Best bib and tucker to support Cambodia

Dressed in beautiful gowns and smart suits, Hedland residents attended The Esplanade Hotel this month to raise money for young Cambodian girls.

The Princess Project fundraiser dinner, held annually by Christian group C3 Port Hedland, supports a group by the same name which helps prevent Cambodian girls being sold into the sex trade.

C3 member Jacqui Copeman said the dinner was not only in aid of a good cause, but gave locals a chance to mingle and have a great time.

“This year, (we expanded) the event from a dinner for 90-100 people (into) a ball for up to 180 people,” she said.

“(Even though) the event size doubled ... almost every seat was sold.”

Ms Copeman said those at the ball could take satisfaction from knowing their support made “a real and tangible difference” to Cambodian families.

She said the Princess Project had been founded by Ben and Cherie McGonagle, who had been working as missionaries in Cambodia since 2006.

“They now have two young boys of their own and they all spend most of their time in Cambodia,” Ms Copeman said.

“They focus on prevention as there are so many families in extreme poverty, (which can lead them) to selling their own children into the sex trade in order to feed other members of the family.

“By focusing on education and support, Ben and Cherie help families out of poverty.

“(They also provide) food, safe housing ... health care (and training in a trade for the families as well as) education for the children.

“Families (that) graduate from the Princess Project ... (hopefully can) support themselves financially ... (and) use their wealth to help others find their way sustainably out of poverty.”