 Karen Leonard - Vietna mum | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 30th April 2008 Vietna mum | THANK YOU FROM KAREN - From: LIVING WITH A BROKEN HEART Thank you to John and Jan. April pledged. Thank you to Anne and family. May pledged. |
| 30th April 2008 Virginia | From your friend in Da Nang - From: LIVING WITH A BROKEN HEART Karen, you are such a sweetie! |
| 27th April 2008 travellingmum | I can show around brisbane? - From: WELCOME TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA If they are ever in Brisbane, feel free to stay with me, I live 2km from Brisbane City, so very close to have a look around.. |
| 24th April 2008 Lien Chi | Congrats - From: WELCOME TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Congratulations to you Karen and of course to Ghi and Thanh! You did it finally. Please keep us updated with this success story. I always enjoy reading LSF blog. Thank you and all the best. Lien Chi |
| 7th March 2008 Vietna mum | Thank you Taffyn - From: TUNG - BEHIND THE SMILE Hi Taffyn, Thank you so much for your offer of help via a living allowance for Tung and his father. This will really be a huge boost to them both and will improve their quality of life, which at present it is barely an existence. Sincerely, Karen |
| 7th March 2008 Taffyn | improve overall standard of living for Tung and his father. - From: TUNG - BEHIND THE SMILE Hi Karen, Thank you for organizing for Tung to have some decent transport now, but he and his father need to live and eat decently as well. I would like to make a regular monthly contribution specifically to go to Tung and his father and will sent you a private email about this. Are there any other people in Australia who would like to follow my example to take on a cause? If so, please tell Karen via private message but also display it here publicly so other people may follow your example. Taffyn. |
| 5th March 2008 Vietna mum | Hope this may answer some of your questions Tam... - From: TUNG - BEHIND THE SMILE Hi Tam, I have already talked to Tung about his future. My first priority was to address his health issues and get him well, second on the list was to help him with mobility to improve his emotional, social and psychological well-being. Tung can only use his hands and he tires easily however we have talked about a few ideas including basketry. This is something we will work on together. I am sure that as Tung's life begins to improve he will be a changed person as are Hiep, Song, Menh, Nghe and Hanh. ( just to name a few from the Lifestart disabled group) Sincerely, Karen. |
| 5th March 2008 Tam | Tung oi! - From: TUNG - BEHIND THE SMILE Dear Tung, I am sad that such a terrible accident occurred to you. Are you still suffering from physical pain? Since there is a call for fundrasing to raise money to buy for you a three wheeled modified motorbike I would like to request you to make a research to find out what you would like to do with your life in order for you to make a living and to make a life good for yourself and also to help others. After you have done this then please let us know. It would help us in fundraising activities for you and others. You might say:"Me? How can I help others?" You might have also found that you already helped others. Please let us know soon. Tam Yes, you can help many others in so many ways |
| 29th February 2008 Tam | Will shaving hair help fly further - From: BIRDMAN TO THE RESCUE Hi James, Congratulations for flying the birdman for two causes: Cause 1: to fly like a bird; cause 2: to raise fund to help the respectable needy Vietnamese in Hoi An. How human hair help or hinder you in your quest? Since flying speed is only part of your birdman quest, the other achievement is the distance and the time you stay in the air. I reckon hair helps you stay in the air longer because it increases your volume. Do object swim/fly/glide faster when covered by their own skin? Sharks know a layer of evenly rough layer, like sand paper, on their skin helps create a non turbulent zone and therefore they can glide through water faster. The outer layer of water just glides on the smooth inner layer of water that is trapped. Best wishes, James and thank you for helping. I will send you my pocket money of the coming month. Tam |
| 28th February 2008 james | Thanks for the hot tips! - From: BIRDMAN TO THE RESCUE Hi Maire....thanks for the tips. I have just shaved my complete body..although the bits of tissue on the cuts all over look weird at the moment..the sacrifice is worth it! I'm now ready to fly smoothly through the skies of Melbourne. I have perfected the takeoff ....and will work on the landing! Bottom Burp power breaks the Birdman rules, even though wind assisted! I feel like one of the Wright Brothers ready for their first flight...it feels great. My flying craft is now complete and has been tested at the Universities wind tunnel...after a few adjustments, it is as streamline as an arrow.I am ready for take off!!!..10,9,8,..prepare for lift off.......7,6,5,4,3...2.....1.....see you on March 9th flying gracefully over the River Yarra..Melbourne.....wheeeeeeeeeeeeee |
