English
Cambodia: Private sector backs humanitarian mission into capital Red Zone
The private sector threw its weight behind nongovernmental organisation (NGO) Rescue Task Force (RTF) over the weekend as it distributed goods directly to 100 families in Red Zones across the capital’s Steung Meanchey district.
A total of 1,500 kilogrammes of rice, 200 kilogrammes of sweet potatoes, 100 bottles of fish sauce, 400 tins of sardines, 100 packets of sanitary napkins and 200 bars of soap were divided among the beneficiaries – all of whom are living in desperate need of aid during lockdowns.
Nham 24 donated logistics support and provided more than 15 staff riders, Khmer Times donated sanitary napkins, Only One Planet donated reusable bags, while MegaBrands Cambodia – the manufacturer of Dettol – provided soap.
“With the pandemic isolating so many and creating both metaphorical and physical barriers, it is heart-warming to see so many people come together to support such a worthwhile cause,” RTF Chairman Gary Becks told Khmer Times.
Among the hardest hit are those living near the site of the old rubbish dump at Steung Meanchey 2’s Preak Toul 1 commune. The dump has served as a lifeline for those in the vicinity with some selling recyclables found there and even eating food there. One observer remarked that even 100,000 kilogrammes would not fix the situation there.
Nham24 – living up to its “Cambodia’s first superapp” motto – was the first company to offer its assistance. Chann Borima, its founder, said that he did not have to give the mission a second thought because he was familiar with the hardship in the area.
“I cannot take credit because the work was done by my riders. They have never ever let me down, not even once. Even in times of hardship they always rise to the occasion and I am not surprised that the mission was a success because it had their support. In times of difficulty such as these, we must lift each other up. I applaud not only RTF but my team’s ability to pull off what many consider to be the impossible,” said Borima.
Environmentally friendly packaging firm Only One Planet Founder Sandy Kotan generously donated more than 100 reusable bags made from recycled plastic bottles, despite experiencing financial hardship as restaurants across the Kingdom are forced to either temporarily or completely close.
“We are all in this together and everyone is suffering. I will always find ways to give back to the community as long as I can do so. I was not able to go directly into the Red Zone so I consider RTF’s efforts to be an extension of my own,” Kosan said.
MegaWeCare – the producers of Dettol products – provided soap at cost. Its team took great strides to ensure that RTF was a registered NGO and immediately delivered its products for distribution.
“It is our honour and pleasure to service RTF. We are looking forward to taking part in RTF’s future projects soon to help promote hygiene awareness and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,” the company said.
Khmer Times provided female hygiene products as a humanitarian gesture.
Founded in 1988, RTF specialises in disaster relief and has donated more than $800 million globally. It currently operates in Thailand, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Honduras, among others. The NGO first entered Cambodia while assisting Thailand after the Indian Ocean earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 2004.
Becks’ service with the Third Marines in the Vietnam War earned him seven air medals. He also previously served as a firefighter in California and as a special assistant to US Congressman Duncan Hunter Sr. He lives in Svay Rieng province after having liquidated all his assets in the US to be closer to his humanitarian projects.
“I normally run into disaster zones and watching the situation in Phnom Penh and across the Kingdom has been painful. Our mission at RTF is very simple: The difficult we do immediately but the impossible sometimes takes a couple of days,” said Becks, 75.
Private donations and corporate partnerships are welcome via rescuetaskforce.org
Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50850033/private-sector-backs-humanitarian-mission-into-capital-red-zone/