DFDL Laos Donates Funds to help UXO Survivors Build New Lives

May, 2013 - Vietnam, Laos

DFDL Legal and Tax has donated USD 2,000 to the Quality of Life Association (QLA) to assist unexploded ordnance (UXO) survivors in Xieng Khouang Province.

The QLA is a non-profit association, registered in Xieng Khouang. Its mission is to provide services to UXO survivors, people with disabilities and UXO-impacted communities. In addition, through the QLA Visitor Center in Phonsavanh visitors learn about the impact of UXO on people and communities as well as the importance of services to alleviate UXO trauma.

The people in Xieng Khouang are still negatively affected by UXO from the Indochina War. In 2012 QLA-managed War Victims Medical Fund provided treatment support for 30 UXO survivors. Additionally, the QLA provided support for 13 people from its own fund-raising activities.

Mr. Thoummy Silamphan, the QLA Executive Director, knows how a UXO incident can affect a survivor's life. He was eight years old when he was injured in a UXO explosion. He also knows how someone can build a new life after an incident, with support from family and assistance such as DFDL is providing.

In receiving the donation, Thoummy said "We will use this donation to fund medical treatment costs for people injured by UXO in Xieng Khouang Province. This will be of tremendous assistance to this very vulnerable and needy group of Lao citizens. DFDL has taken a lead in demonstrating the importance and power of Corporate Social Responsibility. The UXO impacted communities of Xieng Khouang are deeply grateful for this commitment."

DFDL Country Director Mr. Brennan Coleman added "DFDL is very pleased to make this donation to support UXO survivors in Xieng Khouang Province. We feel it is important to support local organizations run by, and for, Lao people. The QLA is doing some very critical work and we are glad to help."

DFDL Vietnam Donates USD 1,250 To Mai Nha Foundation Vietnam

DFDL Vietnam has donated USD 1,250 to Mai Nha Children Foundation Vietnam to support Mai Nha’s activities in Binh Thuan province.

Mai Nha (which means "roof" in Vietnamese) will use the donation to build two houses for 20 orphaned children, as well as to provide scholarships for more than 80 schoolchildren in the village of Thien Nghiep, 200 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City.

The children will be able to live at Mai Nha houses until they achieve independence, around age 20. Each home will house 10 children and one "mother Mai Nha," who will care for and guide the children as they grow up.

dots