Newsletter November 2016

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1. NOVEMBER 2016

www.avcf.org.au

FROM THE EDITOR Dear Supporters and Friends, I am proud to present our first ever newsletter for the AusViet Charity Foundation. This year has truly been an exciting and rewarding one. This newsletter provides an insight into the works and activities that the charity has been involved and our directions for the future.

Here you will find reports from our recent medical, dental and humanitarian field trip to Nghi Thuan village, Vietnam and testimonials from our field trip volunteers. I hope you will find these stories inspiring, uplifting and reflective of the visions of our charity. Furthermore, you will find reports from our charity dinner, moon festival stall and other charity events.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work and efforts of our committee members and volunteers in making the visions and aims of AusViet Charity Foundation a reality. With the continued support of our donors and friends, and commitment from our volunteers; I foresee a brighter and better future for our charity as we continue to provide care and opportunities for those most in need.

Happy reading and best wishes,

Dr Thao Truong

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear All,

and communities.

On behalf of all volunteers of AusViet Charity Foundation, I would like to welcome all and thank you for your support to our organisation since it began being active in November last year.

We carried out a very successful mission to help poor people and children in Nghi Thuan village in August this year. You can find more about our trip in this newsletter.

It has been a full year with many activities in Australia and Vietnam. We were able to respond to disasters in Australia and support a number of charity projects that aimed to improve the welfare of disadvantaged people

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AusViet Charity Foundation

AusViet Charity Foundation is an Australian non-profit charity. It is also recognised as a foreign nongovernment organisation by the

Vietnamese authority that enabled us to help poor, disadvantaged people and communities in Vietnam. It has the support of Rotary Club of Mount Lawley in Western

Newsletter - Issue 1 - November 2016

Australia and the Rotary Australian World Community Services – Western Region.

Our services to the community in Australia, Vietnam cannot be done without the support from members of the community especially the Vietnamese Community in Australia. Many local business and companies have donated generously during our fundraising campaign.

“ An individual effort is hard work; but a collective one can make a big difference”

I always believe that with good will, there are people around to help make it. An individual effort is hard work; but a collective one can make a big difference. This is the reason our motto is “Together we can bring hope and health”.

Remember that charity works does not belong to any individual or organisation. They are the work of everyone. Each person may contribute to the work differently; however, the common aim is to improve the welfare of people in different circumstances.

We hope that together you will help us to bridge the differences and create a brighter future for disadvantaged people and communities.

AusViet has been awarded as recipient of 2016 Charity

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“I always believe that with good will, there are people around to help make it.”

Program by Auscham, Vietnam. It also the Charity Program of November 2016.

Our Australian Ambassador, H.E Craig Chittick, will attend the event with our Board members.

Thank you for your support

Dr Phuoc Vo, OAM

THƯ CỦA CHỦ TỊCH Kính thưa Quý vị, Thay mặt Tổ chức Từ Thiện Úc Việt, tôi xin chào mừng và cám ơn sự ủng hộ của quý vị với tổ chức chúng tôi, chính thức hoạt động từ tháng 11 năm 2015.

Trải qua một năm với rất nhiều hoạt động tại Úc Châu và Việt Nam. Chúng tôi có thể ủng hộ khi xảy ra thiên tai tại Úc Châu và hỗ trợ đến các chương trình từ thiện nhằm nâng cao phúc lợi trong cuộc sống cho đồng bào đang gặp khó khăn và cộng đồng.

Mount Lawley, tiểu bang Tây Úc và cơ quan Cứu Trợ Quốc Tế Rotary khu vực phía Tây.

Những công tác cộng đồng tại Úc Châu và Việt Nam sẽ không thể thành công nếu thiếu đi sự ủng hộ nhiệt tình của các thành viên trong xã hội Úc Châu, đặc biệt là cộng đồng người Việt tại Úc Châu. Nhiều doanh nghiệp, công ty tại Úc Châu đã đóng góp rất to lớn trong chiến dịch vận động gây quỹ.

Chúng tôi đã thực hiện thành công chương trình giúp đỡ cho trẻ em và người nghèo tại xã Nghi Thuận vào tháng 8 vừa qua. Thông tin về những hoạt động này sẽ được truyền tải đến quý vị rõ rệt nhất trong bản tin.

Tôi tin tưởng rằng với thiện ý thì luôn luôn có nhiều người chung quanh cùng giúp sức thực hiện. Sức mạnh của cá nhân sẽ không là đủ, khi và chỉ khi là một tập thể, chúng ta có thể tạo nên một sự thay đổi rõ rệt . Và đó là phương châm của chúng tôi “Sát vai nhau, chúng ta mang đến hy vọng và sức khỏe”.

