VVPA Newsletter Jan - Dec 2015 Issue 13

www.vietnamvision.org.au

Issue 13. January - December 2015

NEW COLOUR NEW VISION NEW ERA

EDITOR’S WORDS Welcome to our 2015 issue.

It’s been a year since our last publication and there’s a lot to catch up on!

March this year saw a change in new leadership with Dr William Trinh being the new chairman.

Details of the new management team and outlines of the 2015 work activities can be found in the Chairman’s Letter.

A new identity, “Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA)� has been established and used for its overseas operations to

charity work to include cataract surgeries, general medicine, pharmaceutical dispensing, optometric services including prescribing corrective glasses, dental treatments including

education sponsorship and humanitarian aid.

In this comprehensive issue,

social activities, Nepal Earthquake Appeal, Rotarian award for a VVPA volunteer, education sponsorship updates, humanitarian work and a gorgeous photo gallery spread.

lifting and interesting to read.

Happy reading, Stephanie Wong

Photos Courtesy: Dr Tam Tran Mr Ted Mlynarz Mr Mark Ngo Mst Billy Trinh

2 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear supporters, There have been many activities happening with Vietnam Vision Projects Australia (VVPA) this year. At our Annual General Meeting in March, a new management team was elected and consisted of vice chairman Dr Hien Tran, CEO Mr Ted Mlynarz, treasurer Mr Dan Dang and secretary Ms Anh Kieu. Sub-committee team leaders: Dr David Worsnop for ophthalmology, Dr Hien Tran for medicine, Dr Khanh Tien Truong for optometry, Dr Chinh Nguyen and Dr Hung Tran for dentistry, Ms Thuy Nguyen for pharmacy and humanitarian projects, Mr Michael Luong for social and fundraising, Ms Stephanie Wong for publication and website and Ms Tanya Anhtuan for education scholarship.

State representatives: Dr Juliana Chong (Vic), Dr Oanh Ha (SA), Dr Khanh Tien Truong (Qld). Advisors: Dr Tam Tran for medical, Mr Jim Leahy for membership, Ms Trudy Ho for administration, Ms Ha Tran for honorary accountant, Ms Janice Le for honorary lawyer and I am honoured to be elected a new chairman

I would like to thank all our volunteers whom I have worked with for many years for their support and commitments to VVPA. I also would like to thank our sponsors and donors who have put their trust and belief in us.

Your continued support has helped us to carry on the necessary charity work to help the underprivileged in Australia and overseas.

On Saturday 23rd May, VVPA organised a ‘Thank You & Information Night’ at the International Function Centre in Canley Vale, Sydney. It was well attended by over two hundred volunteers, sponsors and supporters.

The attendees were informed of the past achievements and the coming

" # Vo, Dr Hong Le and Dr Tai Nguyen have since retired from the Management Committee and were acknowledged for their many years of commitments and

$$# %

energy, with lots of great singing and dancing contributed by our volunteers and supporters.

In June, VVPA continued its success of regular quarterly fundraising and public promotion of VVPA’s charity pu work at Sunday BBQ at Freedom Plaza, w Cabramatta in Sydney.

C In August, VVPA with a new name Australian Health Humanitarian Aid A (AHHA) is registered and used for its (A '

*

and background of our volunteers. a There were thirty VVPA volunteers T came on the trip to Cambodia for the c health and humanitarian mission. We h

+/46

7 8

' %

Sap lake’s Kampong Chhnang. The patients came in for comprehensive medical checkups, dental and eye

HIGHLIGHTS

were given anti-worm medications.

Many patients were provided medicines for their medical, dental and ocular conditions. More than 500 sunglasses generously donated by ABC tissues, were given to patients to prevent prevalent incidence of UV light induced cataracts and pterygium; 280 reading glasses

@

our CEO Mr Ted Mlynarz, Ms Stephanie Wong and I also had a positive meeting with Mr Nguyen Ngoc Hung who is a deputy chairman of PACCOM (The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aid Co-ordinating Committee) in Hanoi. His remarks were encouraging for us to return to work in Vietnam in </+=

XX

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In August, VVPA with a new name Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) is registered and used for its overseas operations to reďŹ&#x201A;ect the expanded scope of its charity work and background of our volunteers.â&#x20AC;? and 110 prescription spectacles were also provided to patients to improve their eyesight. Patients who were found [ '

poor dental health, were referred to local hospitals for treatments which were funded by VVPA. $$# '

+/+ surgeries in Da Nang, Vietnam from the 8th to 9th August 2015 through our local partnership with MedicOptic doctors.

VVPA is able to provide 48 high school scholarships for underprivileged students so that they can continue their education. The Education Sponsorship Program has been made possible by the generosity of VVPA sponsors.

On Saturday 29th August, Dr Hien Tran, Ms Tanya Anhtuan, Mr Ted Mlynarz, Ms Stephanie Wong and I from Sydney were welcome to our Melbourne volunteersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reunion dinner at the Korean restaurant in Melbourne Chinatown. We were glad and very appreciative to catch up with more than thirty volunteers and friends travelling long distance in cold and wet weather to attend the dinner. ;

day with Dr Juliana Chong, Ms Alison Chong, Dr Andrew Narita, Dr Troy Lim Jun and Mr David Westbrook to discuss

</+=

VVPA in partnership with Australian Vietnamese Community NSW chapter and Australian Vietnamese Health Professionals Association NSW, raised more than $150,000 from our generous volunteers and public to help disaster relief for Nepalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s devastating earthquake.

Secondly, Some of our volunteers attended and donated to the fundraising to build the Trong Dong Bronze drum in Bankstown Plaza, Sydney to promote the Vietnamese arts and culture to the wider community and thirdly, some of our volunteers also attended and donated to the fundraising of Laos vision project by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sight for Allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Foundation.

