Unique Boutique to benefit orphans

By CAROL A. CLARK


Preparations are underway for this year's Unique Boutique set for 1-8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday at the home of Terry and Marvel Kellogg, 199 San Ildefonso Road.

All of the exotic and unusual gift items available for purchase are made by Cambodians in Southeast Asia and some come from the sewing project at the orphanage, which is operated by the Kelloggs’ organization, Cambodia’s Hope.

Items to be on sale next week include handwoven silk scarves, household décor, clothing, handbags, ornaments, vintage basketry, antiques, fabulous artifacts and treasures, and jewelry ranging from glass bead earrings to a 42-inch necklace with a 34-karat sapphire set in 18-karat white gold.

Prices begin at $4. This year the Kelloggs also will have a “Chic Boutique Flea Market” with donated items such as ceramics, glassware, books and leather jackets.

The Kelloggs ensure 100 percent of the proceeds from their annual fundraiser go to the children of Cambodia's Hope as all administrative, fundraising and travel expenses are donated by the founders and friends. Donations are tax-deductible.

Cambodia’s Hope was founded by the Kelloggs and their friends in 2003, as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to support needy children in Cambodia.

The community has supported the organization each year since its inception through purchases at the annual Unique Boutique as well as through direct donations.

This support has allowed Cambodia’s Hope to expand each year; enhancing the care and education provided to children of victims of AIDs, land mine atrocities and war traumas.

“Our guiding principle is, ‘The future of the world does not lie in the hands of children – it lies in the hands that hold the hands of children,’” Marvel said. “Our calling is as privileged people, Cambodia’s Hope intends to lead with our heads as well as our hearts to generate opportunities for less-fortunate children in Cambodia. We will create a nurturing environment for children to reach their highest human potential through education, recreation and health.

“We will support children to become self-sustaining future business, academic and agricultural leaders of Cambodia to help fill the intellectual and cultural void caused by the human decimation of recent decades."

Terry explained that Cambodia's Hope supports needy children, young adults and families living in Cambodia.

The primary mission is to provide survival support for orphans in Cambodia as well as opportunities for education and occupational training.

“It’s the basic support system for the Palm Tree Orphanage in Phnom Penh, a facility with a 95-child capacity focusing on education and creating a family base for homeless children,” he said.

He continued, “Our goal is for these children to learn, play and create; forging a developmental path toward leadership roles in their country. Education is a priority. At this time all eligible children attend Cambodian School in addition to classes at the orphanages.

“Recreation, culture and the arts are included in the curriculum as well as vocational training provided to enhance career and job placement. The school also supports an intensive dance and cultural program where the children learn classic Cambodian dance and perform for guests as well as travel to competitions.”

The Kelloggs said they are currently supporting a second orphanage in a small village in Kam Pong Speu Province with 37 children, a seamstress training program for the village women as well as seven preschool programs providing services for more than 200 children throughout the province.

“We hope to raise enough money this year for a dormitory and school for this project,” Terry said. The ambition, he added, “is to help orphanages as well as individuals to become self-supporting in their projects and lives.”

“The charitable organization receives support from donors around the globe,” Marvel said. “In the world of philanthropic endeavors, Cambodia's Hope stands out as having 100 percent of every donation go directly to the needs of the children and projects to support the children.”

The community of Los Alamos, through past Unique Boutique fundraisers has built a medical clinic, helped buy a farm and this year the funds will go to build a school in an out lying village.

“The good news is a little goes a long ways in Cambodia.” Terry said. “The reality is the need is as wide and as long as the Mekong.” Read more!

Cambodia invites Indian investments in agriculture, IT and infrastructure

New Delhi, Dec 8 Cambodia has invited Indian investments in manufacturing, services, infrastructure and human resources development and said it would export to India some agricultural products in which it is competitive.

Speaking at an interaction with the Indian industry here on Saturday jointly hosted by the apex bodies, FICCI, Assocham and CII, Cambodian prime minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Pai Techo Hun Sen said, “We are strongly determined to attract as much as possible foreign direct investment (FDIs), including that from India.”

He said under the new policy private investors investing in infrastructure development have the option to build-operate-transfer (BOT) and Build-operate-own (BOO). Foreign investors can do business with or without Cambodian partners. In case of local partnership, the level of equity would be decided by the foreign investor.

On the issue of the ownership of the land, Sen clarified that the right has been reserved for Cambodian citizens, the foreigners can use land through lease contracts for a period up to 99 years.

