It's my great pleasure to let you know that Lifestart Foundation has launched an online shop selling unique crafts handmade by Lifestart recipients in Vietnam. Currently available are a selection of note cards which are made by artist Trong Sinh, a Lifestart recipient. Some of you will remember Sinh from earlier blog posts. They come in sets of 5 original water [View Full Entry]

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PLANT AND CRAFT SALE Succulents- Herbs- Geraniums and more… Christmas presents with meaning made by Lifestart Foundation Workshop members in Hoi An: *RECYCLED-DENIM BAGS $25 *SILK CUSHION COVERS $25 pack of 2 *HANDPAINTED & EMBROIDERED CHRISTMAS CARDS $20 pack of 5 *HAND KNITTED SCARVES $15 *SILK SHOULDER BAGS $10 *WINE BOTTLE COVERS $10 *BOOK MARKS $5 *OIL PAINTINGS by Sinh *Also home-made Marmalade and Chutney Enjoy a Devonshire Tea or Aromatic Coffee with cakes and slices (gluten free) ~ donation please Saturday 14 November 10am [View Full Entry]

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As we sat eating our dinner, the sky, which had appeared threatening all day, suddenly opened up and a downpour the likes of which I have never seen, just plummeted down to Earth. Continual flickering of background lightening was soon replaced with constant bright flashes of light and accompanied by rumbles of angry thunder. After an hour, the thunder became so loud it was frightening and one clap actually forced screams from the lips of all at the restaurant. And so, Tropical Storm Ketsana was unleashed upon an unsuspecting Hoi An. For 24 hours, with the exception of an eery five [View Full Entry]

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Little Hien was only three and half years old when her grandparents dropped her off at a pagoda in Hoi An to live with the nuns. Hien comes from a very poor background and a family history of broken relationships.In August 2008 the decision was made to take her to the pagoda to be raised instead of remaining at home. Now at school age, and living in a pagoda that relies solely on donations, Hien needs your help for a chance of a future - an education. Born in Vinh Dien, Vietnam, Hein was a financial burden for her very poor, [View Full Entry]

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Believe it or not Christmas is just around the corner. Would you like to support the Lifestart Foundation Workshop initiative in Hoi An, Vietnam? You can help us by ordering some of your Christmas gifts from our makers. The makers will individually make each item with care and love and will be very grateful for your support. The non-profit workshop focuses on creating handmade arts and crafts to help support those living in challenging situations in Vietnam. The entire proceeds from these products go directly to the workshop members to provide a sustainable income stream and sense o [View Full Entry]

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Son is a delightful 18 year old who has been the recipient of a Lifestart Foundation Education scholarship for the past four and a half years. When I met Son I was saddened by his living conditions ; his house was very small, made of very basic materials and positioned in a most vulnerable area. At the time Son was in year 9 at high school and contemplating not continuing with his education. This was the result of two problems ; he was struggling with his school work and was worried about the ongoing expense of his studies. The second concern [View Full Entry]

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Dear friends and supporters of Lifestart Foundation, PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR LIFESTART'S LATEST NEWSLETTER! [View Full Entry]

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In November 2008 six bicycle riders departed Australia to complete the ride of a lifetime in Vietnam. After months of fundraising and training (some more than others on the training side of things!) they arrived at Hanoi's Noi Bai airport, full of anticipation, nerves and excitement. I had arrived in Vietnam a few months before and made my way up to Hanoi to meet the group. This was the first fundraising event of this kind for Lifestart Foundation and it was with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety that my eldest son Tu and I joined the group to complete the [View Full Entry]

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Craft Workshop & Co-op for Women Living with Disabilities in Vietnam It is with great excitement that I write this blog. It has been a long held dream of mine and many of the disabled women that Lifestart Foundation helps, to open the first genuine not for profit shop in Hoi An. In December 2008 I was fortunate to be in a position to rent a fabulous shop and work space for the women. The shop is located at VIETTOWN 127 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An. With the help of a group of supporters from Melbourne who have kindly offered [View Full Entry]

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Doctor John Sherman was introduced to me by a mutual friend, Richard Tregear. John and Richard have been friends for fifteen years and have worked together at Open Family, an outreach program in Melbourne for many years. John first attended our annual Lifestart Foundation Dinner Dance and Charity Auction a few years ago and subsequently became interested in the work that Lifestart Foundation was doing in Vietnam. It wasn't long before he volunteered to come over and help. After returning from his first volunteering trip with Lifestart, John published a story in Australian Doctor Magazine. T [View Full Entry]

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