Human and Hope: a silent auction for sustainable development
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The intersection of development and sustainability is a discussion we all need to take part in.
With ‘voluntourism’ becoming a hotly debated issue, it’s time to think seriously about the sustainability and impact of the initiatives we support overseas.
One organisation that holds sustainability at the heart of its mission is Human and Hope Association Inc (HHA Inc), an Australian based organisation that raises funds to support the Khmer-run and Cambodian-led development work of Human and Hope Association.
Human and Hope Association (HHA) is an entirely Khmer-run organisation that funds locally-led development work in Cambodia.
Founded in March 2011 by a group of villagers with the aim to alleviate poverty through education, Human and Hope began by teaching English to community members for a small fee of US $0.50 -$1.
In 2012, Sally Hetherington OAM, an Australian living in Siem Reap, was introduced to the team and was inspired by how motivated the Khmer volunteers were and began working as operations manager at HHA Inc.
Two years later, HHA Inc built and moved into their own community centres thanks to generous fundraising efforts from Australian donors.
By 2016, HHA Inc was operating so successfully that Sally made herself redundant and since then, HHA Inc has been entirely locally-operated.
Now HHA Inc works to alleviate poverty through three main areas of support; education, vocational training, and community support.
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Next week, Canberrans will have the chance to support Human and Hope through a silent auction organised by Canberra-based board member Simon Matuzelski at Ovolo Nishi.
An evening of live music, canapés and drinks with a silent auction of generously donated items, the event is free and open to the public (although registration is required) and aims to explore the remarkable sustainable development work that goes on in Cambodia thanks to Human and Hope.
The auction will feature a range of items and experiences donated by generous local businesses including The National Zoo and Aquarium, Questacon—The National Science and Technology Centre, Palace Cinemas, The Barbershop Canberra, Capital Wines, and Lonsdale Street Roasters among others.
For those who don’t get to hold the winning bid—or the lucky door prize—there will be the opportunity to purchase ethical handicrafts sewn by Cambodian women working in one of HHA Inc’s funded projects or even Sally Hetherington’s new book—It’s Not About Me.
The Human and Hope Silent Auction will be a relaxed evening of networking with like-minded locals interested in sustainable development.
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the essentials
What: Human and Hope Silent Auction
When: Wednesday 23 October 6 – 8 pm
Where: The Mosaic Room, Ovolo Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street, NewActon
Food & Drink: Canapés will be provided thanks to All IT Solutions with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the bar
Cost: Event entry is free
RSVP: Please let Simon know by email (simon.matuzelski@gmail.com) or phone (0430000247) if you will be attending, as numbers are limited
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