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For our final day, we started early riding along a main road. As we set off the sun was shining and it was hot and windy. The road had a number of hills which made for a challenging ride into the wind.
As we rode on, the very heavy rain started making it very hard to see and soaking us to the bone. We all tried our best to ride in groups to help us through this difficult stretch.
For the first time it actually felt cooler outside.
Making a final pitstop just before the finish line so we could all complete the ride as a team. Lots of hugs, high fives and drinks to celebrate our very long journey.
When the rain got even harder we jumped on the bus to the Sihanoukville orphanage.
One word describes this place "AMAZING". The facilities that Computershare has built here for these children is remarkable, it left us all speechless.
We were given a tour of the facilities. It was incredible to see how perfect this place is for these children.
All the children at this Sunrise Children's Village are double orphaned meaning they have lost both parents, most to HIV and all are HIV positive. However due to the love and care they are provided along with the treatments they need, these children will live LONG and happy lives.
There was a particular energy and warmth at this orphanage. We were welcomed as family and were thanked for giving these children a second chance. We were treated to a BBQ lunch and show and then we danced and played with the kids. They were so affectionate and loving and so excited to have us there.
One of the caregivers at the village described us as being "Holy People" for them. We have been able to give them a new life and a bright future. The gratitude expressed by everyone single person at this orphanage brought tears to our eyes.
The money that we raised has bought them two new vehicles to transport the kids and workers, a new dental chair and will also be used to build additional classrooms including a library.
The school will also be opened to the local village kids to also give them a better chance in life. It should also be noted that the medical clinic is phenomenal and it too has been opened to the local villages. Last year they provided dental care to over 500 people.
We all felt extremely proud to be working for Computershare and honoured to have been apart of the Change a Life program.
We will forever be grateful for this opportunity and we encourage our employees to continue to contribute through payroll deductions as we have seen first hand how significant a difference our contributions are changing the lives of so many children.
The end of this trip is bittersweet. We all have worked so hard, our bodies are bruised, sore and aching however the joy we are leaving with in our hearts from our accomplishments and the new friends we have made along the way will be with us forever.
Goodbye Cambodia and thank you for allowing us to experience your beautiful country, culture, amazing people and giving us a chance to give back to those so deeply in need.
Looking forward to seeing our family and friends back home!
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