Tổ chức Từ Thiện Úc-Việt là một tổ chức không vụ lợi tại Úc Châu và được hợp pháp công nhận là một tổ chức phi chính phủ nước ngoài tại Việt Nam , có đầy đủ năng lực và pháp lý để giúp đỡ cho người nghèo , người gặp khó khăn và cộng đồng tại Việt Nam. Chúng tôi cũng nhận được sự hỗ trợ của tổ chức Rotary ở

Công tác từ thiện hoàn toàn không lệ thuộc vào một cá nhân hay bất kỳ tổ chức nào và đó là việc của tất cả chúng ta. Mỗi người đóng góp theo một phương thức khác nhau và duy nhất với mục tiêu chính là mang lại phúc lợi cho mọi người trong từng hoàn cảnh khác nhau. Chúng tôi hy vọng rằng quý vị sẽ

cùng chúng tôi xóa bỏ sự cách biệt và tạo nên một tương lai tươi sáng dành cho những người thiếu may mắn và phục vụ cộng đồng.

Tổ Chức Từ Thiện Úc-Việt được vinh hạnh nhận tài trợ từ Phòng Thương Mại Úc Châu tại Việt Nam trong chương trình từ thiện năm 2016. Đồng thời được bình chọn là tổ chức từ thiện phi chính phủ tại Việt Nam trong chương trình tháng 11 / 2016 . Tân Đại sứ Úc Châu tại Việt Nam, Ngài Craig Chittick, sẽ tham gia cuộc gặp mặt này cùng với các thành viên ban quản trị chúng tôi.

Chân thành cám ơn sư ủng hộ của quý vị,

BS Võ Văn Phước, OAM

AUSCHAM 2016 Nhờ sự thành công tốt đẹp của chuyến từ thiện năm 2016 tại Nghệ An, Tổ chức từ thiện Úc-Việt (AusViet Chariry Foundation) vui mừng thông báo chúng tôi đã được Auscham Vietnam (Australian Chamber of Commerce) trao quyền thụ hưởng một phần quỹ huy động từ giải golf Grand Final Scrambles 2016 của Auscham để mua một cảm biến (sensor) chụp phim X quang nha khoa kỹ thuật số thế hệ mới của tập đoàn Vatech (Korea).Ezsensor P là dòng sensor kỹ thuật số tiên tiến của công ty Vatech, có giá thị trường VN là 2.835USD với các tính năng ưu việt như:

 Không hộp control box.  Kết nối USB  Độ sâu màu 12bit thể hiện đa dạng màu của hình ảnh hơn.  Độ phân giải lớn 25lp/mm  Công nghệ CMOS enhanced  Kích thước pixel nhỏ chỉ 20µm Việc trang bị sensor thế hệ mới này giúp các bác sĩ nha khoa chẩn đoán tức thì tình trạng răng và xương ổ răng , các nhiễm trùng quanh răng của bệnh nhân được nhanh chóng và chính xác, hỗ trợ tuyệt vời cho công việc chẩn đoán và điều trị nha khoa trong các chuyến từ thiện năm 2017 trở về sau của AVCF. Sensor này sẽ được đội Saigon Dental Charity Team chịu trách nhiệm vận hành và bảo quản trong điều kiện tối ưu nhất.

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AusViet Charity Foundation

AusCham is delighted to confirm that the AusViet Charity Foundation shall be the beneficiary of funds raised from the Grand Final Scrambles 2016.

AusViet Charity Foundation Limited, an AusCham Member, is a non-profit charity organisation in Australia, established in 2015. It is registered with the Australian Charity and Non-profit Commission (ACNC).

It is also recognised by the Vietnamese Government as a Vietnamese NGO and has conducted field trip to Nghe An Province just last month (August 2016).

Australian volunteers together with Vietnamese volunteers performed cataract operations, dental treatments, general medical examinations and delivery of food parcels for poor people in that area. All volunteers covered their own costs for travel, accommodations and meals.

AusViet applied for AusCham’s Charity funds in order to purchase a dental digital X-ray sensor (an EZ Sensor P) which will be loaned to the Saigon Charity Dental team to support its work.

Newsletter - Issue 1 - November 2016

LETTER FROM VN REPRESENTATIVE To feel , to touch and aim

early morning to evening.

Eight months of hard working to prepare for the mission, the first challenge was trying to prepare all the necessary documents and logistics in such a short period of time, but somehow we managed to achieve it. In August 2016 we came to Nghi Thuan, one of the poorest communes in the Nghe An province. The region had not received any medical aid from international organizations for 40 years, and the only health facility was one very poor, miserable dispensary which had to serve over 7000 people.

It is hard from me to fully express how much I appreciate the hard work and generous hearts of all the doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and all the other volunteers from Australia, Japan, Nghe An and Ho Chi Minh City.

We were faced with extremely harsh weather conditions, the daily temperature was over 42 degrees Celsius with no cool sea breeze to offer any relief. It was easy to feel lost from the to the relentless heat and humidity. There was no electricity, no clean water and poor sanitation, but despite all these adversities, all the members of AVCF worked hard from

I feel truly honoured to be a member of AVCF, and to have the opportunity to contribute to this mission. I would strongly encourage everyone out there to join the AVCF team. Going on a field trip, to places like Nghi Thuan, gives you the unique opportunity to personally experience what life is like for the poor people in rural areas of Vietnam, and importantly to have the chance to make a difference to their lives.

