YMCA Cambodia - Bernard Downey Memorial Fund
Help Support the Cambodian YMCA, and its work with Kids which Bernard was a huge influence with establishing, and supporting since 1999.
Nelson / Tasman
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Bernard Downey, one of the founding fathers of the modern YMCA Nelson, as we know it today. He was instrumental in establishing our Y Kids local Early Childhood Centre.
Bernard gave so much to the YMCA at a local, national and international level and asked for little in return. He embodied the “Spirit” of the YMCA.
One of his huge commitments, with the support of Rosemary, was to help establish the Cambodian YMCA which he supported through the Asia Pacific Alliance YMCA, PSG committee. His wish for the future was to see this project continue and all donations received to the YMCA Nelson “Give a little” page will go towards continuing that work he started and engrossed himself in, developing programmes in the slums of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The Cambodian YMCA is involved in Early Childhood and School education, Youth Development work with disadvantaged youth, Alternative Education where volunteers devote time to help in their communities build, enhancement programmes as well as an aged care programme.
These programmes give young people in Cambodia a chance to escape the desperate life they are born in to by giving them an education to escape the poverty trap.
Cambodian YMCA Vision: Strong Kids, Strong Youth, Strong Families and thriving for sustainable Communities in Cambodia.
About us
We have a proud tradition of working with our local community for 150 years, to deliver our vision of "Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities" through a range of programmes and activities.
We want to help build a better place to live by supporting people in the Nelson/Tasman community.
Our YMCA is built on a strong vision, our core values of: Responsibility, Respect, Caring and Honesty.
Use of funds
Funds towards developing and funding programmes in the slums of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Early Childhood, Education, Youth Development for disadvantaged youth, Alternative Education and Aged care.
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Latest update
An update from Rosemary: 21 February 2020
I returned to Cambodia last month to attend the annual meeting of the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, and visit the educational programmes being run by the Cambodian YMCA for children who live in urban slums. When he found out he was dying, one of Bernie's first concerns was that without his ongoing passion and commitment these projects would suffer financially and may have to be reduced. Thank you so much to those who have given generously to help keep the programmes going. The funds raised through Bernie's Give-A-Little fund will go directly to the Siem Reap Childcare Centre and the Phnom Penh street children's school. Children will be provided with a safe place off the streets where they can develop the basic skills required to enter a government run school. The Siem Reap centre is currently providing for 20 children and we are hoping to expand this to help more children if enough funds become available. There is such a desperate need in the community (see photos).
Thank you all for your support, it is life-changing for these little ones.
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