| 27th February 2008 Hien | Great work James ! - From: BIRDMAN TO THE RESCUE Thank you on the behalf of Vietnamese in Melbourne. regards/Hien |
| 27th February 2008 Maire | Way To Go .... - From: BIRDMAN TO THE RESCUE Way To Go James ! Trust me, your efforts will be well worth every freezing (& life threatening) moment! Now, some advice: Think High & Light - you will travel further. Eat lots of cabbage beforehand - cabbage creates gas, gas floats ...... don't fart & you will float further ....apologies to your family in the following days. Shave off ALL body hair before the flight ..... you will feel lighter & float effortlessly. The period of re-growth may be uncomfortable but their is no gain without pain. The last of the pearls of wisdom: ENJOY! Know that the money you raise WILL make a difference to families in Viet Nam. Thanks from all the kids. |
| 14th February 2008 James Everson-Crane | I'm sure others can help...... - From: THANK YOU FROM HIEP Hi Karen, really pleased to read about Hiep's motorbike. All of my family thought he was very special....so kind, hard working and appreciative. As we know from Hanh and the other lucky few..the motorbikes really change things for the better. It was great seeing the hard work and kindness by Chris in making this happen. We really hope others who read this blog take the decision now to help make Tung's dream come true.....I'm risking my life (OK it's a big jump into the Yarra River!) in Melbourne's Birdman competition on March 9th to raise money for the disabled.. It would be great to hear of others who will help in any small way. James and Family xxxxxx |
| 1st February 2008 Rachel Everson-Crane | We've arrived and been accpeted for Birdman!!! - From: December/January Newsletter! Hi Karen James & Sam's designs have been accepted for Birdman and we will try and raise sponsorship for LifeStart. We have not got your email so please get in touch and we can give you our new contact details. Hope all's well Rachel |
| 16th December 2007 RoseMary Baker | Rolled up sleeves speak volumes! - From: DEVASTATING FLOODS HIT CENTRAL VIETNAM So sorry, dear Karen and All, after so many wonderfully life-giving achievements! Am admiring the rolled-up sleeves, and know you will all be blessed. Sorry I was so late seeing this. Will pass it on.. Love and prayers, Rosemary. |
| 10th December 2007 Laura | Thinking of everyone - From: DEVASTATING FLOODS HIT CENTRAL VIETNAM Karen, what a blow but I am sure your sponsors will dig deep and help these amazing, resilient people (my donation's in the mail!). How wonderful to see the kids smiling through such devastation and so willing to lend a hand to clean up (Westerners could certainly learn much about resilience from others so less fortunate than us.) My love and best wishes to them all. |
| 10th December 2007 travellingmum | Prayers are with you - From: DEVASTATING FLOODS HIT CENTRAL VIETNAM This is so sad! Hopefully with donations things will be up and running again! |
| 24th November 2007 Vinh | Sinh's story - From: Sinh Your big heart via Lifestart Foundation has given this young man a chance in life. Thank you and congratulations on your wonderful work. I hope I can lend a hand to LF one day. Vinh |
| 11th November 2007 Eva Haddad | - From: BICYCLES FOR MANY Again Karen, I don't know what to say. You are one of a kind. Keep the hard work and the spirit, you are making such a difference to a lot of people's lives. And it does take a special person to achieve what you have achieved so far. I only wish there were more people like you around who will get of their comfort zone and help the underpriviledged. I wish you all the best and great health. Eva |
| 17th October 2007 Anke | Hanh and the foreign truck driver. - From: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A THREE WHEEL MOTORBIKE MAKES! What happenend to the foreign truck driver who caused the accident by driving into Hanh all those years ago - has he helped Hanh at all during the last 18 years? |
| 21st September 2007 galacticnick | - From: THANK YOU FROM MENH - as her life finally improves. I don't know you but I'm very proud of you and your organization have done for Menh and Huy =) |
| 26th August 2007 Kelly | Phuc - From: A NEW SCHOOL FOR LIFESTART FOUNDATION We were very pleased to catch up with Phuc and his family when we visited Hoi An recently. Can't believe how much he has grown in the last year! We were very glad to hear & see that Phuc is continuing with his study and that his attendance has been good. With the distractions & responsibilities these kids have, they must find it difficult at times, so it is great they they can have Lifestart program to help them achieve their goals. Phuc is so proud of being in school, tries very hard and loves to show off his school books which is such a nice thing to see & hear. The new school looks great! Kelly, Iain & Leanne |