Ms Thao Nguyen

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FIELD TRIP 2016

2016 NGHE AN MISSION STORY Our week long mission started on 29th July 2016 in Nghi Thuan Village of the Nghe An Province, Vietnam - a joint collective effort between Australian and Vietnamese volunteers

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AusViet Charity Foundation

In late July this year, a team consisted of 72 volunteers include medical practitioners, dentists, dental assistants, pharmacists from Australia and Vietnam headed out to small impoverished village of Nghi Thuan, Nghe An Province for our medical and dental mission.

Nghi Thuan Village is located approximately 1400 kilometers north of Saigon. There is no local hospital other than a small run

down clinic that was built more than 50 years ago, it is poorly equipped and staff can only treat certain simple medical condition.

This area has not seen by any foreign medical team for more than 40 years.

Over the next four days, dental examinations and treatments were carried out in over 1050 patients, most of which were children under the age of 12. The lack of basic oral hygiene and dental education was evident in these patients as dental decay and disease was rampant.

Indeed, witnessing

Newsletter - Issue 1 - November 2016

extensive dental disease in such young children was very emotionally draining. Treatments ranged from scaling, extractions, fillings and root canal treatments.

Furthermore, over 1500 stationery and care packages were distributed to the children after their dental treatment and to the local orphanage The medical team performed over 970 medical assessments and the pharmacy team filled over 2000 medical scripts.

The ophthalmologist team also restored vision for 50 people who were blinded by cataracts. In addition, 14 patients with deafness were given

hearing aids. On the last day of the field trip more than 150 food parcels were distributed to poor families of the village.

Our dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly under physically difficult, hot and humid conditions from the early morning into the late afternoon. However, the rewards of such hard work was worthwhile; the smile on a child’s face once their dental pain was alleviated, the look on an elderly women’s face once her sight is restored and the bows of gratitude from a father’s when he receives much need medications

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for his family. The impact our team made was positive and memorable.

The immense task of treating so many patients could not have been completed without the support and comradery between the volunteers and the generous financial and material contributions from our donors.

The hard work, professionalism and determination of the volunteers and supporters made this trip a successful and rewarding one.

FIELD TRIP DEPARTMENT REPORTS Page 8

MEDICAL Together we bring hope and health to people in Xa Nghi Thuan, Huyen Nghi Loc, Tinh Nghe an.

local volunteers of xa Nghi Thuan organised by our Vietnam presentative Ms Thao Nguyen.

This year we went to the north of the central area of Vietnam on the first week of August 2016. In the medical field of this mission, we have doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health and support volunteers from Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide in collaborated work with Vietnam volunteers, Danang medical Team led by Dr Phai, Ophthalmologists from Hitec Eye Hospital led by Dr Huy, Saigon volunteers and

The three working days were under the extreme heat with temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius. Our medical team has conducted 970 cases of general health check, this including basic measurement of blood pressure, weight, blood sugar checks, dietary counselling- and management of certain acute conditions. Our Pharmacy team has dispensed over 2000 medical scripts for the people's conditions, we have also supplied hearing aid sets for 14 patients with hearing loss and have restored eye sight for 50 patients with cataracts.

People in this town were happy with our cares and humble services. Thank you to the needed people of Nghi Thuan who let us have a

AusViet Charity Foundation

chance to bring hope and health to them.

I would like to thank all volunteers who have worked hard and tirelessly in the very hot humid conditions, without you our mission would not be a success – I wish you all well and keep your generous loving heart beats forever. Hopefully our services will be expand in the next missions.

Thanks to the 2016 volunteers: Dr Phuoc Vo, Dr Son Nguyen, Dr Nguyen Nguyen, Dr Chau Do, Dr Tran Phai, Dr Truong Thi Tuyet Mai, Dr Phan Minh Hai, Dr Pham Tu, Dr Le Phuoc Quang Huy, Dr Le Kim Lan,

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Ph Lee Nguyen, Ph Christine Nguyen, Ph Nhung Dong, Hoa Ha, Bich Tran, Yvonne Chia, Phuong Nguyen, Joseph Cauchi, Thang Chuong, Van Nguyen, Hoang Do, Trinh Nguyen, Dene Irvin, Rhonda Irvin, Khanh

Nguyen, Thao Nguyen, Hong Hoang, Tan Thuy Trang, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Ngo Minh Nhat, Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung, Bui Thi Huyen, Luu Van Minh, Mai Nhu Y, Mai Van Manh, Le Anh Diep, Hoang Van Dang, Tran Van Duc

PHARMACY

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and all local volunteers of xa Nghi Thuan.