In October, many of our volunteers and sponsors turned up to help at the Cabramatta Moon festival to raise funds and promote VVPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity work to the public. @

management and many volunteers will be busy in planning many fundraising '

$

</+= Kind regards, Dr William Trinh Chairman

In September, there were three fundraising activities for VVPA. Firstly,

| 3

FIELD REPORT

Cambodia Mission Writer Ted Mlynarz

The 2015 mission took place from the 1st to 8th August 2015 and was committed to helping disadvantaged and displaced people of Vietnamese origin who now live in Cambodia.

4 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

A new identity, Australian Health & Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) was established to enable the group to work outside of Vietnam and provide similar medical, dental, optometry and humanitarian services to those in need no matter where they may be located. This

' encouragement for future missions. The 2015 Mission arrived in Siem Reap late on Saturday 1st August and settled into the hotel accommodation to ensure an early start the

Phase 1 Following familiarisation and some

held a site visit with the Lotus Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club (LKC) ]

% ; ^ Club is operated by the Senhoa Foundation,

_7

`

that supports a womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelter and an early intervention and community engagement program in Siem Reap.

The programs include: x % # `7 # families with the greatest need in the community x # 7 7

graduates of the LKC Pre-school Program

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A New Beginning to help those displaced across borders and stranded without supportâ&#x20AC;?

x @ " '

# immediate family of students in the LKC Program The overall objectives include: x {

families x '

education x {

] *

'

For 2 days the AHHA team of medical, dental and optometry professionals and the administration and support

*

the students of LKC and their families.

During this period, 545 patients were processed and each family was provided with food parcels consisting of 10kg of

x *

sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, relationships, community issues, child development and more

On the last day at Siem Reap, a graduation ceremony took place and each graduate was presented with a bicycle, helmet, and a school pack consisting of a back pack, books and a new school uniform.

x |

visits to support families and track childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress in school.

The food parcels and graduate gifts were all courtesy of Vietnam Vision and AHHA.

| 5

FIELD REPORT

Phase 2 of the mission was undertaken at the Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village near Kampong Chhnang

}= </+6~ 6/

dental and optometry teams. Food parcels (20kg rice) and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift packs (books, face cloth, pens, soap, toothpaste etc) were also distributed.

Phase 3 took place in the isolated village of Kandal, still in the Kampong

"

the river crossing to the village was awash and the drivers were reluctant to attempt a crossing. As a result, a trip down river was organised and all volunteers, equipment and supplies were transported by boat where 180

+/// parcels distributed.

Due to a lack of facilities, dental

possible during Phase 3 Â&#x20AC;' +/46

in 3 locations over 4 working days. The other days consisted of setting up, dismantling and travelling from one

Arrangements have been concluded with local hospitals and medical facilities, where patients who were considered 6 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overall, 1075 patients were examined in 3 locations over 4 working days.â&#x20AC;?

to require further treatment, will be admitted and treated accordingly and the treatments with be funded by AHHA and Vietnam Vision from the donations, contributions and sponsorships which have been generously provided by the community.

The success of the mission has provided valuable information and contacts within Cambodia where future

' include cataract operations.

FIELD REPORT

DA NANG

Cataract Surgeries In addition to the medical mission in Cambodia this year, and in keeping with our endeavour to continue providing cataract surgeries for the poor in $ $$# '

support for a group of selected local volunteer ophthalmologists to carry out cataract surgeries.

Over a period of 2 days, and with the valuable assistance of dedicated local volunteer personnel in Da Nang to manage the logistics, this selected group of volunteer ophthalmologists treated 101 patients from the areas of Quang Nam, Danang.

The management of VVPA would like to sincerely thank the Medic Optics group and Trai Tim Vietnam Online Da Nang group for their tireless and [

those less fortunate.

| 7

FIELD REPORT

NEW COLOUR NEW VISION NEW ERA

Writer Dr Hien Tran

â&#x20AC;&#x153;AHHA! Where there is a will, there is a way.

Where there is a need, our Australian Volunteers are never too far away ... â&#x20AC;?

Our sponsors and supporters would have seen the new bright yellow uniform with the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;Australian Health Humanitarian Aidâ&#x20AC;? printed on the back. â&#x20AC;&#x153;AHHAâ&#x20AC;? is the acronym â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a catchy one as well.

Having seen photos of volunteers in this new uniform, it has been commented that we looked like an Australian team, minus the baggy green cap! (Yellow & green being the colours of an Australian team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; note to the management committee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something to *

~ How did all this come about? Why AHHA in 2015?

VVPA started in 2003 providing cataract operations for the poor in remote areas of Vietnam.

Apart from carrying out the yearly missions helping the less fortunate in Vietnam, VVPA also completed 2 past missions performing cataract surgeries in Cambodia.

8 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

VVPA as an organisation has matured and the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;Visionâ&#x20AC;? in its name was no longer restricted to the eye. With the support of volunteers and sponsors, the

scope of charity work to include general medicine, dental services, education sponsorship and humanitarian aid.

Volunteers have worked hard to raise funds and support numerous appeals in Australia to help fellow Australians in times of need such as the VIC & NSW Â&#x201A;;"

local hospitals to name a few.

Looking beyond Australia, volunteers took part in two successful fund raising events to help our neighbouring countries: the Philippines (Haiyan Typhoon disaster) and Nepal (2 devastating earthquakes).

Charity is without borders and should

'

one country.

With this belief, in 2015 this year, the management committee decided that a new working name when overseas

the organisation.

Thus Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) was conceived.

From the 1st August to the 8th August 2015, for one solid week, AHHA volunteers completed a medical and humanitarian mission in Cambodia - concentrating in the areas of Siem 8

'

Kampong Chhnang.

