“We thought we would make a change here but the real change has been in us when we arrived home”

VICTORIAN POLICE LEGACY TOUR NOVEMBER 2023

In November 2023, 19 Victoria Police Legatees (aged 18-26) and 4 VPAL Leaders went Cambodia on an incredible personal development, humanitarian experience on a World of Difference tour.

The group raised an outstanding $33,000 to support several humanitarian projects in villages surrounding Siem Reap.

It was a trip with a purpose and everyone came prepared to give their all and embrace every activity. We dug holes for toilets and cleaned sand for water filters. We purchased and rode bikes into school to donate to children who walked up to 10km each day to receive an education. We gave english lessons, danced, sang, made paper planes, taught dental hygiene, supported local villages where the extreme poverty was confronting and boy … did we sweat.

The trip was life changing. It pushed everyone out of their comfort zone and built resilience. I watched each police legatee become a leader, show compassion and give a piece of their heart to the Cambodians we helped.

Senior Constable Nick was a participant on the trip. His words show the importance of providing young police legatees with opportunities such as this. He said “Ever since my father’s sudden passing Victoria Police Legacy has been paramount to my stability and resilience with growing up to the man I have become and this was made evident to me in Cambodia. The comradery and the experiences that I assisted with was incredible but mostly I enjoyed getting to know the team in more depth and hearing their stories and struggles.”

I am proud to say that we discovered that although we cant change the world, we can change the world for one family. And we did this on numerous occasions.

VPL Chair, Detective Inspector Kate O’Neill
CARE Magazine No. 76 Autumn 2024

IMPACT

PARTICIPANTS

ABBEY “Its funny how far a country could feel at first, but how close it is when you leave your new friends and family behind” My heart is in Cambodia. Witnessing first hand the hardship that Cambodian people face every day has had a huge impact.”

KATE “Witnessing first-hand the hardship that Cambodian people face every day has had a huge impact on my impact on life. They are so happy just to be alive and face every challenge with a smile on their face. I changed their lives providing charity aid, they changed mine in ways I never imagined possible.”

COOPER “I cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

BRIANNA This trip was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve been part of. I felt incredibly fulfilled and truly felt like I’d made an impact. Everyone who cane was amazing and were endlessly supportive. I am so appreciative to all the staff to make it happen. It’s an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life.”

MEG The trip was one of the most life changing experiences. I’m forever grateful for the life I have and hold my family and friends even closer now because love is all we need.”

MITCH “ An incredible opportunity with the most incredible people.”

SHAUN “Volunteering in Cambodia was an incredible experience that I will never forget. To meet and make a positive difference to communities in Cambodia is something I am proud and fortunate enough to have been part of.”

SAM Cambodia was a like altering experience for me, putting into perspective my life and how I need to be grateful for every advantage I receive.”

LAUREN “Cambodia has changed my entire outlook on life. It has shown how important it is to grateful for all the little things life has to offer.”

REBECCA Something I took home from Cambodia is my belief that we should express more gratitude and appreciation for everything in our lives and possibly take it for granted. Since returning home, I have made it a daily practice to write down something that I am grateful for.”

CAMBODIAN PEOPLE

FUNDS WERE INVESTED IN:

Thom Chol School

  • Rebuilding an outdoor school dining area and classroom

  • The fencing and building of a school vegetable garden

  • Supplied 35 children with bicycles

  • Balls and sporting equipment

  • Built better toilet facilities

  • Dental Hygiene

  • Whiteboards and school equipment

Prum Brey Pagoda

  • Installed a water bore to supply clean drinking water

  • Planted a lemon grass garden

Slide Show of Tour

Monk Hun’s NGO School

  • Donated $1,000 USD

  • Donated $500 USD to ODA Art School

Srey Vibol Ker High School

  • Supplied 35 children with bicycles

  • Dental Hygiene

  • $1,000 USD to Water for Cambodia for the
    building & supply of 11 x Bio-Sand filters