After traveling more than 1,000 kilometers through picturesque Laos, the Fundrider volunteers from Kleine Hilfsaktion finally reached Pursat Province in Cambodia. In this region, known for its floating villages and the communities living on the Tonle Sap, the participants devoted themselves to their central task: providing emergency aid to people who find themselves in need through no fault of their own.

The floating villages near Pursat are fascinating places. They are located on Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and consist of houses built on bamboo rafts or stilts. Life here is closely linked to the rhythm of the water; the communities adapt to the seasonal fluctuations in water levels. The inhabitants of these villages are mostly fishermen who depend on the resources of the lake. However, their unique way of life faces numerous challenges, especially during the monsoon season when the water rises and living conditions become more difficult.

Emergency Aid Project #2 – Supporting Heng Simky

Thomas Kretz, one of the dedicated Fundriders, devoted himself to emergency aid project #2, which focused on helping Heng Simky, a 73-year-old woman from the floating villages of the Reung Teul community. Simky, who lives alone and has no children, has dedicated her life to fishing on the lake to earn a living. Her home was in extremely poor condition, threatening to sink and no longer accessible. In light of these difficult circumstances, the Fundrider team provided urgently needed relief supplies: food, kitchen utensils, and a new sleeping mat to meet Simky's immediate needs. She also received 50 kg of rice to help her through this difficult time. The team has now set itself the ambitious goal of building a new and safe home for Ms. Simky, a project that will improve her quality of life in the long term.

Wheelchair handover #1 – Help for Ms. Sem Ley

Nadia Schmitt, another participant in the Fundriding Tour, carried out wheelchair delivery #1. She presented a wheelchair to Ms. Sem Ley, a 65-year-old woman who is physically impaired due to high blood pressure. This new wheelchair enabled her to move around her house and village again, significantly improving her quality of life. However, during the wheelchair handover, it became clear that Ms. Sem Ley and her 90-year-old bedridden husband lived in a house that was in very poor condition, especially the roof, which was leaking and in urgent need of repair. The Fundriders responded immediately and procured building materials for a new roof, which was erected by the village community in the following days. This action was exemplary of the eight wheelchair and walker deliveries organized by the Fundriders and demonstrated the group's deep commitment to not only providing immediate assistance but also finding long-term solutions for those in need.

These projects, including the six emergency aid projects undertaken by the Fundriders, symbolize the essence of their mission in Cambodia. They demonstrate how direct, practical assistance can profoundly change the lives of individuals. The work in the floating villages was particularly challenging, but also immensely rewarding. The Fundriders were impressed by the resilience and community spirit of the villagers, who maintain a strong sense of community despite the difficult living conditions on the water.

The Fundrider journey through Laos and Cambodia is a living example of the combination of a spirit of adventure and social commitment. It shows that the desire to help and support knows no bounds and that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference in people's lives.