to collect and ship basic necessities across the world to places where these cannot be purchased.

Animals are also included as needy groups and/or individuals worldwide. A love of animals and a view that their rights are equal to ours led to a broadening of the charity's objectives to include their needs also.

The need to raise funds to pack and ship these donated goods became the basis for our charity which continues to work to collect and deliver good and services highly unattainable to children and animals in need all the world over. The Container for Cambodia was our first project and others in different parts of the world now seek our assistance, so a broadening of organisation’s the objectives led to the creation of The Chance Foundation Inc.

Our website is: http://chancefoundation.vpweb.com.au/default.html

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE IS: https://www.facebook.com/TheChanceFoundationInc

Our first Project, Container for Cambodia is detailed here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ContainerForCambodia/

Fundraiser Reg. No: 12207

Donations welcome:
BSB: 033 609
A/N: 405 033

Enough for now..... thanks for your support

Mandi