Thank You All!!!
Happy
and
well
fed
children
in the
Deak Kum Pa
orphanage.
Thank you all
for your
efforts!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:13 AM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2013Thank You Raffy, Morgan, Emma, and Lauren!
A big thank you to Raffy, Morgan, Emma, and Lauren for minding the information and donation table at Oriole 9, in Woodstock, this past weekend.
Altogether, $190 was raised to help support the children of the Deak Kum Pah Orphanage in Luang Prabang, Laos.
In addition to raising the money, Raffy, Morgan, Emma, and Lauren all had a chance to talk about the One Voice/Teens for Change project to lots of people -- many of whom were out-of-towners hearing about it for the first time.
And a big thank you to Luc and Nina, the owners of Oriole 9 for their continued support in helping One Voice communicate this very important message to everyone who enters their fabulous restaurant.
If you are new to this project and haven't seen the wonderful 9 minute documentary produced by Garland Berenzy, take a look. Inspiring!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 04:34 PM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2013Environmental Justice Issue: Damming of the Mekong in Laos by Caleb Rudge
One Voice For Laos: Teens for Change member Caleb Rudge wrote the following paper for college. This is a great example of the project carrying over to different aspects of life. Please take the time to read this fantastic piece of writing!
Environmental Justice Issue: Damming of the Mekong in Laos
When delving into the effects of Industrial development, I find that understanding Amartya Sen's quote is key, "Development requires major source of unfreedom: poverty as well as tyranny, poor economic opportunities as well as systematic social deprivation, neglect of public facilities as well as intolerance or overactivity of repressive states." In the United States, American citizens have the privilege of knowing that they have already industrialized; the onslaught of development is already in the past. Looking back, America has already been able to learn from the consequences and benefits entailed in Industrial development. Ten thousand miles away, the citizens of Laos are looking at industrialization from the opposite perspective. There, Laotians are coping with the dramatic changes that go hand in hand with the early stages of development. One pivotal project in Laos is the damming of the Mekong River at Xayaburi by the Thai company CH Karnchang.
Continue reading "Environmental Justice Issue: Damming of the Mekong in Laos by Caleb Rudge "
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 04:47 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2013A Testimonial From Lauren Havens
My name is Lauren Havens and I am sixteen years old. During life, everyone strives for relevance and pleasure. In the limited time we have on this earth, we aim to make an impact on lives other than our own.
The nation has turned to materialism and selfism that blinds many to the abundance of necessities, rights, and opportunities that they should be grateful to have. In turn, we must make an outreach to those in need.
This past year I joined a local group of blossoming humanitarians called One Voice for Laos that dedicates its time making a difference in the lives of the children at an orphanage in Laos.
I have always longed to make a lasting impact on those less fortunate and to do altruistic work, possibly join the Peace Corps or the Doctors Without Borders program.
Continue reading "A Testimonial From Lauren Havens"
Posted by Lauren Havens at 06:32 PM | Comments (0)
January 31, 2013The One Voice For Laos Cabaret!
Preparation began weeks before the Cabaret filled with long hours of work by a small committed team. As the night grew closer we were filled with nervous anticipation and excitement, all of our hard work surely paid off. The Cabaret was a beautiful collaboration of local performers and artists. Each performance was unique with its own stylistic flare that made the night truly special. Performers include Uncle Rock,
The Shandettes, Sequoia and Lucia, Caravan Kids, Harvey Citron, Dharma Bums, Marc Black, and myself. The Cabaret was a huge success; raising $1,500 to pay for a water filtration station for clean drinking water and a month's worth of medical support at the Deak Kum Pa Orphanage in Luang Prabang. The limitless generosity of the community was so moving and I am grateful beyond words for the cooperation and support that made the Cabaret possible. A special thanks to our sponsors Photosensualis, Sorella's, Peace Love & Cupcakes, Candlestock, Jonathan Kligler & Color Page, Woodstock Jewish Congregation, and H. Houst & Son.
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Written by Lauren Havens
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)
January 27, 2013Seraphina Mallon-Breiman's Touching Biography
My name is Seraphina Mallon-Breiman and I am nineteen years old. I have been working with the One Voice for Laos organization and community for a few years now. I've helped to put on fundraisers, write blogs and newspaper articles, perform and overall publicize this amazing project. As one of the first teenagers actively involved in the origination of One Voice for Laos, I am now experiencing my first year in college and am helping peripherally with the project. Recently, I took a trip home from school to help perform at the Laos Cabaret with two of my best friends in Photosensualis, a beautiful gala that Sequoia Sellinger organized. After a moving and talent-filled night, I was reminded again of how happy it makes people to join together with the common goal of helping to increase the happiness of the rest of our world. It is a seemingly simple observation- but as humans, we constantly forget it. I realized that my role in this project, as many of my fellow teenagers who are also helping from afar, is to encourage this world changing behavior from the next generation of people involved in One Voice for Laos. Everybody wants to make a difference in the world, whether that comes from performing at a fundraiser or buying the ticket to attend, or going to meet the orphans in Laos or simply contribute what you can to allow this for others. There are so many organizations out there to encourage this kind of action, and all of you in the Hudson Valley have this opportunity right at your fingertips by working with your friends and Evelyne! Take advantage of this guys, I promise you'll come out with a much different understanding of the world!