Volunteers carried out medical, optical and dental

' + ///

provided assistance to their families, and arranged for treatments and follow ups for many special cases. The patients and recipients in these areas were truly less fortunate and AHHA volunteers came home with a greater sense of happiness and rousing wish to come back and do

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Dr. William Trinh Optometrist, Chairman of Vietnam Vision Inc.

Writer Ted Mlynarz

Dr William Trinh arrived in Australia $

+Â&#x192;4Â&#x192; and settled in Sydney. Following an education at Marist Brothers North Sydney, where he completed his Higher 7 +Â&#x192;Â&#x201E; Â&#x2020; enrolled at the University of NSW where he attained his Bachelor of Optometry in 1988.

In 2003, William completed his Doctor of Optometry in Boston, USA and a Graduate Diploma in 2004. Â&#x2020;

of Vietnamese origin in Australia. In 1989 he established a private practice in Cabramatta and operates a successful eye care establishment. During the same year with a group of medical colleagues he was a co-founder of the Australian Vietnamese Health Professionals Association â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NSW (AVHPA) and the organisation has developed into a successful support and networking group for medical professionals around Australia in particular NSW. From 1989 to 2001, William was appointed as the group Treasurer.

In addition to running his practice and his participation with AVHPA, William was a co-founder of the Cabramatta Â&#x2021;

} Â&#x2021; ~ +Â&#x192;Â&#x192;4 which initiated the Cabramatta Moon Festival which is now considered as one the most successful annual community events in Sydney. He was the Treasurer and Vice-President of the CBA from +Â&#x192;Â&#x192;4 </// In 1998, William became a Fellow of the University of NSW foundation and in the same year was elected as

Â&#x2C6;7Â&#x2020; Optometric Association. In 2004, William became a Clinical Instructor and Visiting Lecturer at the University of NSW Optometry School and continues in that role to the present time.

In 2012, due to his involvement with the Rotary organisation, in particular The Rotary Club of Liverpool West, William was awarded a Rotary honour known as the Paul Harris Fellow for his services to the community and his work with Vietnam Vision Projects Australia (VVPA) a charity organisation providing free cataract operations to the poor and needy in rural areas of Vietnam and recently recommencing operations in Cambodia. He has since become a Rotarian and is the Treasurer for the Liverpool West Rotary - Satellite Club.

In 2013, William was recognised for dedication to his professional and community work by being awarded the Professor Lederer Award which is considered as the Optometrist of The Year in NSW and was also a nominee for the NSW Premier Social Award for his work with the Vietnamese Community.

From 2004 to 2014, William acted as the Treasurer for the VVPA charity group and was appointed Chairman in 2015.

Williamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests and hobbies, apart

'

community work, include table tennis, skiing, reading and travel. He regularly travels overseas to participate in charity work and attends several conferences annually where he enhances his knowledge in Optometry and Eye Care.

Williamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sporting achievements include: x

+Â&#x192;4Â&#x2030;`46 % %

7 Champion Vietnam

x

+Â&#x192;4Â&#x192; Â&#x2C6;7Â&#x2020; 7 += % Tennis Team and NSW Vietnamese Community Table Tennis Champion.

Dr Trinh has achieved quite a lot since arriving in Australia and has not

X '

events which help those in need and is supported in his endeavours by his wife Stephanie and son William (also known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Billyâ&#x20AC;?). Both have travelled with William as volunteers to Vietnam and Cambodia.

As a family, they have been made Companions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Australian Rotary Health for their Charitable and Community work.

| 9

Volunteer Testimonials

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you to William and the team for giving Mark & I the opportunity of a lifetime to work alongside such a passionate, kind and cohesive team AHHA.

Â&#x160; '

Â&#x2039; </+6

as I was in many trips previously. I would * * " William Trinh who led our successful 2015

X [ and determination have made the mission

Â&#x2020; a fantastic and very hard working team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everyone carried out their duties beyond

Â&#x152;

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr Tam Tran, GP, Aug 2015

The lives witnessed in Cambodia; the Vietnamese stateless people, the new and rekindled friendships and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hairy momentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; have deepened my gratitude and love of life.

I will remember our 4am wake up calls, the foam packed bread lunches, the smiley children receiving their bikes at their graduation at Sen Hoa (LKC), the monsoon rain boat ride at Kampong Chhnang, the impatient roar of the crowd when receiving their rice parcels at Kandal village ... Too many memorable moments to list! â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr Susan Ang, Optometrist, Aug 2015

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My memory at the Lotus Kids Club in Siem Riep, Cambodia was really unforgettable

* Â&#x2039;

with AHHA as an amazing and emotional

Â&#x152;

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leila Nguyen, 13 year old student, Aug 2015

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pleasure and privilege to be part of AHHA </+6 '

will do it all over again.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The people in Kandal Village have sent their gratitude for all the help AHHA gave. To them it was like a dream to receive medical *

with prescription glasses. I would like to send a big Thank You for all your kind Heart. Your help has given the stateless Vietnamese living in Cambodia a lot of hope to keep them alive.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr Quynh Giao, Dentist, Aug 2015

10 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

A special thanks to Dr William Trinhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fantastic leadership with Dr Hien Tran and Tedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fantastic support. What can we say about the power couple Mr Thuan and chi Thuy and their unbeatable ability to get things done! Dr Tam Tran and Co Chau for being our rocks! Dr Quynh Giao for your amazing generosity. Our growing star Billy Trinh. What a fantastic job VVPA has done over the years and will need to continue doing a great job :) Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just to name a few on a spot, in short everyone involved was amazing, beyond words can describe my heart-felt thanks to all.

