As you know, in other years we have supported the Rice for a Year program at ABCs and Rice in Siem Reap in Cambodia through a Fundraiser Tea and Silent Auction in September. See links here to news stories about previous Fundraiser Teas and other updates about Rice for a Year. This year, because we cannot gather in large groups, it is unlikely that we will be able to hold the tea this fall. But the need is still there and even greater now.
Iris Paruch, who has volunteered at ABCs and Rice each year, comments: When the COVID-19 lockdown happened, Tammy (Durand Pomroy, the founder of ABCs and Rice) started out by making lunch for the school children on a daily basis, but she was hearing stories of hungry people in the villages around the school. So being the caring person that she is, decided to change things up and supply weekly rations to 70 families.
Unfortunately, the need was greater than that, and ABCs and Rice has now become a community food bank supplying weekly rations to about 120 families. Tammy has been able to do this with the help of several local businesses and generous donations from around the world. We are all having to make changes and sacrifices during this time of pandemic, but our first world problems pale in comparison to the problems the poor people in Cambodia are facing. The need is great, so any support that can be offered would be greatly appreciated."
If you are able to support Rice for a Year through a donation or would usually attend the Fundraiser Tea in the fall, please consider if you could make a donation now to Rice for a Year. Donations can be made online via Canada Helps.
