The Children's Restaurant
Donation protected
*** ALL Donations go to Les Restaurant des Enfants ***
From Benjamine: It’s so hard for me to put into words how much Les Restaurant des Enfants (The Children’s Restaurant) means to me. The facility, located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a refuge for street children.
LRDE serves hundreds of children a day, and every one of these children have a unique story. Many of them work in the streets, collecting trash or selling souvenirs to tourists; they range from 4 years old to teenagers; some can’t go to school because they have to work to support their families; many don’t know what it means to have a role model, a parent, or any adult figure to serve as their foundation for growing up.
I imagine how my childhood was filled with safety and freedom. Despite having my own stresses and struggles growing up, I lived with relative ease and comfort, because I knew that no matter how cruel the world was, no matter what anxiety I encountered, somehow my parents were there to make it all ok, to tell me that the world is good, and that I am good.
Then I imagine these kids’ childhoods, how many of them don’t have that basic human comfort that many of us had—the feeling that someone will shield and comfort them, to grow up with a sense of ease and freedom. From such young ages, they’ve had to take up the mantles of adulthood in order to survive.
Their stories are many and varied, but they all come to LRDE for the same fundamental needs—the same needs every child and human being craves: a place where they can experience safety, comfort, and have a place of respite from the toll and responsibility of their lives. It’s a place where, despite all, they can act like kids. They don’t have to worry whether they’ll eat that day. They don’t have to worry if they’ll have a safe place to go to if they’re in trouble.
So for the holiday and new year, Jamie (my volunteer buddy), Kim Zoodlemouse , and Jen Arnold would like to raise funds to give the kids something special. Depending on how much funds we can raise, the fundraiser will go toward buying them holiday gifts, clothes, books, or even a trip to go to the pool (we took the kids to the pool while we were there and they absolutely loved it!). You can see the following letter from LRDE for more information.
Transparency in donations and fundraising is very important to me, so we’ll be posting receipts of the donations to Les Restaurant des Enfants, and we’ll work with the staff at LRDE to ensure that the money goes to where it’s needed. AND we’ll get lots of party pictures from the staff!
I also understand that the holidays are tough for many people financially. Even the smallest contribution helps, and if you can’t give any money, then helping to get the word out and bringing awareness of LRDE can be just as effective as any monetary donation!
And if you’re interested in sponsoring a child, feel free to contact me or Jamie Cook , and we can give you additional information on sponsorship. Sponsorship eases financial hardship on a child and their caregivers by paying for their school clothes and supplies, one kilogram of rice a month, daily spending money, English school (English is not part of the national curriculum, but English education allows them much better employment opportunities as an adult), and also helps pay for LRDE’s operating costs.
Thank you so much for your time and your tender hearts. And even if you can't make any donation, but you've read this and your hearts are touched by these children, then I'll know that I've made a difference.
Always,
Benjamine Heath
From Jamie: This experience has been like nothing else. Ben and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into when we decided to go volunteer in Cambodia. I got my assignment a few days before leaving for Phnom Phen. All I was told was that I would be working for a soup kitchen for street children, and the placement made me both nervous and so excited. We had no way to prepare for what we would find there and the deep connections we would make.
I am so grateful to LRDE for their commitment to these children and giving Ben and I the chance to become part of such an amazing experience.
These children are so special to us—they are so kind and gentle. The first time that Chamnab (my god son) hugged me and told me he loved me I don't think I have ever felt anything so powerful. Having a true connection with a child in need has been one of the most rewarding and life changing experiences I have ever had. I will forever be so grateful to the people who created LRDE, for creating a place that these children and come to grow, learn, be safe and feel loved.
I'm so excited to be a part of these children's upbringing and share there awesome stories with everyone!
Always,
Jamie Cook
From Benjamine: It’s so hard for me to put into words how much Les Restaurant des Enfants (The Children’s Restaurant) means to me. The facility, located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a refuge for street children.
LRDE serves hundreds of children a day, and every one of these children have a unique story. Many of them work in the streets, collecting trash or selling souvenirs to tourists; they range from 4 years old to teenagers; some can’t go to school because they have to work to support their families; many don’t know what it means to have a role model, a parent, or any adult figure to serve as their foundation for growing up.
I imagine how my childhood was filled with safety and freedom. Despite having my own stresses and struggles growing up, I lived with relative ease and comfort, because I knew that no matter how cruel the world was, no matter what anxiety I encountered, somehow my parents were there to make it all ok, to tell me that the world is good, and that I am good.
Then I imagine these kids’ childhoods, how many of them don’t have that basic human comfort that many of us had—the feeling that someone will shield and comfort them, to grow up with a sense of ease and freedom. From such young ages, they’ve had to take up the mantles of adulthood in order to survive.
Their stories are many and varied, but they all come to LRDE for the same fundamental needs—the same needs every child and human being craves: a place where they can experience safety, comfort, and have a place of respite from the toll and responsibility of their lives. It’s a place where, despite all, they can act like kids. They don’t have to worry whether they’ll eat that day. They don’t have to worry if they’ll have a safe place to go to if they’re in trouble.
So for the holiday and new year, Jamie (my volunteer buddy), Kim Zoodlemouse , and Jen Arnold would like to raise funds to give the kids something special. Depending on how much funds we can raise, the fundraiser will go toward buying them holiday gifts, clothes, books, or even a trip to go to the pool (we took the kids to the pool while we were there and they absolutely loved it!). You can see the following letter from LRDE for more information.
Transparency in donations and fundraising is very important to me, so we’ll be posting receipts of the donations to Les Restaurant des Enfants, and we’ll work with the staff at LRDE to ensure that the money goes to where it’s needed. AND we’ll get lots of party pictures from the staff!
I also understand that the holidays are tough for many people financially. Even the smallest contribution helps, and if you can’t give any money, then helping to get the word out and bringing awareness of LRDE can be just as effective as any monetary donation!
And if you’re interested in sponsoring a child, feel free to contact me or Jamie Cook , and we can give you additional information on sponsorship. Sponsorship eases financial hardship on a child and their caregivers by paying for their school clothes and supplies, one kilogram of rice a month, daily spending money, English school (English is not part of the national curriculum, but English education allows them much better employment opportunities as an adult), and also helps pay for LRDE’s operating costs.
Thank you so much for your time and your tender hearts. And even if you can't make any donation, but you've read this and your hearts are touched by these children, then I'll know that I've made a difference.
Always,
Benjamine Heath
From Jamie: This experience has been like nothing else. Ben and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into when we decided to go volunteer in Cambodia. I got my assignment a few days before leaving for Phnom Phen. All I was told was that I would be working for a soup kitchen for street children, and the placement made me both nervous and so excited. We had no way to prepare for what we would find there and the deep connections we would make.
I am so grateful to LRDE for their commitment to these children and giving Ben and I the chance to become part of such an amazing experience.
These children are so special to us—they are so kind and gentle. The first time that Chamnab (my god son) hugged me and told me he loved me I don't think I have ever felt anything so powerful. Having a true connection with a child in need has been one of the most rewarding and life changing experiences I have ever had. I will forever be so grateful to the people who created LRDE, for creating a place that these children and come to grow, learn, be safe and feel loved.
I'm so excited to be a part of these children's upbringing and share there awesome stories with everyone!
Always,
Jamie Cook
Organizer
Benjamine Heath
Organizer
Mount Kisco, NY
