Thirty-seven years after he fought in the Vietnam War, Ted Nieman wanted to go back, but not for closure or out of a sense of duty. The retired Army colonel and his wife, Bonnie, flew to Vietnam to see the sights and visit a few friends. Then, the Niemans went for a three-day stay in Cambodia that changed their lives. It quickly became emotional, as the couple discovered the effects of desperate poverty.

They saw land mine victims playing music for tourists hoping for a few pennies.
They saw families who couldn't afford to send their children to school.
They saw Cambodians with no alternative but to drink filthy water.

"Cambodia," Ms. Nieman said. "tore our hearts apart."
They discovered how much a little bit of money could do.

The Niemans sent their first check to the Institute of Hospitality -- $700.
Ted and Bonnie started telling the story of their trip to Cambodia, and while
they didn't ask for anything, friends and family just started writing checks.

"It's just amazing how little it takes to make an impact there," Ms. Nieman said.

Working with the Shinta Mani Hotel, and the Institute of Hospitality (in Cambodia), Ted and Bonnie formed "CambodiaWeCare.org" 100% of all funds collected are sent directly to Cambodia, there are no overhead costs or fees. Everything including this website, is done on a strictly volunteer basis.

If you have any questions at all, please e-mail Ted Nieman

The Shinta Mani Hotel is a not-for-profit hotel associated with the Institute of Hospitality, a non-profit school. The Institue selects students that show potential from the poorest families. They are then trained in all aspects of hospitality, especially cooking. All the students of the first graduating class are now employed as cooks with local Siem Reap hotels. Please visit the Shinta Mani Hotel website for more information regarding the hotel and the Institute of Hospitality