Phnom Penh (FN), May 17 – Speedwind representatives donate basic necessities to people quarantined in Kandal Stung district.

In challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic that the world is dealing with these days, survival is interpreted differently by different people. For some, it is in the literal sense of trying to get sufficient food and necessities for their family to survive, while others strive to overcome the daily psychological battle of the quarantine restrictions.

But even though no one has been spared from the effects of this pandemic, there are good Samaritans who try to make a difference by sharing what they have with others in need; to put a smile on the faces of the needy and most of all, to give them hope that someone cares about them – the goal of helping others get through their immediate hardship or struggle.

One example of a “good Samaritan” is the SpeedWind Group of companies. Individually or collectively, regardless how the group’s year had been, they never stop to be a blessing to others in need through their quiet and unassuming charitable works.

SpeedWind provides diversified services in the telecommunications and financial sectors to essential business operators.

Ever since the company started in the Kingdom six to seven years ago, its management and employees always find a way to give back to the host country and its people in whatever way they can in times of need. This is how they have been determined to give thanks to their host country and people.

Dalton Wong, chairman of SpeedWind, shared with Khmer Times how despite its own challenges in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, their team has managed to find various ways to render help to the Cambodian people in various provinces or localities.

“I guess you can say it is in SpeedWind’s DNA. We have been doing our own form of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in different platforms for different segments of the communities in different provinces and localities for many years now,” Wong said, while stressing that CSR need not be just for corporate entities but that anyone can do so.

He said he never wished to publicise what they have been doing but he was persuaded by friends and contacts to now share about it to encourage others to give back to the community and the people, especially during this challenging time.

“We have been providing assistance in many different ways, perhaps too many to recall. But the few that I can remember include procuring school supplies for children in need, sending flood relief supplies for affected residents and families and working with the Ministry of Health early last year to launch a public awareness advertisement on COVID-19 precautionary measures on the largest outdoor advertisement screen in Cambodia (which has been running since March 2020 to date),” he said.

Earlier this year, to help alleviate the economic hardships of those who have lost their jobs or livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic, they sent provisions of basic necessities such as rice, soy sauce, canned fish, noodles and blankets to the affected persons and their families in order to help them survive through these tough and challenging times.

He added that recently, before the lockdown, he also worked with a few friends and contacts to procure and provide medical supplies such as face masks, face shields, sanitising alcohol and gloves to several local hospitals that were in dire need of these supplies.

They included the Kandal Stung Referral Hospital, Pochentong Referral Hospital, Por Senchey Referral Hospital, Beong Thom Referral Hospital, Prey Veng Referral hospital and Samaky Referral Hospital.

In addition, the team also regularly participates in public awareness campaigns of the National Social Protection Council under the Ministry of Economy.

“SpeedWind’s philosophy is to give from the heart – whether it is having a good year or not. Personally, charity works should not be dependent on the timing or one’s situation, an effort should not be quantified by the amount of money given or the volume of supplies provided. In hard times and uncertain situations such as what we are going through now, there will always be others who need a helping hand,” said Wong.

“The more people who are willing to give – the more resources we can pool together – the more we can assist those in the community who need help,” he said.

All the community efforts are funded by their own companies, either in kind or in cash as they do not raise money or funds from external parties.

“Imagine if every company that is active and healthy can send one box of masks or face shields or PPE to their nearest referral hospital or the local vaccination centre. The impact on the frontline workers in terms of actual help, psychological support and others will be well appreciated by them. And more importantly, they and many others at those centres, will be well protected too,” he added.

According to Wong, SpeedWind does not have a dedicated charity team. All their employees are involved in efforts to help the local communities.

When asked what advice he would give to those who wish to help others in need but may not know where or how to do so, this was Wong’s advice: “Give from the heart and give because you want to or are able to help others in need. There is no lack of need and no shortage in the areas one can help in. Start with your local community where you are staying or working and if you are able to, go beyond that to other communities in other provinces”.

Dr Prak Kang, a doctor who has spent time with Wong’s charitable efforts expressed his appreciation of the generosity of SpeedWind’s team in helping Cambodians in need.

“Mr Dalton has helped hospitals, poor people and more. As a doctor who has seen how poor people need help, I appreciate the help he is giving to us Cambodians. That is why I also help him with the arrangements for his charitable works,” he said.

He encouraged others who have the capacity to help to do the same as Wong, to help communities and especially the underprivileged people.

“Be kind and give whatever you can no matter if it is big or small.  When Dalton does his donations, he does not want to show his name to people he is helping, which is a best example of how genuine his efforts have been. I believe that when you help, something good will come to you in return,” he added.
=FRESH NEWS