Bags of Goodness (Literally!): Phnom Penh Charity Drive Raises Over $500 for Rural Cambodian Families
The first-ever Pass It On Phnom Penh took over The Tin Hat in Toul Tom Poung for an afternoon of donations, fundraising, and light-hearted fun — all in support of the Sorn Foundation, a UK and Cambodian registered NGO empowering women and children in rural Takeo province. By the end of the day, $502.50 had been raised, and a mountain of donated goods was packed and ready for delivery to the village.
The concept was simple: bring a bag of quality donations and enjoy a free beer. But what followed was much more. Guests arrived with bags filled with clothes, books, toys, and kitchen gear — and many went further, buying brand-new items like full school curriculums, toothbrushes, and classroom supplies just for the cause. These will now be delivered directly to the school and families supported by the foundation.
Backing from Local and Expat Business
The event was made possible thanks to incredible community support, especially from corporate sponsors Tom from Realestate.com.kh, Harrison from Cambodia Investment Review, Cambodia Lifestyle, and The Tin Hat, who not only hosted the event but also contributed prizes and donations.
The raffle that followed didn’t disappoint either. The top prize—donated by The Ascott Limited—included a one-night stay at Summer Bay Beach Club & Cabins Sihanoukville by Preference, breakfast for two, and a 30-minute jet ski experience courtesy of Sihanoukville Adventure Club.Other smaller prizes kept spirits high and the donations flowing.
Street food favourites Dish That Up and pop-up barbers London Locks were on site and donated 50% of their day’s revenue, adding to the final fundraising total. From tasty burgers to sharp trims, every contribution helped push the numbers up.
As the sun went down, a crowd of locals and expats packed into the venue for the charity quiz. Hosted by event organiser Tom Starkey, the quiz featured rounds on Cambodian trivia, music lyrics, and guess-the-age celebrity challenges. It ended with a bonus storytelling round where teams shared their funniest moments in Cambodia, judged by audience reaction.
Event organiser Tom Starkey said he was moved by the turnout.
“I was honestly blown away by the support. From people bringing brand-new supplies to local businesses stepping up without hesitation, it just showed how much good energy is out there. I’m incredibly grateful, and I’m already looking forward to hosting the next one.”
A Foundation Making Real Change
At the heart of it all is the Sorn Foundation, a grassroots organisation that began with one man — Somphors Sorn — teaching local children under a tree in Takeo. Co-founded with Nicola Clements from the UK, the foundation has grown into a fully registered school offering free Khmer and English education, meals, and long-term development support.
The NGO now also runs women’s empowerment workshops, sustainable farming projects, and community training, helping families build better futures. Events like Pass It On Phnom Penh ensure these services can continue to reach those who need them most.
Looking Ahead
The collected donations will be delivered to Takeo in the coming weeks, with updates to follow showing exactly where and how they’re being used. Meanwhile, plans are already underway for the next Pass It On Phnom Penh, with hopes of making it a recurring event.
For those who missed the event but want to help, donations to the Sorn Foundation can be made directly through their website. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a bag of donations — and a bit of community spirit — to make a real difference.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