The Cambodian prime minister called for attracting investments in agro-business, manufacturing, services, tourism, human resources development, hardware and software, roads, bridges, seaports, airports, railways, power, clean water supply, irrigation, development and transfer of knowledge and technology, telecommunications, information technology.

He said, “Cambodia has comparative advantages and potentials in agriculture and agro-industry, labour-intensive industries, processing, tourism, mining and in some sections of manufacturing and services sectors¿ At the same time promising future from commercialisation of oil, gas and other mineral resources has opened up new economic opportunities and hope for Cambodia to become a new development zone in the region.”

At present India-Cambodia bilateral trade is less than $50 million, with balance tilted in favour of India. Cambodian exports to India are negligible. Cambodia is a member of the Asean group, with which India is planning to sign a free trade agreement.

The Cambodian prime minister praised spirit of cooperation expressed by the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh at the 6th Asean-India Summit in Singapore last month.

“I am hopeful that India will positively consider our request to provide assistance in IT, where it is known for its expertise,” the Cambodian prime minister said.

Minister of state for communications and IT Shakeel Ahmed said that cooperation between the two countries in human resources development and It was necessary due to the presence of skilled manpower in both the countries.

He said that India had launched a plan to ensure 1,00,000 boardband connectivity in rural areas.
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Cambodian PM arrives to boost bilateral ties with India

New Delhi, Dec 7 : Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen arrived here today on a four-day visit to take forward the bilateral relations with India.

India and Cambodia are expected to sign several agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence, water resources, agriculture, petroleum and commerce.

Sen is leading a delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Minister of Commerce, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

He is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, who will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary on the evening of December 8.

Sen will also call on President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari. He will also meet External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

He will address a business luncheon meeting jointly organized by the CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM.

During his stay in India, the visiting Prime Minister will visit Hyderabad, where he will go to the National Institute of Rural Development and the Hitech City. He will call on the Governor of Andhra Pradesh on December 9.
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Cambodia offers fresh investment opportunities

Tourism in Cambodia is increasing and attracting more of the high end tourists, as oppose to predominantly back packers. Especially in the capital Pnomh Penh, growth as a popular holiday destination strengthening the rental market has seen capital appreciation hit a steady 25%.

Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh and the finesse of its French riverside quarter play host to refurbished yet undeniably remarkable 1-2 bedroom apartments and the 2 year guaranteed 10% rental return they offer. In light of its freshly found allure amidst the international property investment market, Cambodia’s capital growth is expected to see a 15-20% growth.

So, considering the fact that Cambodia and its economy are set to grow from strength to strength, along with any investment made in the region, perhaps this is an opportunity to be investigated further.

Available exclusively through reputable overseas property investment specialists David Stanley Redfern Ltd from $55,000, at least an enquiry into the many attractive features on offer is surely worth making. But first, let’s take a closer look at what that kind of money can buy.

Aside from the auspicious apartment itself, abundant with only the most sleek and modern furnishings and finished to an incomparably high standard, what does the surrounding Cambodian capital have to offer? Once referred to as The Pearl of Asia, this architecturally awe inspiring city is today’s wealthiest and most populous Cambodian city, giving it a charged and vibrant climate that’s simply wonderful.

Its busy inhabitants are peaceful folk of which some are Buddhists, who along with many tourists frequent the many breathtaking attractions, the most popular being the Royal Palace.

Phnom Penh’s main shopping centre is the Phsar Thom Thmei market place which too attracts visitors, each eager to behold its vast array of treasures. From plant life to antique currency and opulent foods to fancy fabrics, it’s sure to be found on the stalls of this enigmatic, once in a lifetime shopping experience.

Serviced by the usual taxis and tuk-tuks, Phnom Penh also boasts road, river and rail transport as well as its very own airport, notably Cambodia’s largest. Phnom Penh is both accessible and accommodating for any international investment making traveller, enabling simple return visits to and from its shores.

So, a top specification apartment in one of the world’s most exciting cities, how do you get a piece of the action? Anyone interested in this unique investment opportunity amidst a recognised emerging and opportune market, enhanced by the regions economic boom should contact David Stanley Redfern Ltd to discuss the range of helpful options that are available to potential investors.

Find out more about our Cambodia investment property at http://www.davidstanleyredfern.com/Cambodia.aspx

Please direct all media queries, requests for press information and editorial details, to media@davidstanleyredfern.com.

About David Stanley Redfern Ltd

David Stanley Redfern Ltd is an overseas property specialist, working directly with developers in more than forty countries. Most properties are exclusive to David Stanley Redfern Ltd, giving an unparalleled selection of resale and new builds. David Stanley Redfern Ltd is AIPP accredited.



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