In a world with so many problems and needs, we are often paralyzed by the thought "what can I do? I am only one person." Well there is a power to change circumstances, to alter the course of life, in just one person...and that person can be you.
In case you don't believe that is possible, we invite you to come to a place just outside of Phnom Penh in the country of Cambodia. The small centre is called "Place of Rescue" and was started by Marie Ens with her own retirement funds when she was in her 60's.
Marie was just one woman who had a vision of how life could be different for orphans of AIDS, for families and grannies decimated by this disease. Marie's vision did not stop there, but expanded to include girls working in the factories of Cambodia who have been raped or seduced and ended up pregnant. Place of Rescue provides not only food, clothing and shelter, but also medicine and education for more than 100 children. They are loved and given hope in the world that had discarded them to begging on the streets.
At Place of Rescue, 35 Cambodians care for the children, grow vegetable gardens, tend the fish ponds, raise ducks and chickens and work to maintain the grounds, with Marie Ens as their advisor.
But there are many more children who remain desperate and destitute in Cambodia. To help more children, ten more houses are being built at Rescue to house 100 more children and a school is being built on the property so the children from grades 1-6 will receive a better education. And here is where you come in...
You, as a person, can make a difference to the lives of many children. We invite you to join with your family , some friends, or a group to come up with an idea or project that you can implement to raise funds for Place of Rescue. The money you raise will help to build and furnish 2 new houses for 20 children, as well as build and furnish the school so that the children can recieve a quality education. There are also opportunities to sponsor some of these children and build a special bond and relationship with your child.
The goal is to raise $100,000 by September 28, 2008 to build these houses and the school for the orphanage Place of Rescue in Cambodia. We are calling this Rescue Cambodia.