A gift of sight for Cambodian orphans
by Geraldine Hinter
A
Christian non-profit organisation, the 2H project, was founded in 2000
by third-year midwifery student, Kate Taylor. Each year Taylor and nine
volunteers journey to Cambodia for about three weeks.
Taylor has built partnerships with communities in Cambodia and her work and gifts are now well known.
Last year, second-year midwifery student, Elaine Schultz joined Taylor for the first time as one of 10 volunteers involved in providing cataract surgery in one of the most remote areas of Cambodia. The team also carried with them thousands of dollars worth of medical supplies and vitamins.
In 2005 the project raised enough money to perform more than 300 operations for cataract removal in Cambodian children. Back in Adelaide, midwifery students Susie Simper and Kate Shadiac made sterling silver earrings for sale and with the other two volunteers, sold chocolates to raise the $1100 needed for 10 eye cataract surgeries.
The cataract work will be ongoing with the introduction of screening for school-age children.
This year the 2H project hopes to raise $30,000 with its major fundraiser, The Mercy Fields exhibition at Light Square gallery on June 17 at 7pm.
The exhibition is a collection of images featuring the faces of Cambodian children by world renowned photographer, Kevin Evans, with a silent auction held during wine and cheese tastings. Admission is $10, which includes a glass of wine. All proceeds go directly to the project.
Donations and contributions can be sent to 2H project, PO Box 4070, Norwood 5067.