Looking forward to a fantastic remaining of 2015

</+=Â&#x2018;Â&#x152;

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr Khanh Tien, Optometrist, Aug 2015

OUR VOLUNTEERS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you to all our supporters. Your continued support is an encouragement to all our volunteers to continue to do what they love and that is to help the underprivileged.

I would like to share with you one of my wonderful

%

the organiser of the Kandal Floating village. She appears

' '

full of energy running around with her public address microphone; speaking in her gentle and kind voice to the hundreds of children and adults about our charity work; telling them to be patient and lining up orderly under the hot sun to receive the gifts, medical checkups and

â&#x20AC;&#x153;AHHA volunteers performed their duties with utmost skill whilst displaying the compassion and dedication that has become synonymous with this wonderful organisation. I think I speak for myself and many others when saying that each and every trip is life enhancing. The people, the children whose lives we undeniably changed for the better is what it is all about. To be honest, what right minded Aussie wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up one week of their otherwise comfortable lives to see just how others in this world are managing without what we take for granted and in some * [ Â&#x2019; *

Â&#x152;

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Charlie Hili, Rotarian, Aug 2015

I am amazed at how she can do such wonderful work of taking care of the village people as I was told by our optometrist Dr Khanh Tien that she was literally blind by

}Â&#x201D; `= //~ @

' her with a pair of prescription spectacles that instantly lit up her smiling face. What was so memorable was the long hug she gave me when we left, with her crying joy

*

people in desperate need.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr William Trinh, Chairman VVPA, Aug 2015

Â&#x160;@ ' } ~ visit to Cambodia. We had the opportunity to meet many Vietnamese families living in Cambodia and it was sad to see how poor their living conditions were. Our volunteers

` Â&#x2018; Â&#x201C; * * to Cambodia again - the local people were lovely and the patients we served truly needed assistance.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr Hien Tran, GP, Aug 2015

| 11

VOLUNTEER STORIES:

Dr. Bernadette Gilmore $ $

Projects Australia (VVPA) when â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;googlingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opportunities to volunteer in optometry.

After a few years of watching the

* $$#

decided to â&#x20AC;&#x153;put my money where my mouth isâ&#x20AC;? so to speak and signed up as a volunteer with the eye team for </+6 % [

for everyone as they ventured into Cambodia as part of Australian Health and Humanitarian Aid (AHHA; this acronym is much fun to use instead of the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cheeseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; when taking photos).

This meant that it was a much smaller group, with no surgical team; however we then had the time to be able to prescribe both reading and distance glasses to those who needed them.

'

pleasantly surprised by how well we were looked after; I was eased into things with a four star hotel in Siem Reap and a trip around Angkor Wat on % [ ; ^ Club (LKC) to set up ready for work the

@

Â&#x2020; all set up in the one small room with a doorway and fan for cooling. Luckily we had power outlets for recharging - you go through a lot of batteries for hand held equipment when seeing more than 200 patients a day! A suggestion to future volunteers - a power pack (especially with power adaptor and surge protector) is invaluable as everyone needs to charge their equipment but there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always a lot of spare power th points.

You will also end up swapping po with everyone so having all parts of w your yo equipment clearly labelled helps.

Pants (long enough to be modest) are P much easier to work in than a skirt as m there will be lots of moving about. Try th and keep to cool materials - with so a many people in one room you will be m sweating buckets! Hydrolyte is also an s

*

It was pleasing to see that most of the LKC kids had relatively healthy eyes; fairly similar to what you would

* Â&#x2022; * though, there are some undetected eye problems and we came across a family of high hyperopes, it felt great

12 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

â&#x20AC;&#x153;...the amazing grin every child had as they pedalled off was worth every hot, sweaty minute of testing.â&#x20AC;? to be able to help. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great feeling to know that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives easier as they will no longer have to strain just to keep everything in focus. As part of the LKC program every graduating child receives a bike, helmet and backpack. We were lucky to be able to give out the bikes we had sponsored ourselves, it felt like being Santa and the amazing grin every child had as they

[ ' minute of testing. I also have to say that most of the kids were already much better at riding a bike than I am, despite the fact that the bikes were bought big enough for them to grow in to. % '

to the much more rural Kampong Chhnang and the conditions were more

% at proudly displayed a sign stating it had passed the requirement for a one star hotel. However the linen was clean, the air conditioners worked and there was a bathroom with running water in every } ' if hot water was available, it was warm enough not to worry). Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure what the building code is in Cambodia but the hotel did have some interesting

OUR VOLUNTEERS

architectural features including a bird '

least the friendly gecko population helps keep the bugs down. All in all, not too bad really, although I was lucky enough

} story someone else can tell better Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure).

This new move also started the 4am wake up call, which was one of my least '

% [ the pain though there was delicious fried egg roll on the most amazing bread waiting for us on the bus that took us out to the lake. Thursday brought the most interesting building Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever * `

some minor sea sickness issues I really got into the swing of things as it was actually quite a good space to work in, with more of a sea breeze. Due to the

_$ [ and the older population, we saw many more pterygia in this location and were luckily able to give out a lot of sunglasses over the last two days to help prevent worsening of this condition. It was good

to know we were able to do something to help for the future as ptergium surgery is more complicated with poorer outcomes than cataract surgery and so in this case, prevention is much easier than cure. With such an early start we

`

time to get back to the hotel with all our precious gear before the monsoon rains arrived (the scouting party the day before werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so lucky!).

â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the volunteers really pulled together, and so we ended up seeing over 1000 people in our short week away.â&#x20AC;?