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 07:32 PM | Comments (0)
January 13, 2013Diversity Day at Onteora Middle School
When Onteora Middle School hosted their annual Diversity Day in 2012, One Voice For Laos was there! Three One Voice For Laos members, Garland Berenzy, Rio Morales, and Anna Weissman, and Evelyne Pouget presented to middle schoolers. At this presentation, the One Voice For Laos documentary was shown and a penpal program was introduced. Onteora Middle School students will now be writing to Orphans at the Deak Kum Pa Orphanage! We just received exciting news that the Orphans will be writing back soon. Creating younger pen pals for the Orphans is such a positive action because we will now be getting even younger students interested in making a difference in the world. Here's a look at the Onteora Diversity Day. There will be a penpal update coming soon!
Continue reading "Diversity Day at Onteora Middle School "
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 07:10 PM | Comments (0)
January 12, 2013Middle School Pen Pals!
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
Making a Difference in The World
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)
January 10, 2013One Voice For Laos Cabaret
For one night only, a variety of fantastic local entertainers will be performing at Photosensualis in Woodstock N.Y on January 19th for the One Voice For Laos Cabaret! Not only will this cabaret be amazing, but it will also raise money for the Orphans at the Deak Kum Pa Orphanage. The more people that come, the more the orphans will benefit. The cabaret goes from 8 to 10 and will be a night to remember. A lot of hard work has gone into this event so be sure to spread the word! It is so satisfying to know that we are truly making a difference in the Orphans' lives.
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 07:54 PM | Comments (0)
December 27, 2012The Icing On The Cake!
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 04:49 PM | Comments (0)
Making A Difference
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 04:47 PM | Comments (0)
December 25, 2012Putting Things Into Perspective. Orphanage Wish List 2012
When I woke up this morning, I dashed into my living room to see what nicely wrapped presents were under the festive fireplace. As I looked around and saw my lined up presents and my smiling parents, I couldn't stop thinking about how lucky I was. I thought to myself, " I have the most compassionate and caring parents that a girl could ask for and we're all in good spirits, what more could I want?". Even if I walked into my living room this morning to see no presents it would have been okay. I know that not only do I have parents that love me more than anything, but I live a happy and healthy life and that matters more than anything. Later this evening, the Deak Kum Pa Orphanage wish list was sent to me and it made even more grateful for my life. Unfortunately, Christmas has turned into such a materialistic time of year where kids become mean if they don't get all of the presents they want. This wish list is a great example of why we need to spend more time being grateful during the holidays. When I was a kid, I was asking santa for toys and sleighs, not for food and soap. I think this list is a great reminder about how important our work is. Let's keep working hard and help grant these Orphans' wishes! Happy Holidays to all you amazing people. You inspire me and I know we can keep helping these kids in 2013. We have done great work and there are many more great things to come!
Continue reading "Putting Things Into Perspective. Orphanage Wish List 2012 "
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 08:38 PM | Comments (0)
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 08:34 PM | Comments (0)
Amazing Work!
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2012In Gratitude for All of You!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:45 PM | Comments (0)
A little hard work can go a long way!
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 05:54 PM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2012What we've done!
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)
November 18, 2012Without Your Help, This Couldn't Happen
What follows is a touching update from Andrew Brown at the Deak Kum Pa orphanage. Thank you SO much to everyone who has helped make this possible.
"Hello everyone. Warm greetings from Luang Prabang.
All the children are now back from their 3-month break and the new children are slowly coming in to the orphanage every day in groups of 3-5.
As many of you will know already, we will have 75 new students this year. Many of them will be coming in under a special program that I agreed to with the government late last year.
Most of them arrive with only the clothes that they are wearing, so I buy them shorts, shirts, underwear, and shoes.
The sponsored students are all quite young and are 6, 7, and 8 years old. The program was initiated in order to bring in the most needy children and to protect them at an age when they are most vulnerable.
Continue reading "Without Your Help, This Couldn't Happen"
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 10:25 AM | Comments (0)
November 17, 2012Isabelle La Motte on One Voice for Laos
Inspiring and touching One Voice for Laos bio by Isabelle La Motte....
Being a part of One Voice for Laos has been the most rewarding time of my life. I first got involved in the Spring of 2011 when Rachel Castellano told me that there was a humanitarian effort going on right in our backyard, the town of Woodstock. When I agreed to join One Voice for Laos: Teens for Change I never could have imagined the impact it would have on my life.
My first project was to create a slide show to be shown at our fund raising events. My job quickly developed into being in charge of all things photography. I had my camera around my neck at all of our events and meetings, nothing out of the ordinary for me. As the weeks went on I dove further into the project. I remember getting chills at the first meeting when Evelyne told us how our fundraising efforts would help the children. From that moment I knew that this was something I was going to put my heart and soul into for the months to come.
Continue reading "Isabelle La Motte on One Voice for Laos "
Posted by Cassandra Hastie at 08:10 AM | Comments (0)
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