Dr Loc To AVCF Medical Team Leader

With the great help of Dr. Nguyen Nguyen (from the medical team), Mrs. Tuyet Van Nguyen and Mrs Thanh Thuy Quan Quan, over 4,000 prescriptions were dispensed and provided to our disadvantaged patients totalling $17,000 AUD. A big thank you to the generous donations from all AusViet Charity members and supporters, and in particular to Dr. Phuoc Vo and Dr. Loc To for their personal medication contributions totalling approximately $8,000 AUD.

AVCF’s pharmacy department for the 2016 field trip was a vibrant team of six that worked in a makeshift ‘pharmacy’ room enduring sweltering temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius. Over three days, our Australian AHPRA registered pharmacists (Christine Nguyen, Nhung Pham and Lee Nguyen) worked in collaboration with both the GP medical and dental team to provide free pharmacotherapy

treatment for over 1,000 patients in the Nghi Thuan village.

A wide range of medications (over 160 different items) were stocked to accommodate for a variety of acute and chronic conditions.

Despite the fast-paced environment that was demanded of our team, counselling on disease management and medication administration was still provided by our pharmacists where possible.

And last but not least, a huge thank you to everyone and anyone who has contributed to the pharmacy team for your dedication, determination and enormous effort to serve our disadvantaged brothers and sisters in Vietnam!

We look forward to another successful mission in 2017!

Ms. Lee Nguyen AVCF Pharmacy Team Leader B. Pharm MPS AACPA

FIELD TRIP DEPARTMENT REPORTS

DENTAL I am very grateful to lead the AVCF Dental Team of 9 dentists, one dental hygienist and four dental nurses. We came all over Australia with different backgrounds and experiences, however our volunteers had a common goal to treat people in the small impoverished village of Nghi Thuan, northern central Vietnam. The residents of Nghi Thuan Village had not seen foreign medical aid for over 40 years and there is no access to a medical hospital nearby.

Over the next three days, dental examinations and treatments were carried out in over 1050 patients, most of which were children under the age of 12. The lack of basic oral hygiene and dental education was evident in these patients as dental decay was rampant.

Indeed, eyes witnessing extensive dental problems in such young age was heartbreaking. More than 2000 dental treatments ranged from scaling, extractions, fillings and root canal treatments were performed.

Furthermore, over 1500 stationery and care packages were distributed to the children after their dental treatment and to the local orphanage.

Our dedicated volunteers worked very hard under hot and humid conditions from

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AusViet Charity Foundation

the early morning till late in the afternoon. However, the rewards of such hard work was worthwhile; By seeing smile on a child’s face once toothache has gone, the Joy on an woman’s face once her cheerful smile is restored and the sign of gratitude from a father’s when his children were taught how to brush and care for their teeth probably.

The impact our team made was positive and memorable.

We also fortunate to have Dr Roy Sarmidi, Immediate Past President AOS (WA) and WA

Newsletter - Issue 1 - November 2016

Federal Representative to join us.

He didn’t mind to share his well knowledge by giving lectures in implantology to the dental team and the local dentists.

I, personally would like to thank you Dr Tam Nguyen ( Leader of Saigon Dental Charity Team ) for

AVCF Dental Team Dr Tai Nguyen ( Leader - WA) Dr Jenny Doan (NSW) Dr Thao Doan (QLD) Dr Yasi Gu (NSW) Dr Wensy Leung (NSW) Dr Jessica Quach (WA) Dr Roy Sarmidi (WA) Dr Thao Truong (NSW) Dr Joanne Wansa (NSW) Susan Tang ( Hygienist, NSW) Yasmin Alivisio (Assistant, QLD) Phung Bach ( Assistant, WA) Natalie Jones (Assistant, NSW) Darin Ya (Assistant, NSW)

his help and preparation for Nghe An Mission.

The immense task of treating so many patients could not have been completed without the mutual support between the volunteers, the generous financial and material

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contributions from our donors.

All this contribution has made the AVCF 2016 Nghe An Mission a fulfilling experience.

Dr Tai Nguyen AVCF Dental Team Leader

VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS I would like thank especially my main dental assistant during the clinic days, Christine who certainly made communication to my patients possible as I could not speak a word of Vietnamese! I was also grateful to Kim and Cuong, both from the Saigon Dental Team who also assisted and translated during my time in the triage station. I would also like to commend all the dental students who helped in providing instruments, materials, and sterilisation of our instruments and equipments, because they made our jobs so much easier!

Dr Roy Sarmidi (WA)

I decided to join the AVCF charity trip to Nghi Thuan village upon an invitation by Dr. Tai Nguyen.

Although this wasn’t the first time I was involved in a mission trip, it was the first time I was involved in a mission trip outside my home country, Indonesia.

As part of the dental team, we examined and treat about 1000 patients over two and a half days. I was very impressed with the standard of care that was able to be provided to these underprivileged children.

Unlike my previous involvement in a mission trip, this particular mission trip was extremely well organized and was conducted in a truly professional manner.

I was also thankful to Dr. Tam Nguyen for an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience in implant dentistry during a lecture presentation in Vinh city, and for Ms Thao Nguyen who organized our transport and stay during our week in Vietnam. Last but not least, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to all of the AVCF team members for making this trip such a memorable one.

