ANZA embarks on a holiday with heart

When Adam Martin, his wife Millie, and daughters Maddie, 9, Evie, 7, and Bella, 5, set off on a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, it wasn’t just Tomb Raider temples, vibrant markets, and excellent street food that was on their itinerary. They also scheduled in an opportunity to give back to a community in need through a collaboration with REACH (reachsiemreap.org).

ANZA Action has been collaborating with REACH, a Cambodian charity focused on supporting disadvantaged children and youth, for just over a year through donations raised by our brilliant community. Never before, however, had donations been personally delivered by our members!

The donations came in many forms, from toys and books to soccer gear and musical instruments, all lovingly collected and packed into multiple bags by Maddie, Evie and Bella prior to their holiday. “Millie and I asked the girls to audit their toys, books, games, and instruments to see what they could part with,” Adam explains. “It turned out they were willing to donate quite a lot!” Along with their personal donations, they also packed two huge bags of ANZA Soccer equipment, including over one hundred pairs of soccer socks and a large bag full of soccer gear – shin pads, shoes, boots, and goalkeeper gloves.

Above: Evie and Bella assist with unpacking at REACH HQ

A chance to contribute

It quickly became clear: this was not the Martin family’s usual surfing sojourn, and they were going to need extra weight allowance! This was a time to take action, to be part of something with the power to provide a lasting impact. “We carried everything in our own luggage,” shares Adam. “REACH advised that sending donations by post can often be expensive due to customs fees, and it can also be a logistical nightmare for them, so taking the items with us was the best option.”

Once in Siem Reap, they made their way to REACH, just a 10-minute ride from the city centre, where they met the organisation’s founder, Emily Williamson. Adam says, “Emily and I discussed what kind of donations would be useful via text beforehand, so we could be sure we were bringing the right things. It felt good to know that what we’d gathered would be truly helpful.”

Adam and Millie meet the team

Upon arrival, Emily greeted the family along with several members of her team. As they toured the facilities, they saw firsthand just how vital the work of REACH is, keeping underprivileged children in school and providing them with basic meals – something many of the locals are unable to provide.

“It really opened our eyes to how much they’re doing for those less fortunate, keeping them in school as well as ensuring they’re fed every day,” Adam continues, adding that he and Millie encouraged their daughters to assist with unpacking and sorting through the donations when they got there.

“Whilst I don’t think they fully grasped the gravity of how little the Cambodian children have, I do think it helped them to realise that the world is not all like Singapore. It was amazing to see how engaged they got in the process,” he said.

Give back

Students on the ride with ANZA socks!

REACH had big plans for the donations, especially the sports gear, which came in handy immediately for the Cambodian children’s 2025 Side by Side (SBS) bike ride. This annual event challenges student riders to complete a 200km cycling journey over two days. The kids were thrilled to receive new ANZA socks and proudly wore them during the event.

As for the rest of the donations, the toys and school supplies were distributed as gifts to students during the Khmer New Year celebrations in April. The musical instruments were placed in REACH’s music room, ready to be used in their soon-to-be-launched music programme.

“These kids don’t have the same opportunities as our own, and being able to offer them something – whether just a pair of socks or a soccer ball – was really fulfilling,” Adam reflected.

The REACH team has since kept Adam and his family updated on how the items have been used, sending photos of the recipients proudly wearing their new kit and using the sports equipment. “It was great to be able to make a small difference in the lives of kids who don’t have any free kicks in life, and a good reminder of just how lucky we all are,” he says. “Trying to instil how important it is to give back into children at a young age is a powerful thing for young minds. We hope this message and the memories of our visit to REACH is something Maddie, Evie and Bella will carry with them as they grow older.”
He adds, “It’s been awesome to see how everything received a second home. We’re so grateful to have been part of it.”