Update: Fire behind Java Cafe
Oct 11th, 2015 by Jinja
This last Friday morning (estimated 1 AM) a fire broke out in the buildings behind Java Cafe. Four residences were damaged as well as the office of Java Cafe / Gallery, including a number of irreplaceable art items in storage.
https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/fire-destroys-5-homes-decades-of-artwork-97079/
Nine families remain in the area, with severe structural damage. (Above.) It is possible that some members of the community may have some issues related to smoke inhalation. In a country where few have fire insurance, health insurance, or other resources, some of the families are believed to have lost nearly everything in their homes.
Thanks to calls on social media, local community members have donated over $700 in cash and a substantial number of household items. (Cash is preferred, household items are welcome as well.)
At 3pm this afternoon a donation of money and household donations took place (below), to be distributed under the supervision of the local village chief.
A further donation of household items took place at 4pm. Java Cafe will accept donations up until 10 PM tonight, closing for several days due to Pchum Ben holiday. It will re-open on Wednesday the 14th.
Due to the Pchum Ben holiday season, it is a particularly challenging time to manage relief efforts. It has been very gratifying to see the immediate response of many varied Phnom Penh residents.
During Pchum Ben holiday, donations will be accepted at nearby Willow Boutique.
http://yp.com.kh/listings/kh43755-the-willow-boutique-hotel
For further news and updates, follow Java on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/javacafeandgallery
It is expected that international fundraising venues will be established in the near future (i.e. ‘Kickstarter’, bank transfer, etc). Default contact email: Dana@JavaArts.org.
Additional pictures:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jinja_cambodia/albums/72157659255960749
Interested parties are welcome to share these pictures freely, to assist in the relief effort.
On social media, please reference the hashtag #JavaFireKH.