It was a very rewarding experience and one that I would treasure for many years to come. I would certainly recommend to anyone who wished to experience to be involved in a charity trip to consider joining the AVCF, and I certainly hope I can be once again, part of the future AVCF dental team in the coming years.

Dental Team (Perth)

Ms Natalie Jones (NSW) In July/August 2016 I was blest to have the pleasure of being part of a dental team who went to Nghi Thuan Village.

A few things that really stood out to me was how a group of people who for some and myself in particular had not known each other that well, but came together and bonded as a team to work tirelessly to treat people who in most cases had serve dental problems.

Even though I spoke no Vietnamese the warmth, kindness and gratitude shown on their face and touch was most rewarding. I felt as though I was making a difference even if it was a small contribution to a great need.

Dental Team (NSW) Page 12

AusViet Charity Foundation

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.

Ms Christine Nguyen (WA) from the air-conditioned, beach-side pharmacy I was accustomed to. I was fortunate enough to spend a bit of time speaking to a patient whom was very thankful for my attention and impressed that I could converse in Vietnamese. She didn’t have any family to look after her and told me that she wasn’t in good health either. I knew the 1 month supply of medicine probably wouldn’t have exactly cured her every ailment, but I gave her some lifestyle advice which can often make a huge difference.

My trip to Nghi Thuan village was the first charity mission I’d ever partaken in and one I hope will be the first of many to come. I didn’t know what to expect and was worried the 2.5 days wouldn’t allow for enough time to make a significant enough difference especially given the amount of planning that had gone into mission.

My role was to work in the pharmacy department dispensing scripts which was extremely busy due to the extremely high volume. Coupled with the heat, lack of computers and an established structure or system, the fatigue quickly set in soon after we commenced and made for a difficult working environment which quickly reminded me I was far

Regardless of the medicine or the advice I gave, she made me feel so appreciated because I took the time to talk to her and listen to her story. I felt so touched that she regarded me so highly. It made me realise that if I managed to make even just 1 person feel relevant and cared for, my time and effort was worthwhile. It made me realise how limited they were to basic healthcare not only through funding by the government but access as well, something we definitely take for granted.

The experience was extremely rewarding and I highly recommend it to anyone who is able to make this journey. The mission has highlighted how fortunate I am and how much more these people need our help. Everyone can make a difference.

Pharmacy Team (Perth)

VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS Dr Joanne Wansa NSW)

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Soooo… My name is Joanne Wansa, I’m a dentist born and bred in Sydney Australia. Campsie, precisely. I actually have my dental practice in Campsie, bought it off my family dentist of 30 years. I’m pretty much all about family and community. I believe that everyone deserves the best. It all stems back from my own story: I am first generation Australian Lebanese, so like many of the Vietnamese in Australia I can relate to the struggles of parents and relatives migrating and starting from scratch in a foreign country. I like to pay it back. I feel that I was lucky to be born in Australia, educated here and to be in a great position to help others.

I fell in love with volunteering on my first mission to the Philippines in 2014 and want to help as much as I can wherever I can.

My trip to the village of Nghi Thuan in Vietnam this August was my 3rd overseas volunteer mission trip. I remember sitting in Pampachiri in the mountains of Peru on my 2nd volunteer trip in October 2015 and being asked by Dr Thao Doan if I would go with her to her motherland Vietnam in 2016. I signed up then and there; without even knowing about AVCF. Was so excited to find out that another of the peru team Dr Jessica Quach was coming too! 3 Aussie dentists from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth met in Peru in 2015 were to reunite in Vietnam in 2016.

I am now honoured to be part of AVCF. I have met the most amazing and humble and generous people. I have made friends for life. I am grateful to the organisation for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, the planning, the bureaucratic paper trail, the logistics of communication, accommodation, transport, food, fundraisers…

I recall the Fundraiser back in mid 2016 where 2 young dentists remarked that I looked very familiar to them… Turns out that back in 2014 we sat at the same table at a dental lecture night in Sydney and I had recounted the stories of my Phillipines mission to Dr Wensy Leung and Dr Yasi Gu. Fast forward Page 14 AusViet Charity Foundation

two years and these remarkable ladies and I were going on mission together.

Add to that the impressionable Dr Phuoc Vo, my big brother, who took me under his wing and called me ‘little sister’. The most powerful woman I have met Mrs Thao Therese Thanh Nguyen, the whirlwind who organised the whole trip to the infinite detail. Dr Tai Nguyen who co-ordinated our dental team across Australia from Perth. The whole team of 35 Aussies were amazing.

The actual worksite was incredible. The Saigon Dental Team are a well tuned and well conditioned unit. They were seamless in their setup. Despite language barriers, heat and humidity, electrical shortages the dental team were able to churn through over 1000 patients. That is actually quite amazing in hindsight.

Praise needs to be heaped on the assistants; especially Ms Natalie Jones, Ms Yasmin Alvisio and Ms Darin Ya. They are literally our right hand, we can not function without them.

