How one Cambodian supporter, a chef and a country town joined our ODA family
- oda.org
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
ONE HUGE HEART: HOW GLITTER AND MEENIYAN
CAME ALIVE FOR ODA
But all 650 residents in Meeniyan, Victoria, Australia, can tell you where ODA is!
A Little Country Town in Lush Dairy Country
Showed Up for ODA
People often ask us: How on earth do you run free schools six days a week on short-term funding?
The truth is, we rely on a small but fiercely dedicated band of regular donors, and a whole lot of heart. Throughout the year, wonderful supporters host dinners in their homes, organize events, and rally their friends to keep our village kids learning. Every now and then, though, a community comes together in a way that leaves us completely blown away.
Enter the vibrant dairy town of Meeniyan—population 650—located just an hour and a half south east of Melbourne.
It all began with Marty, the former owner of the local restaurant. Marty didn't just support ODA; he brought our kids' spirit right into the heart of his town. He hung our students' vibrant artwork all over his restaurant—yes, even in the washrooms!—selling pieces and setting up a giving tree to raise funds for the schools back in Cambodia.
Then came a twist of fate that only a close-knit community could create.
At another ODA fundraising event, a talented Cambodian chef named Woody happened to be cooking. Through that single evening, Woody met Marty and ended up buying the Meeniyan restaurant! Woody and his wife, Thida, fell in love with the ODA cause and decided to carry on Marty’s tradition, teaming up with him to take the town's fundraising to a whole new level.
Together, they put out the word for a Cambodian Rhythms Night at the local hall.
The response?
Over 120 locals – nearly a fifth of the entire town booked tickets.
Woody and his crew worked tirelessly, putting on a massive feast featuring all the Khmer favourites and introducing fragrant Khmer Chicken Curry, traditional creamy Fish Amok, and other authentic delicious treats.
Local businesses stepped up with generous donations for silent auctions, ODA artwork was proudly displayed for sale, and a giving tree stood ready with sparkly bags for donations.
Following the dress code—“a touch of glitter”—the crowd arrived decked out in sparkling brooches, glittering clothes, shimmering scarves, and whatever touches of glitz they could find.
The absolute highlight of the evening came from the local school children. They had spent weeks learning a traditional Cambodian cultural dance, delivering a performance so sweet it brought down the house (before everyone cleared the floor for a full-on village disco!).
On that evening, Meeniyan came Alive with a capital A. From the local businesses to the volunteers who stayed late into the night helping with the clean up, the whole town wrapped their arms around our students thousands of miles away.
Thanks to the incredible night, ODA has already been able to purchase a rice shredder for this years crop, with plans underway to buy an industrial washing machine for Leng’s wife, Sry On’s work with the kids. For anyone who has seen the mountains of laundry generated by our littlest live in kids who need a helping hand with their day-to-day care, you'll know what a life-changer this machine will be!
To Marty, Woody, Thida, the kids, and every single person in Meeniyan who assisted and added a bit of sparkle to the night: Big Thank You Tom Tom Akun. You’ve shown us what community spirit is all about, and our ODA family is forever grateful
To Marty, Woody, Thida, the kids, and every single person in Meeniyan who assisted and added a bit of sparkle to the night: Big Thank You Tom Tom Akun. You’ve shown us what community spirit is all about, and our ODA family is forever grateful
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