| 23rd July 2007 Wal Beinssen | Hoa's computing business - From: The Worldwide problem of being a working mother! - Meet Hoa in Hoi An This sounds like a feasible project, and not at all naiive. Will contact you directly. Cheers, Wal. |
| 23rd July 2007 Cheryl Barnes | Re Hoa's computer - From: The Worldwide problem of being a working mother! - Meet Hoa in Hoi An Would like to help, and as I have just received a bonus at work myself, would like to send $200.00 to help Hoa with her home business. |
| 18th July 2007 MH | I am proud of You ! - From: HOA, PHUONG & THEIR THREE SONS I am very proud of You ! |
| 17th July 2007 Carole McDonald | thanks - From: ART CLASSES Thanks for the joy you bring to these children. I've been to Hoi An and several other parts of Vietnam and I know the difficulties of many families. It is wonderful to think that these children have some opportunity to explore colour and beauty in such a creative way. |
| 19th June 2007 Eva H | AMAZING - From: CYCLE VIETNAM AND RAISE FUNDS FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AT THE SAME TIME Hi Karen You do not stop to amaze with the hard work and achievements you accomplish. You definately are one of a kind. Unfortunately, I don't know how to ride a bike, nor would I be able to free myself from my family duties, but I am more than happy to donate to the bike riders who will be fund raising. Please let me how I can help. May God bless you and keep you healthy as you have so much work to do, you are an inspiration and give faith in the human being. Eva. |
| 18th June 2007 Simon | Great idea! - From: CYCLE VIETNAM AND RAISE FUNDS FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AT THE SAME TIME What a fantastic idea to raise funds for a great cause. I have been through those areas in Vietnam and the asking price for raising funds are NOTHING compared to experience of travelling at cycling pace in one of the world's most beautiful places. |
| 6th June 2007 James Everson-Crane | Educational sponsorship donations - From: SCHOOL FEES FOR MANY Hi Karen....this really describes the situation clearly and demonstrates the vital need for help. I really hope the readers and their friends can help with donations. Lifestart foundation is the best charity our family has been involved with. We look forward to seeing you again in Hoi An. Best wishes the Everson-Crane family |
| 28th May 2007 Chris Francke | Gobsmacked and choked up - From: Hiep's Changed Life - The Perfect Seedling Grant! Everyone I relate this story to gets 'teary-eyed' not with sadness but with the joy of this man's triumph over adversity. If only we all did our very little bit to give a fellow human being like Hiep a 'leg-up'- "oh what a wonderful world"! I am organising a fundraiser 'film nite' to buy this fellow an electric ' 3 wheeler' scooter. Can't help myself - donations welcome. Great work Karen, as always nothing but the best for those less fortunate. |
| 26th May 2007 mariana | fantastic story - From: Hiep's Changed Life - The Perfect Seedling Grant! great idea re the on line product catalogue karen I have some ideas for products - will give you sample for next trip!! |
| 25th May 2007 Thang PHAN | - From: CLEAN UP THE RIVER DAY Keep up the good work. |
| 23rd May 2007 Robin | Great stuff - From: CLEAN UP THE RIVER DAY Karen this is just fantastic, you are making such a difference keep up the good work and hope we can help you soon. |
| 23rd May 2007 Mark Roberts | Bike ride and Australia Story - From: We've Helped Song - Now Can We Help any of His Friends? I would like to know more about the proposed bike ride next year. And I think an Australia Story show on Karen would be fantastic. Mark. |
| 10th May 2007 travellingmum | wow .. congratulations - From: HOA, PHUONG & THEIR THREE SONS I love reading your blog. I posted your name under 'whose blog are you reading' on the front page. You are truly an inspiration. Thanks for bringing a little joy and hope to this stay at home mum of 3. |
| 21st April 2007 Edwards Family | DID YOU SAY $30? - From: A NEW BEGINNING How easily we spend $30. in Australia. A couple of pizzas, a good bottle of wine, etc. This however, doesn't make much difference to our lives (only the waistlines) as it has to Muoi and Le's family. Such hard workers as themselves deserve a break. Congratulations and good luck Muoi and Le and god bless Karen. |
