Phnom Penh will host a unique charity event this Sunday as civil society groups, artists and cyclo drivers come together to raise funds for displaced families living in border camps.
The initiative, organised by photographer and social advocate Miguel Jeronimo, brings together the Cyclo Association, the Local4Local project and mental health NGO TPO Cambodia, with additional support now extended by the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF).
The project is a collaboration between Local4Local and Blood of Kindness — previously featured for its blood donation drives — and the Cyclo Association, aiming to mobilise Phnom Penh’s iconic cyclos for a humanitarian cause.
“More than 200 cyclos will carry newly printed stickers promoting the campaign, each featuring a QR code allowing the public to donate directly to TPO’s work in border camps, where organisations are providing food, essential goods and psychosocial support to displaced families affected by ongoing tensions,” Jeronimo told The Post.
Alongside the citywide awareness campaign, organisers are hosting a “Cyclo for Peace” solidarity ride on Sunday afternoon at Wat Botum Park.
Participants are invited to take cyclo rides around the city, with ticket proceeds shared between humanitarian partners and the cyclo drivers themselves.
Sambath, director of the Cyclo Association, said he decided to join the initiative after witnessing the scale of suffering along the border.
“I’m joining this initiative because I see all the suffering that is happening at the border. Currently there are still soldiers kidnapped by the army, and so many civilians have been affected, there are hundreds of thousands of refugees,” he said.
Although he did not live through the Khmer Rouge era, Sambath said the stories he heard growing up made the reality of war deeply personal.
“Because of this, I wanted to join a fundraising effort with the cyclo drivers to contribute what we can for displaced families. It is important to bring awareness to everyone who lost their lives and were displaced by war,” he added.
He noted that cyclo drivers have responded positively to the campaign.
“I have been informing the cyclo drivers about the purpose of Cyclo for Peace. They are very happy to be part of it, and we hope many people will join us on Sunday,” Sambath said.
The event is also backed by activist Pingann, who has been vocal online about conditions in the camps and has shared images documenting aid delivery and mental health support on the ground.
Adding a cultural dimension, students and teachers from Salapleng Mith Dontrey (Friend Music School) will join the ride, performing live music from the cyclos.
The concert, organised by the school’s director Keat Sokim, is intended as a public call for peace and solidarity with displaced families.
Jeronimo said the initiative is designed not only to raise funds, but also to keep public attention focused on the humanitarian needs at the border and the importance of sustained support beyond emergency responses.
