A Passion for Cambodia – The Doug Mendel Cambodian Relief Fund

Philanthropist, I always thought that was such a snooty word. When ever I heard it, it reminded me of elitist, wealthy, polo club types looking for a tax write off. I have come to learn that our Colorado Mountain Towns are filled with philanthropists who are usually in Tevas sans the Polo, except maybe one of Ralph Lauren’s shirts, and are far from elitist or wealthy (well maybe some). Incredible, compassionate people who actively assist our environment and fellow human being populate our mountain towns. In Summit County a former volunteer firefighter with Lake Dillon Fire and Rescue is one of them. Doug Mendel a local resident took the passion of his career to benefit the citizens of Cambodia.

In 1997 Doug visited Cambodia and fell in love with the people, culture, crafts, food and even the weather! He was hooked and continued to journey back. In June of 2001, his 3rd trip to Cambodia, Doug had the opportunity to visit a fire station in Sihanoukville. He was amazed to find out that the country only had 30 fire trucks and the majority of the crews fought fires with Sandals and shorts. On his return Doug had the idea he could help, and contacted the Cambodian station for a wish list of items the small station would like. 

 

Doug Mendel discovered his calling. In February of 2003, he procured three boxes of station-wear clothing for Sihanoukville fire personnel. Colorado’s Lake Dillon Fire and Rescue donated. Since that time, with incredible patience, media exposure and ongoing generous donations to assist the Cambodian EMS community Doug has made eleven trips helping fire stations in Sihanoukville, Kampot, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap and Ban Lung, Ratanakiri Province.

 

 

Since that time he has procured Fire Science Books, Training and EMS Education, Bunker Gear, Pants, Suspenders, Helmets, Gloves, Boots, Nomex Hoods, Safety Glasses, Radios, Fire Extinguishers as well as Medical Supplies and a wealth of items for the area children. The largest of the donated gifts were two fire trucks, one to Sihanoukville in April of 2006 and one to Ratanakiri Province in August of 2007. 

Doug’s journey continues and he is once again raising funds to procure another Fire Engine. This time a Ladder Truck, which would only be the second ladder truck in Cambodia! This ’77 American La France ’50 Ladder truck will assist Cambodians in protecting life and property.

According to Wikipedia Philanthropist/Philanthropy etymologically means “the love of humanity”, in the sense of “what it is to be human”, the essence of our humanity. In modern practical terms, it is “private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life”—balancing the social-scientific aspect emphasized in the twentieth century, with the long-traditional and original humanistic core of the word’s ancient coinage.

Put simply, philanthropy is the pursuit of excellence in every facet of human life, for every human life, by imagining and implementing new systems, to bring that philosophy to fruition.

An important distinction should be made, that while being admirable, charity is not the same as philanthropy. Simply argued by the concept that an implemented philanthropic idea may make its owner rich, if he or she so wishes. Compare this to the singular act of giving money away, associated with charity, the two concepts almost oppose each other. “A philanthropist knows the act of philanthropy before knowing the definition of the word”. (Paul Gignac Philanthropist.)

With that said Doug Mendel (pictured above) is a true Philanthropist. In October of 2005, the Douglas Mendel Cambodian Relief Fund received its’ 501 (c) (3) non profit status in order to raise money to help with projects for the Cambodian people. Doug is now once again raising funds as $10,000.00 is needed to buy this beautiful vehicle. Please donate if you can, share with friends and family and be apart of something grand for the people of Cambodia! Check out the following links to learn more:

http://media.causes.com/1100230?p_id=18448444&amp%3Bs=fb_feed&ref=nf

http://www.dougmendel.com/