Funds raised at ANZAC match donated to Orphanage
Posted by Vietnam Swans on May 7, 2010
Philip Whitman presents the donation to Truong Thi Cam
The day after the ANZAC Friendship Match, 26 April 2010, Swannie Joe Hrustinsky went with Philip Whitman to the Ngoc Duc Pagoda and Orphanage. Philip handed over VND14.14 million (approx USD745) which had been raised by Tommy’s Bar at the footy match. Below, Joe tells us what happened.
This morning a contingent, comprised of local business people, retirees, vacationers and Vietnam Swans, visited the Ngoc Duc Pagoda and Orphanage. Following a tour of the orphanage and a surprise lunch, Philip Whitman presented 14 414 000 VND, raised on Saturday (24 April), to Truong Thi Cam.
Ms. Cam explained that this money would be used for the continued running of the orphanage and school, as well as, the building of a new school and dormitory.
Due to it’s age as well as for health and safety reasons, the old school was demolished. The 87 children, aged between 2 and 14, are currently being housed and taught in temporary quarters within the Ngoc Duc Pagoda and private residences around the pagoda.
Ground breaking work has commenced on the new VND500,000,000 (USD26,000), 3-storey school and the children will move in as each phase is completed. While it is expected to take around 12 months to complete, the actual completion of the project will be based on the availability of funds which is entirely comprised of donations.