Changemakers - Theresa Ly
1 April 2012 at 4:09 pm
Dr Theresa Ly, chair of Rose Charities Australia, is featured in Changemakers, a regular column which examines inspiring people and their careers in the Not for Profit sector.
Rose Charities Australia is an independent, registered Australian charitable organisation, run by volunteers. It supports the health and rehabilitation of those who need assistance due to poverty or other reasons. The organisation currently supports rehabilitative surgical and physical holistic rehabilitation projects in Cambodia and Vietnam.
What are you currently working on in your organisation?
Our current focus at the moment is a rehabilitation centre in Takhmau, Cambodia. A wonderful physiotherapist (who is also a Rose Charities Australia Director) named Joanna Thompson currently runs the centre. Physiotherapy services for the disabled and injured are lacking in the country and so she has been training physiotherapists in Cambodia and working towards the development of the facility. We have been fundraising and Jo has been successful in applying for grants in order to construct the facility. You can see her progress here: http://www.roserehab.org/?page_id=53
We are also now involved in an Education Support program so that students from rural Cambodia have the opportunity to study at University.
What drew you to the Not for Profit sector?
It’s quite a long story but it was during my university days as a medical student that i was first drawn to Rose Charities. I had watched an ABC news story on Rose Charities and decided to contact the founder. I was invited to be involved in the Australian branch and it’s continued from there.
It’s wonderful to work with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to make a difference. In our busy lives we often forget how privileged we are. Being able to help with your skills, knowledge and resources to try and bring a change and make a difference – I know it’s clichéd – and as a daughter of migrant parents, for me it is a great way to give back.
The volunteer aspect also drew me to the sector. Rose Charities Australia is completely volunteer run. We all have our day jobs, family commitments and study and yet we are able to make time for Rose Charities Australia. We come from all walks of life, professions and experiences – we learn from each other and help ensure Rose Charities Australia continues to do good work.
What are you reading/watching/listening to at the moment?
Homeland- what a great show. Coldplay- always a great band. Battle Hymn of the Tiger mother- a must read for those who want to learn about the mind of an Asian mother!
Favourite saying…
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again
What (or who) inspires you?
Individuals and groups who set out to make a difference i.e. fellow Not for Profiters!