Vietnam you were beautiful, humble, chaotic, fun, hot and above all you felt like home, the people felt like family, I felt like I was part of the community of Nghi Thuan. I hope I left a small imprint on you like you have on me… well I did gift all the kids Bulldogs stickers and balls and teddies!!!

Dental Team (NSW)

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Ms Kim Thinh (VN)

AVCF 2016 Mission was one of my most wonderful experiences. Thanks to this trip, I had the opportunity to work not only in a professional environment, which is equipped with the latest dental materials, but also with a crew of doctors and volunteers possessing great expertise.

After a 2-hour-flight, we reached Vinh city with the glorious sun shining down on us and started our 3 hard-working and meaningful days of examining and treating people. My first impression on arrival is still imprinted clearly in my mind; there were so many people waiting for us, waving and smiling at

us when our bus arrived. This moment truly provided me the first motivation to try harder for this trip. My duty was to support the Australian doctors in the dental treatment of the local children.

These children were scared but they always demonstrated remarkable courage. Looking into their innocent eyes and holding their hands, I felt a burning desire to help them but also happiness inspired by their bravery. All the time, sweat was dripping down everyone's faces but this did not stop the unspeakable joy sparkling in their eyes.

Eventually, approximately 1000 people were treated by our team; this figure has made us all proud and encouraged us to keep fulfilling our mission in the future.

After the mission was completed, it was the time for us, both doctors and volunteers from Vietnam and Australia, to sit down, relax and have dinner together. AVCF 2016 Mission brought me a memorable experience, a strong-bonding network, and more importantly, another family-a compassionate humanitarian one.

Dental Team (Vietnam)

VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS Dr Phai Tran (VN)

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Vài điều cảm nhận về chuyến công tác thiện nguyện tại. Nghi Thuận Nghệ An cùng với đoàn AVCF. Nhóm chúng tôi nhập đoàn chậm hơn, đến 15 giờ ngày 31/7/2016, mới có mặt tại UBND. Nghi Lộc, với những phương án, kế hoạch và những sự chuẩn bị của nhiều tháng trước đó, của các anh chị em trong đoàn,lúc chúng tôi đến công tác chuẩn bị của các đội nha khoa, dược khoa… kể cả khu vực chờ khám của người bệnh cũng đã hoàn tất, việc chuẩn bị dường như diễn ra khá suôn sẽ, có vài vị bs. Bị say nắng do chưa thích nghi với môi trường, khí hậu nắng nóng, tại nơi đây! Ngày đầu tiên trên chuyến xe và cuộc hành trình của đoàn bắt đầu di chuyển đến địa điểm tập trung để làm việc, lòng ai cũng háo hức, nôn nao vì sắp trở thành những “đại sứ” với hy vọng sẽ mang đến tiếng cười, niềm vui, niềm hạnh phúc và cả niềm yêu thương đến các em nhỏ và những người bệnh nghèo! Điều mà tôi cảm nhận được trong từng ánh mắt, từng nụ cười của các ông cụ, bà lão và những người bệnh mạn tính, nhất là niềm hạnh phúc như được lan tỏa đến các thành viên trong đoàn. Tôi luôn tâm niệm rằng “công tác thiện nguyện là đức hạnh của con tim, không phải của Thật may mắn khi tôi được tham gia 02 lần cùng đoàn khám chữa bệnh của tổ chức AusViet Charity Foundation (AVCF) vào năm 2015 tại Quảng Nam và năm 2016 tại Nghệ An với vai trò là một thành viên của đoàn nha sĩ Saigon Dental Charity Team do BS. Nguyễn Quang Tâm làm trưởng nhóm và hướng dẫn.

Các chuyến đi đã cho tôi thật nhiều những trải nghiệm và kiến thức không chỉ về chuyên môn mà còn đọng lại trong tôi những kỉ niệm khó phai cùng với các thành viên trong đoàn.

Năm 2015, lần đầu tiên tôi có cơ hội tham gia vào một tổ chức thiện nguyện lớn và chuyên nghiệp cùng với sự phối hợp ăn ý giữa các bác sĩ Úc Châu và Việt Nam nhiều kinh nghiệm, tác phong làm việc chuyên nghiệp , thiết bị tiên tiến và sự chuẩn bị rất chu đáo. Điều tôi học được nhiều nhất chính là tinh thần làm việc tập thể từ những việc nhỏ nhặt nhất, khi mà mọi thành viên trong nhóm phải có sự phối hợp nhịp nhàng tinh ý thì công việc mới trở nên nhanh chóng và thuận lợi. Không những vậy, qua những buổi chia sẻ kiến thức và kinh nghiệm về cách sử dụng các loại vật liệu nha khoa, điều khó tìm thấy ở nhiều chương trình thiện nguyện khác, đã giúp tôi cảm thấy tự tin hơn trong Page 16 AusViet Charity Foundation

đôi tay, từ thiện nhìn vào nhu cầu không nhìn vào nguyên nhân”Một khi bạn đã có tình yêu thương chắc chắn bạn sẽ nhận được hơn nhiều những gì bạn đang có, nó không chỉ làm vơi đi, những khó khăn hiện tại của những người đang cần sự giúp đỡ, mà điều quan trọng hơn nữa, đó chính là chúng ta đã có những suy nghĩ về tình người, về sự dùm bọc, sẽ chia những khó khăn bất hạnh của đồng loại trọng cuộc sống này.