| 21st April 2007 Regina Edwards | AGEING WITH GRACE AND A LITTLE AID - From: ELDERLY ASSISTANCE - A NEW PROGRAM My elderly retired mother and father in-law who spent a month in Vietnam recently thought this a terrific idea and would like to participate in this program Karen by assisting an elderly couple in need of a little help like Thung and La. I shall be in contact soon. Keep up the good work! |
| 12th April 2007 Helens friends | You have our support - From: We've Helped Song - Now Can We Help any of His Friends? We are a group of friends who wish to support the disabled group of people. We have already had a successful fund raising get together and are looking forward to becoming involved in supporting the Lifestart Foundation. Helen |
| 3rd April 2007 Kim | You are really appreciated - From: THUY, DUC, TRUYEN AND TAY Hi Karen, Thanks for sharing the news. It is wonderful to get people like you in my country and in this world. Kim |
| 28th March 2007 Anita | Thanks to Karen - From: THUY, DUC, TRUYEN AND TAY Karen,it is lovely to hear from you about all the wonderful work you are doing there.Please keep up the good work & sending us your news.Thank you so much. |
| 26th March 2007 Sean Pham | Bike Ride - From: We've Helped Song - Now Can We Help any of His Friends? Karen, I am also organising and participate in a bike ride in VN next march. On this trip I want to do a documentary for the trip - Themes: adventure, culture, cooking, etc... All money raise will be donated to your organisation. If you give us permission we will print your organisation name on all bike uniforms and support vehicle "Ride for Lifestart Foundation" and hopefully interview you there in VN. We can discuss this matter further when you are back in Australia. Khanh wants to nominate you for "Australlian Stories" air on ABC. If you are OK with this she will contact Australian Stories to see whether they could do a story on you. I can be contact on Khanh's email address. Sean |
| 22nd March 2007 Rosemarie | The very able of Hoi an - From: We've Helped Song - Now Can We Help any of His Friends? Hi Karen, I'm sure people would buy these beautifuly created products. I was in Hoi An last Year and was amazed at the quality of their work. I go to markets regularly, I'm sure people would be interested to purchase any of these lovely gifts. I would recommend that we put pictures with a story about them. all the best in your work Rosemarie |
| 22nd March 2007 Uyen | - From: We've Helped Song - Now Can We Help any of His Friends? Hi, I'm from Canada and I agree with the comment above; this blog will touch the heart of anybody who reads it. Is there any way you could set up a website so the transactions of goods can take place via internet? I believe that if it's done that way, many people would be able to talk about it on their blogs (I'm 21 so facebook and myspace are really influential) and reach out to as many buyers as possible. In any case, I'm really interested in buying scarves and handmade embroidery. |
| 21st March 2007 Rachel Cooney | Buying goodies - From: We've Helped Song - Now Can We Help any of His Friends? I live on Phillip Island and would be more than happy to have a stall or two at our local market and see what i can sell. I f i could write a few paragraphs and let people know what the reason was behind selling their goods i,m sure i could get some interest. Keep up the good work.... |
| 20th March 2007 Walter Beinssen | Craft workshop in Hoi An - From: We've Helped Song - Now Can We Help any of His Friends? The way the blog is presented would make anyone want to help this project. There is a variety of products. It seems to me that they could be marketed here through an existing outlet, as additional lines. I will make some enquiries when I have time, but can't promise anything. All the best, Wal |
| 14th March 2007 Sammy Ho | Awesome!!! - From: Song's New Scooter! THANK-YOU! That was very nice of you guys. God Bless You all. |
| 14th March 2007 anonymous | Like the Blog! - From: MEET RIN, KIN AND THAO We liked your blog Karen! Hope all goes well! Gve our love to those in Hoi An. See You Soon, Rachel, James, Jake, Helena and Samuel X |
| 12th March 2007 Cheryl | Great Job Karen - From: Song's New Scooter! THANK-YOU! It makes me very happy to think that there are still people in the world that care abouts others, lovely to see Song Mobile Go Karen |
| 11th March 2007 Peta | Song's Scooter - From: Song's New Scooter! THANK-YOU! Song looks like a different boy now to when I saw him last Sept.....He looks happy and very proud!!!! I can only imagine how much his independence and confidence has grown since getting his scooter. Karen you worked fast on this little project....well done yet again!!! |
| 11th March 2007 anonymous | - From: Song's New Scooter! THANK-YOU! It ishard to imagine the freedom Song must feel.What a pleasure it is to be able to see the great things we can help with. All strength to you Karen |
