We are students of Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, who are walking in solidarity with the thousands of Khmers living in the Battamang prefecture of Cambodia, whose livelihoods have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Our aim is to walk, run, ride or swim 7278km collectively to raise as many funds per kilometre for The Karuna Battambang Organisation Covid-19 Relief Fund.

Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet had a major health impact on Cambodia, it has decimated many areas of the economy. Hundreds of thousands of Cambodians have lost their jobs. Tourism is dead. Garment workers have lost their jobs as Western fashion manufacturers have cancelled contracts and construction workers have been laid off.  Many unemployed workers have returned to their rural villages. Unfortunately for Cambodians, there is no Government social welfare system to offer them financial assistance during this time. 

The Jesuits in Cambodia have appealed to our community for support with the KBO COVID-19 Relief Fund. This fund will support those most severely affected (mainly youth and young adults) through access to small business loans or employment that will improve the irrigation system in a number of the villages throughout Battambang.

So let’s get walking, running, riding or swimming, and together we can make a difference to the lives of those in Battambang Cambodia who need it most.