Tabitha Foundation

Living in Singapore can be a very privileged existence. As an ex-pat you move in circles and in an environment which many local people don't share, and it would be easy to close your eyes to the reality of life for the 'average' local. Of course there is exceptional wealth here among the local Singaporean pouplation as well; we've never seen so many Ferrari, Porche, Lamborghini and Msserati cars in our lives. Sit at the traffic lights and take a look at the vehicles around you and the sum total could well be more than most of us will earn in a life time. This only serves to highlight the large gap between the haves and have-nots, and yet the 'average' Singaporean is far better off than many living in other Asian countries. Here they have guaranteed housing, health care, and education. The government has provided a social welfare system, even if it is extremely tough to access that system and the demands on the individual to care for themselves - or their less capable family members - would be considered excessive by those of us used to living in welfare abundant states like Holland.

Volunteers and charity work play an important role in this part of the world. Extreme poverty in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Burma to name a few demand attention. The international schools all raise many thousands of dollars each year for projects, as do the social organisations like ANZA. Individuals are also often motivated to do their bit.

If you are what's known as a trailing spouse - that awful term which implies you are a piece of flotsam clinging to the coat-tails of your bread-winning husband (or wife), the opportunities are endless, whether it's volunteering time or money. One worthwhile and successful charitible organisastion I've come across is the Tabitha Foundation. Founded by Canadian born woman Janne Ritskes in 1994, the Foundation "has worked with over 500,000 Cambodian people in the poorest communities in the country. Tabitha's philosophy of self-help is designed to promote self sufficiency and dignity through savings, counseling, and goal setting programs. Families typically graduate from Tabitha in 5 - 7 years after which they have food for their children, clean water to drink, shelter and a source of income. More importantly, they have achieved a sense of dignity and, with their heads held high, can now look into the future and see hope for their families."

This is from their website. The Foundation helps Cambodians through a range of projects including savings schemes, cottage industries, house building, providing pigs, and building water wells.

I came across the Tabitha Foundation through it's twice annual Silk Fairs. Held at The Shophouse, these three day events are held to showcase and sell the fabulous hand-dyed Cambodian silk products made by hand by women in their villages. Apparently the three day event in November 2007 raised $97,000! While that is a lot of money so much more is needed as there are thousands of families who desperately need help. Visiting the fair it's not hard to see why the fairs are so successful - gorgeous vibrant silks are sewn into dozens of different items and sold at reasonable prices. Even though we are spoilt for choice when it comes to buying good quality silk in the Far East, the Tabitha range is truly exceptional. So it's understandable that I went just a little crazy...

My favourite piece has to be the large blue bean bag with the red gecko, which was made to order (there were about 40 colours to choose from) and delivered in about four weeks. The scarves are all to die for; nothing makes you feel more like a million bucks than a gorgeous silk wrap flowing over your shoulders when you go out in the evening. I also bought piles of lovely sunglass cases and Post-It note holders - if you're family or a close friend I'm sorry but there is no surprise in store for you when your birthday comes round! However it was all in the name of a good cause.

The next Tabitha Silk Fair will be coming up in about four months, so keep your eyes peeled if you are in Singapore. It's well advertised in places like Expat Living magazine and in the events section of various club newsletters and magazines.