So, left Sierra Leone on Monday and now in Cambodia working with wonderful partners Kevin and Lekenah Knight of Manna4life. This remarkable village that is being built out of the devastation of 400 families being forcibly evicted is truly remarkable. Last year we brought a company team, as part of their CSR programme to produce a building that will enable employment in a village where many of the men have to travel away to survive. This huge building is a foundation in so much more that has happened as others joined in supporting the project.
Back with Kevin Lekenah and the team as we prepare to receive 11 IM Group staff members. This company is based in Birmingham and imports Subaru, Isuzu and Great Wall 4×4 vehicles in to the UK. The team has people from their UK, Sweden, Ireland and Chinese offices so a truly international effort. In addition to covering their costs the team have raised over £15,000 going directly to the project.
You may ask why we are working in Cambodia? When we established Home Leone we wanted to enable businesses to do “real” Corporate Social Responsibility. Due to Ebola IM and other companies have not visited Sierra Leone. When I handed over Mission Direct, I agreed with them that we would do corporate teams and they would not. I have witnessed and seen many lives challenged and changed in then corporate environment and want to offer this journey to other companies. When they take the challenge, there is a win for the individual, the company and the community.