Cambodi​an Rice Run​
Cambodi​an Rice Run​
Our Story
The Full Story
Cambodian Rice Run started in 2017, when Marita and Todd (Founders) decided to branch out from donating to various charities to actually getting on the ground and trying to make a difference while holidaying in their favourite country. Marita was introduced to Tammy Durand of ABCs & Rice, a small charity school in Siem Reap and asked her to help her co-ordinate her dream on the ground.
With a goal of trying to get 100 bags of rice to deliver to at-risk families, the first year the crew smashed this goal raising enough money to buy 194 bags. By the second year, and with a goal of 200 bags, the goal again was smashed with 433 bags delivered. In 2020, just two months out from heading back to deliver more rice, COVID-19 hit and changed everyone's lives. 2020 seen many challenges, but thanks to Tammy and the Cambodian Rice Run Team we have continued to deliver rice and food packages to families in Cambodia.
Cambodian Rice Run was officially registered as a Charity in October 2020 and a board of directors were formed. You can meet them below. All our directors are amazing people, dedicating hours of their time to coordinating fundraising. Tammy Durand of ABCS And Rice is our Cambodian rock, doing all the hard yards each month ensuring that our food is delivered to those most in need.
Cambodian Rice Run has also forged a friendship with CHOICE Cambodia during 2020 and we sponsored lunch at the CHOICE Primary School, for 250 children, 5 days per week, employing 2 Cooks, as well as doing some rice runs in the local squatter villages. Sadly CHOICE closed down at the end of 2023 so we have switched our Lunches With Love program to the Butterfly English School, located 100 km outside of Siem Reap. We only have enough funding to provide meals 2 days per week, and our goal is to take this up to 6 days per week.
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Cambodian Rice Run strives to keep overheads as low as possible. When you donate to a specific project, like building a house, a crisis payment to a family in need or our monthly rice runs, 100% of your donation goes direct to the family.
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During the year, Cambodian Rice Run runs various fundraisers, including High Teas, Raffles and other events. After paying for goods/services associated with this event, CRR strives to use the majority of the funds for our families. We aim to use less than 5% of our fundraiser profits to pay for incidentals such as insurance & bank fees.
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Cambodian Rice Run is currently registered in Tasmania and South Australia, and we strive to gain ACNC/DGR status in the near future. Stay tuned!