[Australia's] Golders abandon their dream of helping Cambodian children

5th May 2013 The Sunshine Coast Daily

 

Tracey Golder and Mumma Ruth with some of the Love in Action kids in Cambodia. Contributed

THE Sunshine Coast women behind an embattled Cambodian orphanage have revealed they will abandon their dream of working with the country's young children.

In an emotional email to their supporters, Ruth Golder and her daughter, Tracey, said they had realised their time running children's homes and facilities in Cambodia was "completed".

But they plan to continue working with young adults aged over 18, sponsoring their education and study or training "externally".

The women have been at the centre of a storm since March, when they were forced into hiding after their orphanage was raided by Cambodian officials who claimed they were abusing the children in their care.

The Bli Bli pair went into hiding after receiving several death threats.

"We always knew when other facets of Love In Action's vision was changing, so the same applies to the children's homes in Cambodia," their message said.

"It is now time for change so we are travelling the next part of the journey ...

"Ruth will continue to serve in Cambodia and we will continue to sponsor 18+ young adults in their education and study or training externally. But LIA Cambodia will no longer re-register within Cambodia as a non-profit organisation.

"Love In Action will no longer have housing facilities in Cambodia. Apart from Muma Ruth's home.

"Ruth is serving in Cambodia as a missionary under LIA International, continuing to share her love, knowledge and experience in offering guidance and advice to other reputable organisations."

The women's message said they could not comment on the allegations against them.

They said the Cambodian Government had told them they were welcome to continue living in the nation.