Running to Recreate

Hello hello, welcome to my page. My name is Grace and in February 2019, I will be taking part in the Generation Homes Women's Triathlon. Whilst I don't know how to ride a bike and am not a confident swimmer, I have taken up the challenge to recreate my life and the lives of others by pushing myself to the next level and raising money for ReCreate clothing. ReCreate clothing is an organisation that is committed to bringing fair and ethical employment to families living in displaced communities in Dey Timey, Cambodia.

In 2007, the Cambodian government evicted numerous families and communities living in the slums of Phnom Penh to relocation areas on the periphery of the city. These relocation areas were far from these families' former jobs and schools, thus people quickly found themselves in desperate situations with little opportunity for employment or education. Consequently, parents found income through prostitution, drugs, washing clothes and selling food whilst their children were kept home from school to collect rubbish, watch siblings, or in the worst cases sold for slave labour or to brothels.

In 2013, Erica Gadsby and Deborah de Graaf created ReCreate Store in an attempt to establish fair and sustainable employment, for women in the area. One year later I went over to Cambodia and was able to see first hand the work that ReCreate Store was doing. Since that time I have frequently wondered what I could do to help out. When I made the decision to participate in Generation Homes' 2019 Women's Triathlon it seemed to like the perfect opportunity to raise funds for this incredible organisation.

What makes ReCreate Store special?

As members of the Fair Trade Association (FTAANZ), ReCreate Store provides all employers with

Living wages and the opportunity to earn matched savings every month

A 32 hour work week to ensure plenty of time for family and life outside of work

Full sewing training covering every step of the garment making process

Additional training in areas such as money management, basic healthcare, reading and writing

Paid holiday leave, sick leave, maternity care and overtime pay

The opportunity to care for younger children on site or support to send older children to school

and

A well ventilated, light and beautiful working environment

This is why I have chosen to support their amazing work