FDCC relies on the generosity of volunteers to give their time and energy to assist us with our work at Mekhala House. Our greatest need is assistance with fundraising so we can meet operational expenses and undertake programs for the children and staff. FDCC has been extremely fortunate to receive the help of many individuals and organisations who have organised fundraising activities.
However, as FDCC grows and its programs expand, we will continue to need help to maintain funding for Mekhala House. If you have an idea for a fundraiser and would like to help, please contact us at info@fdcc.org.au.
In addition, there is much work required to keep FDCC operating effectively. The FDCC Board in Australia regularly requires assistance in functions such as marketing, administration, development of policies and procedures and governance. In line with our commitment to donors, we ask that everyone involved in FDCC give their time free of charge. If you would like to know how you could help us, please contact us at info@fdcc.org.au.
We are very grateful for all offers of assistance with the work that we do at Mekhala House. However the role of a volunteer incurs a heavy responsibility to protect both the children and the reputation of our organisation. FDCC is totally dependent on donor acceptance of our credibility, trustworthiness and moral behaviour for its continued existence. We have strict guidelines regarding volunteers at Mekhala House. We hope and trust that you understand this policy.
Our aim is to provide our children with an environment that is as close as possible to a normal family home. Having different volunteers regularly visit for a short time, where strong bonds can be made with the children, only for them to leave and quite likely not return has the potential to create emotional distress for the children. Therefore, our aim is to have the Cambodian staff as the main carers of the children (to provide a stable environment) and for volunteers to visit only to undertake specific tasks.
This also shows our commitment to the volunteers to ensure that they are contributing in a positive manner which directly benefits the children. For this reason, we limit the number of volunteers visiting each year.
If you believe that you have particular skills that might be of assistance to Mekhala House, please email FDCC with the following:
The process for accepting volunteers includes the following, and requires approval by the Australian FDCC Board:
As mentioned, FDCC relies on the goodwill of volunteers to raise funds required to operate Mekhala House and undertake learning programs and activities for the children and staff. We are very grateful for the efforts of everyone who has helped FDCC and the children of Mekhala House, in particular the following:
Nick Petrucco of Team Synergy management consultants has organised and run leadership seminars to raise funds for Mekhala House. Nick is a former FDCC Director.
Leila Alkassab is a student in International Development Studies at LaTrobe University and assists FDCC by recording minutes at Board meetings and assisting with fundraising.
Adelle Pearce is a graphic designer who has worked on the design and graphics for FDCC and has published the FDCC newsletters.
Christina Neri is a graphic designer who has worked on the design and graphics for FDCC and assisted on many fundraisers.
Suzanne Calman runs the Williamstown Yoga Centre www.williamstownyoga.com.au and has supported FDCC by holding several fundraisers
The Willy Philly band has generously held several fundraisers in the Williamstown area.
Jo Clark is an accountant who is assisting FDCC implement auditable processes in preparation for FDCC becoming a registered company.
Aaron Lamb works for Lonely Planet in the U.K. and has organised cabaret fundraisers for FDCC in London. He also spent a month at Mekhala house conducting art workshops with students and teachers. The activities provided an opportunity for creative play and assisted teachers in learning new skills.
Margie Macdonald is an Adelaide-based trainer with more than 20 years’ experience working to help people at all levels in the organisation improve their on-the-job performance and achieve personal goals. Margie has undertaken two trips to Mekhala House to provide training and leadership coaching to FDCC staff.
Chan Ouy of Bopha Devi restaurant in Docklands, Melbourne www.bophadevi.com has supported FDCC by holding successful fundraising dinners.
The Zonta Club of Adelaide Flinders www.zontaadelaideflinders.websyte.com.au generously organised the Walk to Cambodia fundraiser for FDCC.
Further details on the AYAD scheme can be found at www.ayad.com.au.
FDCC has provided the opportunity for two young Australians to work at Mekhala House through the AYAD scheme. Future opportunities are likely to arise from time to time. If you are interested in becoming a youth ambassador for FDCC in the future, please email us at info@fdcc.org.au.
FDCC Australian Youth Ambassadors
Khim Ung
Sarah Miller