KhmerCare launched as the country's first crowdfunding platform on Tuesday aiming to raise $1 million for Team Cambodia to compete in the upcoming 32nd SEA Games to be hosted by the country for the first time, with Advanced Bank of Asia (ABA) taking a lead pledging $150,000 to the cause.
KhmerCare’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Steven Path, said at the launch ceremony that the platform has been designed to support local causes and help loved ones in need of financial aid.
The online platform is powered by a trusted and fully-transparent system to drive immediate change and positively impact people's lives. Path added that its easy-to-use interface and secure payment system ensure it is simple for users to donate in seconds and track their impact in real-time.
It is an innovation that Path’s team has incorporated in the crowdfunding platform that is not seen in other crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe, Path said.
“For every donation, you earn care points. You may use these points to bid in an auction to win prizes that money cannot buy, like dinner with Scott Neeson,” Path said with a smile. Neeson is the Founder and Executive Director of Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF), which provides free education to 1,500 children at Stung Meanchey dumpsite.
“With this crowdfunding initiative, anyone from anywhere can play a part in supporting our talented Team Cambodia and cheer them on to success. The funds raised will be used to upgrade Team Cambodia’s equipment, footwear, and training, and increase the cash reward for medal winners,” Path said.
ABA’s CEO, Askhat Azhikhanov, a premium sponsor of the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games, said at the ceremony that the bank will donate $150,000 to Team Cambodia via KhmerCare.
“In addition to our primary sponsorship of $1.5 million as the Exclusive Bank Sponsor and Exclusive Cashless Payment Sponsor, we dedicated a separate amount to support the fundraising campaign we are launching today,” Azhikhanov said.
“I am happy to announce that ABA Bank will contribute $150,000 for "One Dollar to One Dollar" matching on the KhmerCare platform from today onwards,” he added.
Azhikhanov said that ABA Bank will cooperate with KhmerCare to enable mobile banking applications, so all ABA Mobile users can donate funds through the app.
He added that with collected funds to be funnelled into upgrading training equipment, apparel, footwear, and other essential facilities, “we believe this fundraising campaign will give our athletes more chances to show their skills, further promoting the image of Cambodia in the region.”
Vath Chamroeun, Chief Executive Officer of the SEA Games Organizing Committee (CAMSOC), said that the initiative is an additional boost for athletes to be able to afford quality equipment for competitions, including wheelchairs, running shoes and boxing gloves.
“Athletes need encouragement every time, especially through support for their training, including to buy equipment and money to pay for treatment,” Chamroeun said. “This is a contribution and the private sector can be included to help Team Cambodia,” he added.
KhmerCare had a soft launch in June 2022, with CCF supporting a partner from the start, Path said. He added that the platform now has a community of 25 registered NGOs, including CCF and ISF Cambodia, and 45 campaigns launched for a wide range of causes, including health and medical expenses, education and community development, and disaster relief.
Path said the platform's focus on transparency and accountability ensures that 100 percent of donations go directly to the cause and that every donation has a direct and meaningful impact.
“The 100 percent disbursement to the beneficiaries is unprecedented amongst crowdfunding platforms worldwide,” Path said.
Path also spoke about the case of Heang Lyhour, from Impact Hub, who turned to KhmerCare for support in his fundraising efforts for knee surgery. The young, bright, compassionate Cambodian, diagnosed with Osteochondritis Disease (OCD) in both knees, aimed to raise $12,000 to cover the cost of the surgery.
“With the help of his friends and colleagues, the campaign went viral, surpassing its goal with nearly 400 donors supporting Lyhour's personal cause,” Path said.
“Remember that no donation is too small to make a positive impact. If a campaign goes viral, like Heang Lyhour's knee operation, and if there are hundreds or thousands of people donating just a dollar or two, it can certainly make an immediate impact on people's lives and for them to have a Better Tomorrow,” Path said.
Heang Lyhour was also present at the ceremony and said his fundraising campaign would not have been possible without the KhmerCare platform.
“I really appreciate everyone’s contribution. Without the support from each and every one of my team, I think this campaign wouldn’t be successful,” he said. “I just want to share that this is a very impactful action that really impacts the lives of others.”
