Volunteer Articles

Every Step Counts When Fundraising For A Good Cause!

By Lauren McMahon June 2008

Not everyone can cross continents to volunteer but as you will read in this story, no matter where you are, it is possible to touch the life of another human being across the other side of the world. This is an inspiring tale of how two women, one a volunteer and one a marathon runner, join forces to ensure disabled children at an orphanage in Vietnam receive the medical treatment they desperately need.

Evelien Masselink returned from her volunteer placement at an orphanage in Vietnam determined to continue helping the children that she had grown to know and love.

Marloes Campo was busy training for the Rotterdam Marathon, determined to make it over the finish line by running the gruelling, long distance of 42 kilometres.

Both of these women were working towards very different goals, but when they met up for a coffee to share their aspirations with each other, two dreams suddenly merged into one.

It was Marloes who came up with the idea of running for the children at the orphanage after hearing Evelien talk passionately about their plight and urgent need for healthcare.

"I realised that I was very lucky to be in such good health to even be running a marathon. The children Evelien told me about from her time volunteering in Vietnam were not that lucky," said Marloes.

Many of the children Evelien cared for suffered from mental and physical disabilities due to being exposed to Agent Orange - a highly toxic chemical that was used during the Vietnam War. According to the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs there are still 4.8 million Vietnamese people thought to be victims of Agent Orange.

Marloes decided to dedicate her marathon to the children of Vietnam by running - something so many of the children at the orphanage would love to be able to do but without ongoing physiotherapy would never have the chance.

"The children need the help of a full time physiotherapist if they are going to realise their full potential. This was reason enough for me to try and set up a sponsorship for the marathon and run for the kids," said Marloes.

Marloes sprung into action and asked members of her local choir group for sponsorship. Some of them offered her 50 cents per kilometre, others 1 Euro per kilometre, and others said they would pay more if she completed the marathon with a fast time. What an incentive! Another member even offered extra money if Marloes would wear a sponsored T-shirt with a company's name on it.

On the day of the marathon Evelien said that there was a real buzz in the air and a wonderful feeling of camaraderie with many of the sponsors standing on the sidelines cheering Marloes on.

"Marloes completed the marathon in 4 hours and 25 minutes and we are so proud of her and this brilliant achievement," said Evelien.

Marloes said that when she was having a hard time during the marathon, she thought about the children in Vietnam and that made it easier to keep going.

Together, Marloes and Evelien in total raised over US$2,650! With this donation the orphanage in Vietnam will be able to continue to employ a physiotherapist on a permanent basis to work with the children.

GVN wishes to congratulate Marloes, Evelien and all of their sponsors and friends who supported the fundraiser! Thanks to you, these children will have the chance for a brighter, happier future that hopefully will involve lots of playing, jumping and.... running.