I'm sure others can help...... 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
Rolled up sleeves speak volumes! 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.
Thinking of everyone 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.
Sinh's story 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
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
Hanh and the foreign truck driver. 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?
Re Hoa's computer 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.
thanks 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.
Educational sponsorship donations 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
Gobsmacked and choked up 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.
Bike ride and Australia Story 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.
wow .. congratulations 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.
DID YOU SAY $30? 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.
AGEING WITH GRACE AND A LITTLE AID 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!
You have our support 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
Thanks to Karen 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.
Bike Ride 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
Karen Leonard has resided in Essendon, Australia, all of her life. For the past thirty years she has successfully run a small business in Essendon, The Karen Leonard Music School.
A dedicated traveler since the age of eighteen, Karen has visited many countries. In 2000 while backpacking through Vietnam, Karen met a young street kid and they had an instant connection. He introduced Karen to his world, his fellow street kid friends and their families. It wasn't long before Karen was supporting several street kids by encouraging them back to school and paying their education costs. After retu... full info
James Everson-Crane
non-member comment
I'm sure others can help......
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