Why I Started a Fundraiser for KIRC
I never wanted to start a fundraiser. Asking for money has never felt natural to me. I was raised with the belief that you should always make your own way, work hard, and ensure you have enough for life’s unexpected turns. But times change, and so does perspective. From kindness to change, I’ve learned that sometimes, we must adapt our views and take action for the greater good, focusing on how we can collectively support a cause and make a real impact.
Every day, I see people creating fundraisers, whether for medical bills, funerals, or personal hardships. It’s become the norm to turn to the kindness of strangers with just a click of a button. But it wasn’t always this way.
When I had my accident years ago, I never asked for help. Yet, the local community came together in a way I will never forget. They didn’t set up a GoFundMe or share links online, instead, they organised events, raised money through their own efforts, and supported me because they cared. It wasn’t about convenience or a quick donation; it was about real people coming together to help someone in their town. It was a true, heartfelt display of solidarity.
That kind of kindness is something I rarely see in the world today. Fundraisers are everywhere, and while many are for genuine needs, others can feel like an easy way to ask without offering anything in return. It makes me wonder, how do we know who truly deserves support? For me, it comes down to the person behind the fundraiser. Do they give without expecting anything in return? Do they help others, not just take? These are the questions I ask when deciding where to invest my time and energy.
That’s why I want to raise money for KIRC. Not because I expect people to give, but because I believe in giving back to something that truly matters and that brings me to the Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner (KIRC)
The Kampot Inclusive Reading Corner (KIRC)
I started a JustGiving- see my page here
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chantel-prince
This was to see if I could raise funds from my home country and beyond. But so far, it has given me nothing. What I’ve realised is that it’s the local people, the community around me, who truly care. They are the ones who show up, who give what they can, and who believe in making a difference.
Meanwhile, the wider world only seems to care when something becomes a big, newsworthy event. If I were on national television saying my country had just been attacked, even if I had spent years attacking my own country, the world would rush to support me. Why? Because if the news says it’s true, it must be true.
But what about the small things? The everyday battles? Why do they take a back seat? Why do people only rally behind the causes that the media decides are important?
If people could just step outside the box and look around, they’d see the countless kind-hearted souls working tirelessly to create small, meaningful change. They’d see where the real love and empathy exist, not on the screens, not in the headlines, but in the quiet efforts of those who give without expectation.
That is why I am fundraising, not for recognition or headlines, but to keep something alive that truly matters. To support Khmer staff, to teach and empower them, so that one day, they can run KIRC themselves. Because change doesn’t have to come in loud, dramatic waves. Sometimes, it’s the small ripples that make the biggest difference.
Kampot
A Town That Gives So Much
The beautiful town of Kampot and its Khmer people have the biggest hearts I have ever known. They will share a meal with a stranger, help you whenever they can, and even stop you when something is falling off the back of your motorbike, just to make sure it’s put back on properly. Their kindness isn’t for show. It’s natural. It’s effortless. And it’s everywhere.
This is why I want to give back to this town and this country. Because all it ever does is give. It gives me the most beautiful life, the most beautiful smiles, and the most beautiful food.
Takeaway
If you haven’t yet experienced Cambodia’s warmth, I invite you to explore it. You can also read more within these blogs:
- Cambodian Food – 17 Sensational Traditional Dishes – Immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant flavours of Cambodia with this guide to its most beloved dishes. A true culinary journey that reflects the heart and soul of the Khmer culture.
- Explore Kampot And Kep | An Authentic Cambodian Experience – Go beyond the touristy hot spots and discover the authentic charm of Kampot and Kep. These towns offer an experience steeped in natural beauty, culture, and the kindness of its people.
- Focus On What You Can Control – Not Social Media’s Chaos– In a world where distractions are everywhere, this piece offers you a much-needed reminder to focus on what truly matters. It’s a call to regain control over your own life and step away from the chaos of social media. Come and visit Kampot, Cambodia.
- Perseverance – 5 Awe-Inspiring Lessons On How To Keep Going – In this blog, I share the hard-earned lessons of perseverance that have helped me through life’s toughest challenges. Discover how to push through adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.
- Empowering Strong Minds | Kampot’s Inclusive Reading Corner – KIRC is more than just a library; it’s a community-driven initiative that started with a small group of people, each with a deep love for helping Cambodia. Through our passion and dedication, KIRC is empowering local children and adults alike. Learn how KIRC is making a tangible difference in Kampot by offering free English phonics lessons, fostering a love for learning, and providing a safe space for all.
If you’d like to support the KIRC and be part of something real, something built on kindness and community, you can donate here:
