This is the last leg into a trip that Regional Managing Director of ARDEX Oceania, Fabian Morgan, his family, and the Australian Flooring industry are taking from Saigon to Phnom Penh in Cambodia to raise funds for the Cambodian Children’s Fund.
The journey has been documented from the start in two previous blogs (Blog 1 & Blog 2) visiting rural villages, historical sites, and vibrant local communities. Each day features unique highlights, such as school visits, cultural exchanges, and opportunities to meet children supported by the Cambodian Children’s Fund.
We conclude our ride to Cambodia with everyone feeling exhausted but quickly rejuvenated by the incredible cause we’ve supported. My family was personally invited to walk the old dump site in Phnom Penh with Scott Neeson, followed by a visit to the RICE Academy, one of the CCF schools established to educate the most impoverished and at-risk children. Scott walks the site behind the Academy each night to check on the poor and ensure those in need receive medical support and other essentials. The area faces severe drug, sexual assault, and alcohol problems, making this visit a life-changing experience for my family.
The following day, the entire Miles for Smiles 2026 Team was given a comprehensive tour of many CCF facilities, culminating in a celebration and ceremony to acknowledge the $150k we have raised so far. This was followed by a blessing for Brett and Leanne Sturgess and a select few. We are incredibly grateful for this experience – it was absolutely amazing and humbling. These milestones and challenges not only define the journey but also highlight the commitment of the MD and all participants to making a lasting difference for children and families in Cambodia.
Throughout the journey, we’re sharing stories, photos, and videos, capturing the spirit of the flooring industry ansd their teamwork and the significance of supporting children and families in need. The ride is not only a physical challenge but also a powerful experience of giving back and building lasting connections.
Our family donations have reached over $45,000 and the whole flooring team has raised over $130,000 – the largest sum since the tour’s beginning. Your donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated! Visit: https://ccf-au.raiselysite.com/fabian-and-natalie
Here is just a grand finale of our quest:
For the kids
A little about Cambodian Children’s Fund, actually set up by an Australian, Scott Neeson, many years ago.
Education is often taken for granted, but for many Cambodian children experiencing extreme poverty, a variety of obstacles including inaccessibility and the need to work to survive prevent them from being able to attend school.
Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) works to transform the lives of the most impoverished, marginalized, and neglected children in Cambodia through high-quality education, leadership training, and direct support programs.
No donation is too small, and every dollar donated goes directly towards providing a brighter future for the most impoverished Cambodian children and their families.
To find out more about Cambodian Children’s Fund and the difference your donation makes, please visit cambodianchildrensfund.org.
To read more about Scott Neeson’s story visit the website here.