www.rotary5040.org D5040 NEWSLETTER – Mar 2008
Rotary Newsletter

In Nov. 2006, Dr. Michael Woolnough of Richmond Sunset Club visited Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, Angkor Cambodia. After meeting the hospital CEO, he realized the potential for sending a container of supplies using the RWHN organization.

The succeeding CEO, David Shoemaker (aWinnipegger), then introduced Mrs. Nina Cassils, a tireless fundraiser for community projects in South East Asia. The container initiative then expanded to include a neighbouring (adult) hospital in need, three community centers in Cambodia for street children, and an adult training centre in Phnom Pen for adults disabled by landmines.

Various Vancouver hospitals and school groups were approached and much needed used and new items were rapidly collected. These included: three diagnostic ultrasound machines (delivered from Calgary), various medical and surgical supplies, including three operating tables; and, large donations of hygiene products, carpentry and gardening tools, toys and many computers.

RWHN and Richmond Sunset Club volunteers loaded the goods on 8th December and the container arrived in early January 2008 in Cambodia, where a team was waiting.

Clearance and distribution followed flawlessly, thanks to careful planning and avoiding difficulties with customs. The response from Cambodia has been tremendous.
Everything sent is being well used in the different centres and news came that three life-saving surgeries were performed in the first week, using the donated operating room tables.

Well done, RWHN, Richmond Sunset Club, and special thanks to Mrs. Cassils!

- Dr. Michael Woolnough

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