Our last day of testing was in another

' `

dry land at one side of it. We still got to arrive by boat and were cheered in to work by the local school kids - I could get used to someone clapping every time I turned up to do my job! We worked fast and furious on Friday as we knew we had to be back to the capital that

evening and anyone we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see in the allotted time would have to go without. All the volunteers really pulled together, and so we ended up seeing over 1000 people in our short week away. Looking back on the week, there

wish you had more equipment available and were able to do more, but all the smiles I saw really reminded me that [ % what all would be new recruits should remember I think, that it is the people that will really make your time. From the patients you will see and who will teach you the words for â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;? (aw kohn - to English speakers this sounds a little like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;all goodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) before you learn anything else as you will hear it so much, to all the amazing other volunteers who freely give their time and have been there before, seeming like superheroes able to get so much done in such a short period of time. I would like to thank absolutely everyone involved who made '

I am very keen to repeat.

| 13

VOLUNTEER STORIES: Â&#x201C;

'

Cambodia with a group of around 30 medical volunteers and helpers was truly thrilling. First up, we arrived at Siem Riep and toured around for the Â&#x2020;

helping out at Lotus Kids Club with the 7 X

X [ medical, dental and optical services to the patients and giving families nutritional packs at the end. After this, * ^

where we toured for a day and visited

'

In this area, the team decided to have the children go for dental service and the adults go for medical and optical services. This new arrangement was to save time.

Throughout the journey, I enjoyed my time the most at the Lotus Kids Club.

My time here was quite confusing with people telling me to do a range of jobs such as cutting out paper, directing the parents and children around and taking

14 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

Leila Nguyen

time with a teacher called Chenda and a helper called Steve, sorting and giving out nutrition packs to all the families.

Whilst lying down during a break, I met Chendaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son and his friend. Both

energetic despite their unfortunate circumstances. As a student of James 8 Â&#x2013; *

the entire school was half the size of

handing out rice and nutrition packs to the families. I watched as women argued with Chenda over whether to get rice bags or not. Steve told me afterwards that some families were [

'

people so desperate for rice, the grain that I eat every day. It made me think of all the things that I took for granted in my life were things that poor families in

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I persuade you to take a week off from school, go on a trip with this group of intelligent medical workers and have an one-of-kind experience.â&#x20AC;? our oval! Nevertheless, the two children were running around playing on monkey bars and cubby house. I was provoked by their joyfulness and joined in as they dragged me along playing games like

met such young children who were so cheerful despite their conditions.

for each day. However, this wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only occurrence that shocked me, it was also the sight of countless children, women and even some men who were

*

was to the point where I was able to see their bone structure.

During the time that I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t running around and playing with the kids, I was

% '

guiding the people around. During this

OUR VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEER STORIES:

Charlie Hili %

$ | Cambodia with the VVPA team or AHHA as we are also known.

Due to the issues which arose after the trip of 2014 and the non-issue of work permits for Vietnam for 2015, I was of the opinion that the shortened one week Cambodian sojourn would be nothing more than a walk in the park.

I was wrong, dead wrong. The work

*

energy sapping as any of the previous eight trips I have been involved in.

Our volunteers, new and old were as dedicated as any before them. They performed their duties with utmost

â&#x20AC;&#x153;...each and every trip is life enhancing...â&#x20AC;?

skill whilst displaying the compassion and dedication that has become synonymous with this wonderful organisation. I always marvel at the

'

shown by those volunteers who still have that desire to help even though they are now on their tenth or more mission.

One would think they have tired of it all, or become complacent to the cause, but they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

I think I speak for myself and many others when saying that each and every trip is life enhancing. The early

back breaking bus trips, mud and rain,

heat and humidity, aching muscles and joints, stomach cramps and relentless attention to my right shoulder by Billy Trinh is all worth it and makes the journey memorable.

The people, the children whose lives we undeniably changed for the better is what it is all about. To be honest, what right minded Aussie wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up one week of their otherwise comfortable lives to see just how others in this world are managing without what we take for granted and in some small way make a [ Â&#x2019; *

again.

time, I met a boy who looked around the age of ten. I was able to converse with him since he spoke Vietnamese. He helped me with my job and we gradually got to know each other better. Towards the end of the day, I found out that boy

me. I later discovered that it was due to malnutrition that he looked like he was three years younger!! Right before the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduation, my brother and I decided to buy them all ice blocks.

My last memory at the Lotus Kids Club was really unforgettable and makes me Â&#x2039; $$#

Â&#x2014;

To all the children in Sydney my age, I recommend them to join VVPA. I

* * [ school, go on a trip with this group of intelligent medical workers and have an

` `*

' '

with the VVPA group, laughing, touring around, seeing new sights and I hope I

Â&#x2039;

| 15

NEWS

Fundraising Report

Writer Ted Mlynarz

Fundraising is an important and serious undertaking. Without the support of Sponsors, Supporters, Contributors, Donors and the community the work of Vietnam Vision Inc. would not be possible.

With the help from the Rotary Club of Liverpool West and the Satellite Club of Cabramatta several fundraising activities are organised throughout the year.

Bi-monthly BBQ/Entertainment event

Nepal Earthquake Appeal

Â&#x2020;

@

on a regular basis and have grown to be a very popular community event where the public is involved with the entertainment and â&#x20AC;&#x153;sausage sizzleâ&#x20AC;?. These were held on += Â&#x2C6; ' </+Â&#x2030; <+ Â&#x2022; </+6 2015 to be held on Sunday 15th November.

On the 25th April 2015, followed by severe after-shocks

X

Â&#x2C6;

devastated with a massive earthquake which caused havoc throughout the country. Over 500,000 homes were destroyed with another 300,000 severely damaged and considered non-habitable. Regrettably over 8000 lives were lost with serious injuries to thousands of people.

Cabramatta Moon Festival <4 7 </+6

%

'

@

has become increasingly popular and this year it is estimated over 100,000 people attended.

