A World Away From Home

I have a good life here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I’m blessed to have a great and supportive family. I own a nice small house and have a good career as a Chartered Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (”PwC”). Growing up, I have always had an interest in travel and a passion for working with youth. This passion grew with continued volunteer work here in my hometown, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

This past spring, with the support of PwC, I decided to use my vacation time that had grown over the past years to travel and learn more about poverty and humanitarian work. I spent many months researching global issues and poverty in different regions around the the world. It was late one night that I came across the Steung Meanchey dump. That same night, I found the Center for Children’s Happiness (”CCH”) and that moment I knew that my journey was to take me across the world to Cambodia.

I left my home and family in Canada, embarking on a personal journey to Asia. Over a period of a few months, I toured many humanitarian organizations in Vietnam and Cambodia. My work became focused on a few specific projects in Cambodia. Both projects possessed a similar philosophy – teach the children to study hard, have a successful life and then help others do the same. These projects inspired children to become strong, healthy and loving human beings.

I went to Cambodia to teach English to poor children. But what I quickly realized was that my business skills were more valuable in helping organizations fund special projects, making a greater impact on the lives of the children they serve.

When I came home, I had spoke to children in Canadian schools. Many children here were interested in the lives of the children in Cambodia. I was inspired by how many children wanted to help. With that, I realized that we could impact lives far away in Cambodia while changing lives here in Canada.

I spent many days and nights getting things ready to establish a Canadian Registered Charity fund. I worked hard to help our grantee partners. Specifically, I worked on a plan to assist the Center for Children’s Happiness have more space to house children that currently live in the garbage dump. I’ve also been working on Christmas plans for dump children and with the School for Children of Poverty. These are Canodia’s first special projects. I can’t wait to show you the work we’ve begun.

Love Gerry

ARTICLES - Please Read the following articles to learn more:
Free Press Article - Stolen Hope on Stolen Camera
The Crusader Article - Fall 2007

THE BLOG - Personal Stories
Gerry’s adventure in Cambodia is documented in the “Personal Reflections” section of the blog. Please read about his journey here.