Remembrance Day Poppies Raise Money For Timor-Leste Orphans

Remembrance Day 2010 has brought smiles to the faces of children thanks to the contributions of New Zealand and Australian troops serving in Timor-Leste.

At the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) Headquarters in Dili the sale of Remembrance Day poppies raised nearly $500.

Given the history of recent conflict in the small nation the decision was made to gift the money to the Santa Bakhita Orphanage, a local facility which has a history of taking in children who have lost their parents due to conflict.

New Zealand Army officer Captain Andrew Thornton said while the sum of money was modest, in Timor-Leste a little can go a long way.

“This orphanage has been significant to the Aussies and the Kiwis for a long time now,” he said.

“Donating this money is a way of continuing our support for the community and those who are less fortunate than us.”

Manager of Santa Bakhita Orphanage Miss Inacia das Flores Faria said she appreciated the work ISF does in Timor-Leste.

“They give security to the country and the give hope to our children here,” she said.

“The soldiers like to visit us and spend time with the children. They also teach them English and attend our events. It is such a good way of providing an international education so the children learn more about the world.”

The donated money will be used to buy food for the children.

ENDS

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