Vietnam Vision Projects Australia, Australian Health & Humanitarian Aid and the Rotary Club of Liverpool West were again involved to provide public education and community awareness of its activities both in Australia and overseas.

This is another fundraising opportunity for the group and this year was supported by L&FS Trading Pty Ltd who donated items which were included in show bags and distributed to the general public.

Another successful event.

16 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

Without hesitation, the Vietnamese Community Association â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NSW Chapter, the Australian Vietnamese Health Professional Association, Vietnam Vision Projects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Australia and the Rotary Club of Liverpool West combined their forces and organised fundraising to help [ Â&#x2013; * 7 '

events where held and around $150,000 were raised.

The events included: x

Street fundraising stalls in Bankstown (30May15), Cabramatta and Canley Heights (31May15)

x

Vietnamese Food Festival at the Italia Club, Lansvale

x

Fundraising Dinner at the Crystal Palace Restaurant at Canley Heights.

Funding was provided to enable immediate relief such as shelter and provision of clean water. Several projects '

' assisted with building of new homes, providing clean water supplies and rebuilding and equipping schools.

Lending a helping hand to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal Writer Dr Hien Tran In the true spirit of charity and humanity, VVPA in 2015 has gone beyond its regular charity work in Vietnam.

This year, VVPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of volunteers was part of the organising group to raise funds to help the victims [

earthquakes in Nepal.

The earthquakes claimed many lives

and caused catastrophic destruction

[

of Nepal. This has left many survivors without shelter, food and water.

this appeal. The money raised was given to the Rotary Club Disaster Aid Australia to carry out humanitarian work in Nepal.

Together with the Vietnamese Community in Australian NSW Chapter, the Australian Vietnamese Health Professionals Association in NSW, Rotary Club of Liverpool West, and other local organisations, we have ' Â&#x2DC;+=/ /// // Â&#x2C6;

On behalf of the organising group, we congratulate Dr. William Trinh for his leadership role in the appeal on behalf of VVPA. We also thank all volunteers and supporters for your donations

the success of this fundraising event.

| 17

NEWS

Nepal Fundraising Experience Writer Lachlan Nguyen Over the course of the day in which I spent fundraising money for the victims of the earthquake which struck Nepal, *

4

into true satisfaction by 1pm. Whether it was blowing up balloons or walking around the streets of Cabramatta asking for donations, it was ultimately

participation to help those in need which inspired me to help more.

8

[

which occurs in regions such as Nepal is simply one of Vietnam Visionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals.

Small contributions have the ability to

in the under-developed countries and VVPA has allowed me to see that everybody has the ability to help one another. I participated in the VVPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s [

'

ages of life have the capability to make [

years saw themselves raising over one hundred dollars, all of which goes to the victims of the Nepal earthquake.

The choice people make to help others

$$# [

who seek to do so.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;VVPA has allowed me to see that everybody has the ability to help one another.â&#x20AC;?

Trong Dong Bronze Drum Event Â&#x20AC; @ <Â&#x201E;|Â&#x201E;|</+6 Â&#x2039;

a group of VVPA volunteers who attended the fund raising evening organised by Vietnamese Community Australia NSW chapter at Bankstown Sports Club in Sydney.

Writer Dr William Trinh, Chairman

The purpose of the evening was to raise fund to build a large Trong Dong (Bronze Drum) at the Bankstown Plaza in Sydney to celebrate forty years anniversary of Vietnamese Community settlement in Australia. There were many guest speakers including local MP and Bankstown councillors who spoke highly of the Vietnamese community, how well they have settled in and made contributions to the success of multicultural Australia.

The Trong Dong (Bronze Drum) has a long history in Vietnam dated back over

18 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

1000 years. It has engravings of common animals and traditional daily lives in Vietnam. The erection of the Trong Dong is to promote the Vietnamese arts and culture to the wider Australian community.

I want to thank Rotary Club of Liverpool West, Dr Hien Tran, Ms Tanya Tran, Dr Tam Tran, Ms Chau Tran, Dr Hung Tran, Mrs Hang Tran, Mr Michael Luong, Mrs Monica Luong, Mr Ching Dang, Mrs Ha Tran and Ms Stephanie Wong who made generous donations to the fundraising on behalf of Vietnam Vision Projects Australia (VVPA).

Rotarian Award: Trudy Ho

THANK YOU & INFORMATION NIGHT

The Rotary Club of Liverpool West has recognized Trudy PT Ho for her tireless work as a volunteer.

Trudy was presented with her Paul Harris Fellow by club President Sam Capra, in recognition of her charitable work, in particular with the Vietnam Vision Projects - Australia (details at 8 Â&#x2020; 7 # Â&#x2039; +Â&#x2030;|<//Â&#x201E;`/Â&#x192;~ ' charities and humanitarian programs both in Australia and overseas. Trudy has demonstrated a commitment to helping people in need both here and around the world.

With the award, US$1,000.00 is contributed to The Rotary Foundation toward its humanitarian and educational programs which include the provision of educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunizations and shelter for millions of people.

Congratulations to Trudy!

We need your help!

Our mission would not be possible without the generous donations from our valued donors.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our management committee has worked very hard in the last few months to create a new charity program for VVPA this year.

I am pleased to announce that VVPA has organised an information night for all volunteers and our previous and potential sponsors at International restaurant L1, 42 Canley Vale Rd, Canley Vale NSW 2166 on Saturday 23-5-2015 at 7:00PM. The evening program will include detailed report on the coming Cambodian medical/ dental/ humanitarian work in August, the introduction of new management committee members

members.â&#x20AC;?

Your donations will help us to provide life transforming cataract surgeries, vital medical supplies, equipment, medication, food, school supplies and more to those in need.

And with that introduction, we kicked [

many volunteers and sponsors who all came together to learn more about the new activities and direction of VVPA in 2015.