Ngoài việc khám, điều trị,phát thuốc và tư vấn sức khỏe cho người dân, nơi chúng tôi đến, cùng nhiều đồ vật thiêt yếu như, mì gạo, dầu, nước tương, mì chính, kem bót, sách vỡ, đồ dùng học tập cho các em…đã được các tình nguyện viên của đoàn AVCF trao tận tay cho mọi người. Niềm vui vở òa với những tiếng cười giòn tan, của các em và các ông, bà lão, càng khiến cho chúng tôi, cảm thấy hoạt động thiện nguyện của đoàn càng thêm ý nghĩa. Mặc dù vật chất chưa thật nhiều, nhưng về mặt tinh thần, đó là cả một tấm lòng lớn lao, của toàn thể mọi người trong đoàn, đồng tâm hợp sức lại. Nguyện cho tất cả chúng ta và tất cả mọi người đều được an lành.

Medical Team (Vietnam)

Dr Tran Minh Cuong (VN) việc điều trị bệnh nhân.

Trong chuyến đi năm 2016, tôi có cơ hội làm việc với các bác sĩ người Úc để hỗ trợ việc giao tiếp với bệnh nhân Việt Nam. Đây là một trải nghiệm thú vị và đáng nhớ đối với tôi. Ngoài các hoạt động chuyên môn khám chữa bệnh, cả đoàn được chăm sóc tận tình về lưu trú , ăn uống và di chuyển nên mọi người đều tràn đầy năng lượng để làm việc đạt được hiệu quả cao nhất.

Nhìn lại những chuyến đi đã qua, tôi chỉ tham gia đóng góp một phần sức trẻ vào công việc lớn nhưng tôi luôn nghĩ rằng không cần làm gì lớn lao, mỗi người chỉ cần làm tốt công việc của chính mình từ những điều nhỏ nhặt nhất thì cuộc sống sẽ trở nên tốt đẹp hơn. Tôi tin là như vậy.

Dental Team (Vietnam)

2016 FIELD TRIP OUTCOMES

Newsletter - Issue 1 - November 2016

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2016 FUNDRAISING REPORTS

Annual Charity Dinner 2016 AusViet Charity Foundation held our first fundraising dinner at Canley Vale International Restaurant on Friday 6th May 2016.

The night was tremendous success with over 300 attendees.

On behalf of the AVCF committee we would like to sincerely thank all our volunteers, supporters, performers, sponsors and attendees who made our first charity fundraising dinner an enjoyable and successful night. In particular, we would like to extend our gratitude to:

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St Brendan Parish Youth Group (Bankstown)

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Dr Linda Mai Duong and Dr Andrew Hung Duong

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Mc Lee Vu Tran

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Singers: Bich Phuong, Cung Dinh Loc, Hoang Thanh Huong, Le Anh Thi, Xuan Thao, Thanh Xuyen, My Ky, Elissa Tran, Immi Anh Mai, Jenny Hong Hieu, Leanna Linh Phuong, Jacky Dang Khoa, West Asia Band.

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Dr Phuoc Vo

Hoang Do Western Airport Services

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Springs Chemmart Pharmacy, WA

ATHA Travel

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David Westbrook of Westymedia

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Dr Daniel Tran

Bach Dang Restaurant Canley Vale

TN Dental North Perth Galaxy Import and Export

Dr Daniel Kim (Photographer)

Dr Diep Nguyen

The night was not made possible without the hard work, kindness and generosity of our supporters and volunteers.

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Moon Festival 2016 In addition to providing a great opportunity for the public community to learn more about the work we do and giving our volunteers a chance to share their personal experiences, much needed funds were raised to go toward our upcoming Vietnam field trip in 2017.

The Cabramatta Moon Festival was held on Sunday the 4th September 2016. It was a huge cultural event that was attended by over 80000 visitors from Sydney and beyond. The AusViet Charity team had an information and fundraising stall to raise awareness about our charity and raise funds for our upcoming field trip and charitable missions After a great turnout at the Cabramatta Moon Festival yesterday, we'd love to thank ALL our volunteers and supporters who came to visit or help out the AusViet Charity stall.

Again, thank you to everyone who opened their hearts and donated to our cause - with special mention to: Mr Hoang Do, Mr Ngoc & wife, Mr Thang, Miss Ngoc Diep, Dr Jenny Doan, Mr Michael Nguyen, Ms Susan Tang, Dr Vanessa Hoang, Mrs Phuong Nguyen, Mr Phong Truong, Ms Chau Truong, Miss Skye Truong, Mrs Tuyet Van Nguyen from NAB and her two lovely children, Mrs Donna Gomez and Mr Sergio Gomez for their time and fantastic efforts on the day!

