𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐑𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐀𝐏 𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐄

To help families in Vietnam’s highlands cope with extreme weather, Lifestart Foundation, with generous support from Karma Foundation, has recently delivered 50 electric fans, valued at VND 26,500,000, to disadvantaged households in the remote mountainous commune of Tra Giap, Da Nang City.

Tra Giap is a mountainous commune facing particularly difficult socio-economic conditions. The local population is primarily composed of Ca Dong, Co and other ethnic minority groups. With high poverty rates and livelihoods mainly dependent on subsistence farming, residents face significant economic shortages and challenging living conditions, which have been worsened by floods and landslides.

This donation was part of a larger initiative to improve living conditions for underprivileged ethnic minority communities in highland areas, totaling nearly VND 200,000,000 (approximately AUD $11,500). At the handover ceremony, 50 bicycles (VND 110,000,000) were provided to students to shorten travel time to school and save energy, 50 essential goods packages (VND 30,000,000) supplied daily necessities such as rice, cooking oil, fish sauce and detergent, and 50 warm blankets (VND 23,760,000) offered comfort during the cold season.

The electric fans were distributed to bring cool relief during the upcoming hot months. For families in Tra Giap who have already endured floods and landslides, these fans provide a practical and much-needed improvement to daily life.

Please like and share to help spread the word and reach more families in need.

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𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫
𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞) 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟏 – 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

Eddie was an extraordinary supporter of Lifestart Foundation's initiatives, including medical scholarships, clean water projects, life-saving medical equipment for Danang Women’s and Children’s Hospital, support for orphans, bicycle donations, and emergency food hampers. These are just some of the many wonderful donations over the years.

The Lifestart Foundation team will be forever grateful for Eddie’s unwavering support, his kindness, and his enduring legacy, where he has left provisions in his will to continue his philanthropy and the funding of future projects.

Eddie Smith, affectionately known as Eddie, was born in Coventry, UK, in 1941. Leaving school at the age of 15, he began an electrical apprenticeship that laid the foundation for his remarkable journey. In his late teens, he discovered a passion for boxing, excelling in the ring and winning most of his matches. This fighting spirit served him well in later years as he navigated the competitive Australian corporate world, where he often "punched above his weight."

In 1965, Eddie embarked on a life-changing journey to Australia. Travel at the time was an adventure; his flight took a week, stopping in South Africa, Singapore, and finally arriving in Perth, Western Australia. Wasting no time, Eddie found a job and accommodation almost immediately. He joined the Hammersley Rail Project in the remote Pilbara region, working in Dampier and living in a tent. He spent eight months at Camp 60, wiring the camp and its generators.

Eddie's next adventure took him to Saigon, Vietnam, where he worked at the airport. This experience sparked a lifelong connection to Vietnam and its people.

After gaining invaluable experience, Eddie established his own electrical contracting company, Elcos, which operated successfully from Western Australia, and expanded to Queensland. Later, he transitioned to a second highly successful career in the oil and gas industry.

Eddie faced significant health challenges, including surviving bowel cancer and, later, a major heart attack in 2009. His heart was severely damaged, requiring a transplant for long-term survival. In December 2009, he received the gift of a new heart, allowing him to embrace a new chapter of life.

Following his recovery, Eddie dedicated himself to philanthropy, supporting numerous charities both in Australia and abroad. He became a major donor to the Fiona Stanley Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation, the Fred Hollows Foundation, and many others. In 2013, Eddie founded the Karma Foundation, a registered charitable trust to support causes in Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, and Laos.

Eddie's connection to Vietnam deepened over the years, with frequent visits and hands-on involvement in philanthropic projects. His admiration for the resilience and history of the Vietnamese people fueled his efforts.

Known for his resourcefulness and intellect, Eddie combined his expertise as an electrician with astute business acumen. A self-educated and well-read man with a “get-it-done” attitude, Eddie was generous to those in need, always relating to their struggles.

Even in passing, Eddie’s generosity endures. True to his character, he established a trust fund to ensure his philanthropic legacy would continue well beyond his lifetime.

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🌟 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘, 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 🌟

Dear Lifestart Foundation Community,

We invite you to leave a lasting impact by considering a bequest to Lifestart Foundation in your will. Your generosity can ensure that our mission continues to thrive, leaving a legacy of positive change for generations to come.

💙 Why Choose a Bequest? A bequest is a powerful way to support Lifestart Foundation. By including us in your will, you contribute to building a better future for those in need.

📜 How to Include Lifestart Foundation in Your Will:
1️⃣ Speak to your legal advisor to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected.
2️⃣ Specify Lifestart Foundation's details: [Include Lifestart Foundations legal name, address, and any specific instructions].
3️⃣ Let us know! We would love to express our gratitude and welcome you to our Legacy Circle.

🙏 Thank you for being the heartbeat of Lifestart Foundation. Together, we can create a legacy of compassion and change.

For more information or to notify us of your bequest, please visit www.lifestartfoundation.org.au or contact us directly.

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