Donate today to help us give sight to change lives!

The evening was both informative and fun (when VVPA volunteers get together, it is always fun!).

Donation forms are available online at www.vietnamvision.org.au or see page 25 of this newsletter.

We thank you for your support.

The main objective of the night was

their continuous support and recognition of the enormous contributions made by the previous volunteers of VVPA.

] fund raising event, VVPA received an outstanding amount of donation that '

Â&#x2DC;6/ /// The management committee of VVPA would like to sincerely thank donors and volunteers for their generous support and belief in our association, with its new charity vision for the future.

Management Committee of VVPA 2015

| 19

SPONSORSHIPS

Trai Tim Vietnam Online Da Nang TTVNOLDN is the acronym for Trai Tim Viet Nam On Line Da Nang. It is an established group of youth volunteers in Quang Nam, Da Nang of Viet Nam. These young volunteers carry out regular medical and humanitarian missions to help the poor and disadvantaged people in remote villages.

They have provided valuable assistance to VVPA in our past missions with the recruitment of patients for cataract operations and dental treatments.In line with our humanitarian work, VVPA and its members have contributed 12 million VND (equivalent AUS $750) to this good cause carried out by TTVNOLDN on the 20/9/2015.

VVPA Management Committee

Dear aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, friends & VVPA, On behalf of TRAI TIM VIET NAM ONLINE DANANG CHARITY GROUP, I would like to thank you for your generous gifts for AO AM CUNG EM DEN TRUONG 2015. Your commitment to helping the poor children go to school in our community is sincerely appreciated.

Each year TRAI TIM VIET NAM ONLINE DANANG CHARITY GROUP continues to advance its mission of supporting for the poor children go to school. Through our program AO AM CUNG EM DEN TRUONG 2015 we have seen many lives changed for the better.

With the help of donations from supporters such as you. On 20/09/2015 continued to see improvements in this year with helping 250 children in Tra Van, Nam Tra My - Quang Nam province had raincoats , shoes, clothes in this winter.

Thank you on behalf of the Trái Tim Việt Nam Online Đà Nẵng Charity Group and thank you from Sao Bien in particular.

Respectfully, Sao Bien

20 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

Education Sponsorship Program </+6`</+= * VVPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education Sponsorship program.

On behalf of the students, the management committee would like to thank all sponsors and fellow volunteers who have provided support for this program. We have a small number of sponsors who have committed to a 5-year sponsorship since the beginning and many sponsors who donate year by year. Our sponsorship is intended to provide assistance to disadvantaged students who want to go to school, despite the fact that their families cannot

[ %

child is 4 Million VND per year (equivalent Â&#x2DC;<// _"

commenced). In some cases, this amount may not meet the total cost of the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schooling, however it is a large contribution towards this cost.

Since last year, we have seen a gradual fall in the value of the Australian dollar, the management committee regretfully need to increase the yearly donation amount to $250 AUD. We are now renewing sponsorships

</+6`</+=

'

donations from sponsors and fellow volunteers. There are a total of 48 children in this program. If you or you know someone who would be interested in supporting, please help to pass on the sponsorship form.

We would like to share with you a letter received via a local volunteer, from one of the students in the program.

On behalf of the Management Committee, we would like to thank you for your wonderful support of this meaningful program.

| 21

SPONSORSHIPS

Letters of Gratitude Letter from an Education Sponsorship recipient

Vietnam, 27/6/2015 Dear uncles and aunties of VVPA, behalf of my parents write this letter today to first of all, on My name is To Thi Phuong Trang. I on. We feel very happy gratitude to everyone in the associati and my siblings, express our deepest cial help towards our schooling. and blessed to have received your finan to our home to n a few uncles and aunties paid a visit I still remember our first encounter whe Your special attention s of motivation and encouragement. enquire about us and giving us word acles in our daily life le gift. It has helped us overcome obst and love for us has been an invaluab and gave us confidence in our study. . Their tears ip, but my parents are always in tears I am very happy to receive the scholarsh nts no longer need to gift towards our schooling. My pare represent heartfelt thanks for this big acles lie ahead in life fees every time they are due. Many obst borrow money to pay for our school received from you . However it is the sturdy motivation and at times I feel overwhelmed by them that helps me find my feet again. and care you have be spent and lost with time, but the love I know that money is material and can to repay your favour. . We don’t know if we will ever be able reserved for us in this is irreplaceable re I will thrive and dry barren soil”. I hope that in the futu “Beautiful flowers can still flourish on that nourishes the let your love and care become the river become one of these flowers. Please t appreciative. ort and encouragement makes me mos land. To have received your warm supp erity from the the uncles and aunties with all the sinc Once again, we would like to thank all ppoint you. We hope very best to study so we will not disa bottom of our hearts. We will try our thank everyone in the association. one day, we will be able to personally Sincerely, TTPT

22 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

Below is a translation of an email received from a local VVPA volunteer in Nha Trang, Vietnam. VVPA has been fortunate to have hard working and dedicated local volunteers to help implement its Education Program. The management committee would like to

a reality. Education leads to endless possibilities, no matter how big or small.

- VVPA Education Sub-Committee

KĂ­nh gáť­i cĂĄc anh cháť&#x2039; VVPA, DĆ°áť&#x203A;i Ä&#x2018;ây Ä&#x2018;Ă­nh kèm danh sĂĄch cĂĄc chĂĄu Ä&#x2018;ang háť?c nÄ&#x192;m háť?c 15-16.

