- From: PerthNow
- March 18, 2013
REACHING OUT: Ross Baker befriends a disabled local while volunteering in Cambodia.
Source: PerthNow
ROSS Baker wishes more young West Australians would spend time abroad in less fortunate countries.
The 25-year-old nursing student was among a group of 24 who spent
two weeks at the start of this year in Cambodia as volunteers with Reach
Out.
"It was the most incredible journey and most humbling experience of my life,'' he said.
"It is hard to really grasp how lucky and fortunate we are here in Australia being in our own little bubble, but stepping outside that comfort zone shows you humility, love for your fellow man, and creates a sense of adventure.''
Mr Baker said the group would be exhausted by the end of the day, but it was worth it to ``see those kids smile and getting to play''.
"We were exposed to some of the saddest situations one could think of,'' he said.
"It was the most incredible journey and most humbling experience of my life,'' he said.
"It is hard to really grasp how lucky and fortunate we are here in Australia being in our own little bubble, but stepping outside that comfort zone shows you humility, love for your fellow man, and creates a sense of adventure.''
Mr Baker said the group would be exhausted by the end of the day, but it was worth it to ``see those kids smile and getting to play''.
"We were exposed to some of the saddest situations one could think of,'' he said.
"We witnessed children and mothers using babies to get sympathy and money from tourists, people blinded and limbs blown off from landmines and kids sleeping on the side of the road huddled together.
"It really clutches at the heart.
"We were able to take toys and books for them, and getting to see them play with them made our day.''
Giving West chief executive Kevin MacDonald said it was important that people didn't just give money to charity, but also gave their time.
Mr MacDonald said it was great that more and more young West Australians were volunteering overseas.
"Volunteering is a fantastic way to assist Third World countries because the provision of human capital skills and knowledge can contribute so much,'' he said.
"Living in a wealthy state like WA, we are on the doorstep of Asia and countries devastated by poor health, famine, natural disasters and, in the case of Cambodia, mass genocide.''
"Mr Baker plans to take part in another Reach Out program in Vietnam next year and to raise funds, he will busk in Perth.
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