By now you would know the deal. Since 2013 I have been donating my birthday to Human and Hope. Together, we have been able to:

• Set up a sewing program that enables women to provide for their families
• Sponsor three staff members to attend English school
• Hire an accountant
• Install ceilings in all the classrooms
• Provide dozens of children with quality education

This year is no different. Well, actually, it is. Because this year I am not going to be fundraising for a specific program. I am urging my family and friends to understand the importance of unrestricted funding, so we can send these funds to Cambodia and they can spend the money on whatever they need.

Whether that be buying paper for their class handouts, paying the electricity bill or helping a family establish a farm; anything that the team at HHA Cambodia spend the funds on will be worth it. Because they are best placed to solve the needs of their community, and know where yours dollars are needed.

So please, I am urging you to help me start the year off on a strong foot by supporting local community development. Your support means the world to me, and to a community in Cambodia that are determined to move themselves out of poverty.