What began as a fundraising effort became a life-enhancing experience when Ruby van Eldik, 16, and Blake D’Hondt, 15, stepped into the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) community and saw, with their own eyes, how their generosity was transforming lives.
Their journey began back home in Sydney, where the two best friends decided to turn their friendship into action - raising funds to support children and families in need in Cambodia.
Fundraising feels like a really powerful way to help people and children in need, especially as young people
Ruby’s auntie had lived in Cambodia for a year, working on her PhD in public health, sparking an interest in the country.
Ruby and Blake hosted a dinner fundraiser at Mint Tea & Rosewater, a boutique catering company in Killarney Heights, where Ruby works part-time. With tickets priced at $60 and a raffle featuring some prizes they crafted themselves—Ruby with her sewing skills, Blake with his art—the duo raised $2,500 AUD, more than double their original $1,000 target, for CCF.
“Fundraising feels like a really powerful way to help people and children in need, especially as young people,” Ruby shared. “We may not have loads of money or professional careers yet, but fundraising is something we can do. Even small donations can make a big difference.”
For Blake, the choice to support CCF came after research and reflection:
“We began looking into charities and their impact, and CCF stood out as the most effective, entrusted, and most compelling,” he said.
Founded in 2004, CCF has helped more than 4,300 children and their families escape poverty, with over 1,200 students currently in full-time education.
Reading Sophy’s story allowed us to see the real impact CCF has had on Cambodian children as well as the immense power education
Blake and Ruby were also inspired by the story of Sophy, a CCF student who grew up working and living on the notorious Steung Meanchey garbage dump in Phnom Penh, the largest landfill in Southeast Asia at the time, scavenging to survive. She went on to win a scholarship to study in Australia and graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2022.
“Reading Sophy’s story allowed us to see the real impact CCF has had on Cambodian children as well as the immense power education has on underprivileged communities,” said Blake.
Ruby and Blake, both students at Killarney Heights High School, had volunteered for two weeks at another organisation in Cambodia at the end of 2025, visiting hospitals and schools and running small health awareness campaigns. After gaining insight into the challenges Cambodian children and families face, they wanted to see how their fundraising for CCF could make a real difference on the ground in Cambodia’s most deprived communities.
They toured CCF’s facilities, including the Neeson Cripps Academy high school, and witnessed the charity’s impact firsthand.
Even a small donation can prevent a family from skipping a meal or falling behind on rent
“Seeing the kindy and primary school kids, as well as the nursery, was incredible,” Ruby said. “These are the most formative years. Seeing children being lifted up out of tough situations—it was inspiring.”
Blake added: “Visiting the schools and facilities helped us visualise the scale of CCF’s work. Even a small donation can prevent a family from skipping a meal or falling behind on rent. Seeing the children learning and thriving gave me such a strong sense of hope—they now have the potential to do so much more than what life initially handed them.”
“You can see the difference that just $100 can make,” Ruby reflected. “It’s amazing to see children gaining futures thanks to CCF.”
Going to CCF in person confirmed that our money can create real change
For these young fundraisers, the visit wasn’t just about giving money—it was about connecting, learning, and witnessing change.
“I really feel the money is going to the right place after seeing CCF and the visible difference made to so many kids' lives. As young people ourselves, we found this impact resonated more than that of any other charity. Going to CCF in person confirmed that our money can create real change,” said Ruby, who is interested in potentially working in public health, development, or the fundraising sector in the future.
Blake, who is thinking about a career in medicine and research, agreed: “CCF was the charity that made the most sense for us. The impact they make is real and tangible, and it’s empowering to know our efforts can help rewrite children’s futures in such a positive way.”
Ruby and Blake returned to Australia inspired and motivated, carrying with them stories, experiences, and memories of children whose futures have been transformed. Their journey is a reminder that anyone, with passion and creativity, can make a real difference—no matter their age.
