Attendance: 6 members and two guests: Michal Conway and Patti Lee from the Rotary Club of Toronto West.
Patti Lee from the Rotary Club of Toronto West. Talked to us about her projects in Cambodia.
President Gordon introduced Patti.
After a successful career in Marketing and Management at IBM, Patti turned her skills to develop a career in bridge and tourism. On a trip to Cambodia, the people and their country touched her heart so much that she has spent the last 14 years fundraising and supporting her projects there. She and her friend, Barbara Seagram, have four schools, 16 employees, and over 100 individuals who have completed water projects, such as installing toilets in government schools. The immersion in Cambodia has allowed Patti to learn firsthand about the devastation of landmines, the absolute necessity for clean water and safe toilets, and all of the requirements for girls to stay in school. Patti is president of the Southeast Support Organization, a not-for-profit organization she co-founded with Barbara Seagram. Patti is also International Chair for the Rotary Club of Toronto West, a Canadian Landmine Foundation Board Member, and a Board Advisor for A Vision for Clean Water (a US Charity).
In her talk, Patti covered:
Despite Cambodia not being involved in the war, there were over three million bombs dropped there, many of which never exploded and are still lying around.
The Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot
Cambodian transportation and housing.
Many houses are built on stilts because of the high water content during the rainy season.
Normal modes of transportation are mopeds.
Patti's journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.
Journey of Donation: Bikes for Students - A fundraising effort was initiated to provide bicycles to students walking 35km to school. - The donation included a visit to the school, located on the outskirts of a town. - The school lacked basic amenities like desks, chairs, and proper sanitation, with students learning in challenging conditions.
Children's reactions to receiving bikes focus on parental use rather than child enjoyment. - Observation of a damaged school led to prioritizing rebuilding over providing bikes. - The local community requested and received an estimate for school reconstruction.
Global Sanitation Crisis and Solutions - Approximately 2.5 billion people lack access to safe private toilets globally. - Nearly one billion people practice open defecation, facing risks like abuse and lack of dignity. - Building toilets with sufficient space addresses sanitation needs and improves safety, particularly for women.
Efficient Charity Distribution in Cambodia - A global charity provides menstrual hygiene kits. - Kits were initially hand-carried to Cambodia due to shipping difficulties. - A local enterprise in Cambodia now allows for cost-effective procurement and distribution.
Water Towers for Health Centers - A water tower solution was implemented to provide water to health centers during power outages. - Twenty-six health centers have received water towers, with seven completed through a rotary grant. - Funding of CA$18000 enabled the construction of two wells, seven water towers, and the necessary pipes.
The presentation can be found in the video and audio files below.
Patti Lee from the Rotary Club of Toronto West. Talked to us about her projects in Cambodia.
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