HUMANITARIAN REPORT In 2016, AusViet Charity Foundation donated the following aid/scholarships;  1.500 kids' gift pack to school + tooth br ushes + tooth paste + fr esh milk with total amount of $11,650.00  50 parcels for poor families at Nghe An - with total amount of $2,765.00  10 scholarships for poor children at Duc Hoa District - Long An Province with total amount of $620.00  10 scholarships for poor children at Kenh G - Can Tho Province with total amount of $620.00 We would like to thank :  Dr Tai Nguyen & TN Dental in Perth who donated toothbrushes, toothpaste & 10 scholarships in Can Tho  Mrs Vo Thi Thanh Thuy (Quan Quan Company & sister of Dr Phuoc Vo) in Vietnam who donated toothbrushes & tooth paste (co-sponsor)  Family of Dr Phuoc Vo in Vietnam whom contributed their time to organise all kids' gift packs for us.  All donors and volunteers from Australia, Canada, USA and Vietnam .

In particular, I would like to express my appreciation to AVCF Board Management in giving me a chance to contribute and complete the mission.

Ms Thao Nguyen

Disaster relief to people in Quang Binh In October 2016, the Quang Binh province in Vietnam suffered the worst flood in over 60 years. At least 32,000 houses were damaged and submerged and at least 11 people have drowned or been electrocuted. It is now a priority to get help to this region.

AVCF donated medications and 2 sets of water filters (6,000,000 VND) were transported into the flood region by a jungle and cave trekking tour base group called Oxalis.

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Charity lunch for mentally disabled patients in Da Nang On 21 February 2016, our local AVCF Vietnamese volunteers from Da Nang prepared a nutritious lunch for 310 mentally ill patients.

The standard of living and care in developing countries is much lower than what we would be comfortable with accepting in a bountiful country such as Australia.

These psychiatric patients are fed 3 meals a day, totalling a mere 13,000VND ($0.78c). At such a low cost, you could imagine how nutritionally deficient these people must be.

Through a simple gesture such as providing a wholesome meal at lunch for these patients (a true rarity!), AVCF was able to bring a little hope, happiness and health to their lives

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DONATION FORM Page 22 AusViet Charity Foundation

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Acknowledgements AusViet Charity Foundation would kindly like to thank our donors , partners and sponsors for their support and contributions to our mission.

HOANG DO WESTERN AIRPORT SERVICES

BACH DANG RESTAURANT

QUAN QUAN COMPANY

SAIGON DENTAL CHARITY TEAM

AUSCHAM VIETNAM

HENRY SCHEIN HALAS

SDI AUSTRALIA

COLGATE PALMOLIVE

DENTAVISION

GC DENTAL

DENTSPLY

GALAXY IMPORTS AND EXPORTS

ABC TISSUE PRODUCTS P/L MR HENRY NGAI

ATHA TRAVEL

DR OMAR IKRAM

MULTIGATE MEDICAL PRODUCTS

MR NAM TIEN HOANG - CEO FPT SOFTWARE

A YEAR IN PICTURES Page 24 AusViet Charity Foundation

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A YEAR IN PICTURES Page 26 AusViet Charity Foundation

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2016 Vietnam Field Trip Volunteers Dr Phuoc Van Vo Mrs Hoa Thi Tuyet Ha Dr Loc Dac To Mrs Bich Thi Tran Dr Tai Duc Nguyen Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Nguyen Ms Lee Nguyen Dr Roy Sarmidi Ms Christine Nguyen Ms Nhung Dong Dr Thao Thu Doan Ms Yasmine Alvisio

Dr Joanne Wansa Dr Jessica Quach Mr Hoang Manh Do Ms Trinh Mong Nguyen Mr Dene Irvin Mrs Rhonda Irvin Mr Thang Duc Chuong Ms Yvonne Chia Ms Phuong Nguyen Dr Thao Truong Dr Jenny Doan Ms Natalie Jones

Ms Phung Kim Bach Mr Son Van Nguyen Mr Joseph Cauchi Dr Chau Do Mr Khanh Dien Ke Nguyen Ms Van Tuyet Thi Nguyen Dr Yasi Gu Ms Susan Tang Dr Wensy Leung Ms Darin Ya

AusViet Charity Foundation would like to thank all our volunteers for their valued services and contributions to the vision, mission and ongoing goals of the charity. As volunteers, their invaluable support assisted us in providing much needed healthcare and humanitarian aid to disadvantaged and remote communities in Vietnam.

“Happiness does not result from what we get, but from what we give.”

- Ben Carson All volunteers paid for their own travel expenses.

TOGETHER WE BRING HOPE AND HEALTH - TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ABN: 46 608 029 787 Phone: 02 9724 2495 E-mail: contact@avcf.or g.au

PO Box 539 Cabramatta NSW 2166 Australia