Cambodian-Americans in Long Beach, Calif., held a fundraiser late last month to help Cambodians still struggling with monsoon flooding.
About 400 residents gathered at the New Paradise Restaurant on Oct. 28, in the Cambodia Town neighborhood of the city, raising nearly $16,000 in donations.
Charles Song, president of the Khmer Support Khmer Foundation, said he organized the fundraiser in response to local requests from people who said not enough was being done.
“We are not sure yet in what area we plan to help,” he said. “We’ll give this authority to the National Committee for Disaster Management.”
Jim Sous, a member of the foundation, said this was the second fundraiser the group has held. The first was to help Cambodians at the border of Preah Vihear province.
“I believe that not only Cambodians in Long Beach, but also Cambodians all over the world still dream about Cambodia and always want to help the country,” he said. “The amount of money that we’ve raised is just too little, compared to our hearts for the country.”
The foundation will continue to accept donations, through the Khmer Parents Association in Long Beach, or through their website, www.khmersupportkhmer.org.
Tommy Nou, vice president of Khmer Support Khmer, said a partner in Cambodia would ensure the money arrives safely. After that, he said, the money will be passed to the disaster committee.
According to government figures, flooding so far has killed at least 250 people, damaging and estimated 1,300 schools, 1,000 kilometers of road and 280,000 hectares of rice fields.