The Marlborough Express
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For just a small nibble of an average weekly supermarket shopping budget, a Cambodian orphan can be helped to bite food without getting toothache.
People are being encouraged to buy a new toothbrush and pop it in the donation box at any Blenheim supermarket.
You could say local dental therapist Andrea Snushall and dental assistant Tania Morgan are bristling with ideas to raise funds as they prepare to travel to Cambodia in January.
They're volunteering for three weeks at the Cambodia World Family Clinic, a charity set up and run by a former Australian dentist, Dr Robert Ogle.
Its fundraising website says: "Our primary objective is to relieve the pain and suffering of underprivileged children."
The pair have been warned to expect to see some shocking injuries, as there are still land mines hidden throughout the country, a legacy of the terror from the Pol Pot regime.
Not only are many children maimed and malnourished, but a big part of their suffering is a result of dental infection and associated pain and fever.
The most common dental procedure they will probably do will be removing rotten teeth.
Mrs Snushall's husband Peter, a carpenter, is also going as a volunteer.
In two months, the group has raised $2023 from donations. A further $2000 worth of dental equipment has been donated by NZ Dental.
Anyone wanting to help the women and their toothbrushes get to Phnom Penh can make a donation by cheque or direct debit to Westpac, Blenheim 03 0599 0533937 000 or contact Mrs Snushall on 027 467 0302, or visit www.childrensdentalcambodia.webs.com. Items or services suitable for raffling would also be appreciated.
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