Trong danh sĂĄch nĂ y hiáť&#x2021;n cĂł 4 chĂĄu Ä&#x2018;ĂŁ táť&#x2018;t nghiáť&#x2021;p . VĂ xin phĂŠp cho tĂ´i Ä&#x2018;ưᝣc trĂŹnh bĂ y, vẍn còn nhiáť u chĂĄu cĂł hoĂ n cảnh khĂł khÄ&#x192;n nhĆ°ng vĂŹ lĂ­ do gĂŹ Ä&#x2018;Ăł cĂĄc chĂĄu thiáşżu may mắn khĂ´ng Ä&#x2018;ưᝣc tiáşżp cáş­n VVPA. Náşżu cĂł tháť&#x192; xin cĂĄc anh cháť&#x2039; chiáşżu cáť&#x2018; gĂ­Ăşp Ä&#x2018;ᝥ cĂĄc chĂĄu Ä&#x2018;ưᝣc vĂ o danh sĂĄch háť?c báť&#x2022;ng khuyáşżn háť?c VVPA thay vĂ o nhᝯng chĂĄu Ä&#x2018;ĂŁ táť&#x2018;t nghiáť&#x2021;p.

27 CĂĄc chĂĄu vĂ gia Ä&#x2018;ĂŹnh cĹŠng nhĆ° cĂĄc sĆ° cĂ´, sĆ° thầy áť&#x; chĂša xin gáť­i lòng chân thĂ nh biáşżt ĆĄn Ä&#x2018;áşżn cĂĄc anh cháť&#x2039; VVPA Ä&#x2018;ĂŁ háşżt lòng giĂşp Ä&#x2018;ᝥ cĂĄc chĂĄu trong suáť&#x2018;t hai nÄ&#x192;m háť?c qua.

KĂ­nh thĆ°a cĂĄc anh cháť&#x2039; VVPA náşżu khĂ´ng cĂł sáťą giĂşp Ä&#x2018;ᝥ táş­n tĂŹnh cᝧa cĂĄc anh cháť&#x2039; thĂŹ chắc háşłn 27 chĂĄu trong danh sĂĄch kia Ä&#x2018;ĂŁ cĂł chĂĄu giáť? nĂ y phải ráť?i báť? gháşż nhĂ trĆ°áť?ng , bĆ°áť&#x203A;c ra cuáť&#x2122;c sáť&#x2018;ng vẼt vả mĂ khĂ´ng cĂł tẼm báşąng táť&#x2018;t nghiáť&#x2021;p , khĂ´ng cĂł Ä&#x2018;ᝧ tri thᝊc Ä&#x2018;áť&#x192; kiáşżm sáť&#x2018;ng.

Viáť&#x2021;c lĂ m cᝧa cĂĄc anh cháť&#x2039; , cᝧa VVPA khiáşżn cho bản thân chĂşng tĂ´i vĂ´ cĂšng cảm kĂ­ch. KhĂ´ng cĂł bĂşt nĂ o cĂł tháť&#x192; diáť&#x2026;n tả háşżt Ä&#x2018;ưᝣc.

Máť&#x2122;t lần nᝯa cĂĄc chĂĄu vĂ gia Ä&#x2018;ĂŹnh cĹŠng nhĆ° cĂĄc sĆ° cĂ´ , sĆ° thầy vĂ chĂşng tĂ´i xin cĂĄc anh cháť&#x2039; VVPA hoan háť&#x2030; nháş­n sáťą tri ân sâu sắc nĂ y. KĂ­nh chĂşc cĂĄc anh cháť&#x2039; vui khoáşť , hấnh phĂşc vĂ VVPA ngĂ y cĂ ng láť&#x203A;n mấnh hầu cĂł tháť&#x192; cᝊu váť&#x203A;t Ä&#x2018;ưᝣc nhiáť u cuáť&#x2122;c Ä&#x2018;áť?i kháť&#x2018;n khĂł .

Xin trân tr�ng biết ƥn.

-TT

Dear management committee of VVPA,

</+6`</+= '

$$#

< @ students have now graduated from high school. There are many, many poor children who are not as fortunate to be part of the VVPA education program. I am hoping that VVPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsors will be able to take on more students in place of those that have graduated, and to continue to provide support.

The families of the sponsored children, plus the monks and nuns of the temple looking after the orphaned children who are sponsored in this education program, have conveyed their deepest gratitude for the support they have received in the past 2 years. Â&#x2020;

' $$#

' without completing their high school study. They would have to venture out into the world to work and help their families, without much basic knowledge and literacy skills to make a decent living.

No words could describe my personal admiration for the charity work provided by VVPA. On behalf of the students, the monks and nuns, we wish you all the very best of health and happiness in your life. Â&#x201C; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2039;

[

Sincerely, TT

| 23

26 | Vietnam Vision Projects Australia

| 27

Cambodia Field Trip Volunteers VVPA wishes to thank each and every one of the following volunteers who participated in the Humanitarian Field Trip to Cambodia in 2015.

teamwork to make each mission successful.

Dr Susan Ang

Mr Ted Mlynarz

Mrs Chau Tran

Ms Tanya Anthuan

Mr Mark Ngo

Ms Ha Tran

Mr Joe Cauchi

Dr Dzu Nguyen

Dr Hien Tran

Mr Dan Dang

Mr Thuan Nguyen

Dr Hung Tran

Dr Guynh Giao Duong

Ms Thuc Nguyen

Dr Tam Tran

Dr Bernadette Gilmore

Ms Thuy Nguyen

Mrs Thu Hang Tran

Dr Oanh Ha

Mst Lachlan Nguyen-Hoang

Mst Billy Trinh

Mr Charles Hili

Miss Leila Nguyen-Hoang

Dr William Trinh

Dr Henry Cuong Ho

Dr Anh Phan

Dr Khanh-Tien Truong

Dr Elaine Hoang

Ms Chantelle Tran

Ms Stephanie Wong

Dr Sue Hwang

All volunteers pay for their own travelling expenses.