A dancer performs at the Airavata Elephant Foundation’s 5th charity gala, held on August 18. CIVIL SERVICE MINISTRY
The Airavata Elephant Foundation’s 5th Charity Gala, held on August 18, boasted a notable surge in attendance.
Clais Chenda, the foundation’s president, shared that a diverse crowd gathered for a united cause of protecting Cambodia’s elephants.
Among the attendees were government officials, business leaders, celebrities, artists, and passionate individuals. All united in their shared mission to champion the majestic elephants that are so central to Cambodia’s rich heritage.
“This year, we had over 300 people in attendance, a significant increase from the usual 100. The only exception was our inaugural gala at the French embassy, which drew more than 500 guests,” Chenda revealed to The Post.
The final donation tally is still underway, but the support came in varied forms, ranging from money envelopes to proceeds from auctioned items and traditional Khmer garments.
“Donations poured in through various channels. Some gifted in envelopes, others opted for bank transfers, and then there were earnings from auctioned items and traditional Khmer attire,” Chenda noted.
She admitted that despite the higher turnout, the $50 gala tickets didn’t cover the event’s full expenses. The event’s philosophy is inclusive, encouraging generosity from those who can give more, while not excluding those who can only afford a ticket.
“Our goal has always been broader participation. A chunk of the proceeds from auction sales and garments also came as generous contributions from product owners and firms,” Chenda mentioned.
At the gala’s opening, she emphasised the objective behind the event was to fund the continued conservation of Cambodia’s domestic elephants.
It’s a platform to highlight the foundation’s past successes, to introduce its mission to a wider audience, and to stress the importance of safeguarding traditions linked to elephants.
“The gala not only helps raise awareness but also bridges the gap between business and social realms,” she elaborated.
For many businesses, the event serves as a platform to express their commitment to conserving elephants, honouring Khmer cultural practices, and endorsing environmental sustainability.
More than just a celebration, the event serves as a beacon, shedding light on the fact that Cambodia is home to these magnificent creatures, especially the dwindling number of domesticated ones, and underscores the urgent need for conservation action.
The Airavata Elephant Foundation has been on the frontline, not just for elephant conservation, but for other noteworthy causes as well. The foundation actively participates in tree planting initiatives, expanding the habitat for these majestic creatures.
Beyond this, the foundation also champions the preservation of indigenous cultural traditions.
This is achieved through the creation of cultural villages, promoting elephant breeding, tapping into tourism, and spearheading a variety of other activities.
Minister of Civil Service Prum Sokha, while addressing the audience at the gala, reminisced about his familial ties to elephants.
“Though I wasn’t born close to elephant territories, my father, a teacher, instilled in me and my siblings a profound appreciation for these beings. He taught us to recite a poem, ‘Elephants are very big’,” shared Sokha.
He further extolled the virtues of elephants, highlighting their compatibility with humans and their deep-seated emotions.
“These gentle giants can undertake tasks beyond human capabilities. They have an innate sense which aids them in guiding people through forests, ensuring our well-being,” he stressed.
In 2015, Chenda and her family embarked on a mission. Witnessing the plight of elephants with villagers who couldn’t afford their upkeep, they took it upon themselves to purchase these elephants.
The upkeep wasn’t cheap – as Chenda informed The Post, a single elephant consumes around 300 kilograms of food each day and demands the care of up to eight mahouts.
Recognising an opportunity in eco-tourism and driven by the passion to maintain a thriving elephant population in Ratanakkiri, Chenda established the Airavata Elephant Foundation in 2017.
Financially, the foundation saw significant support up till 2018, including a generous donation of $20,000 from the Queen Mother and an additional $5,000 from an annual fundraiser.
The Ministry of Environment further bolstered this with an annual $20,000 contribution. These combined funds, along with the gala’s proceeds, managed to offset 20 to 30 per cent of the total expenses.
Chenda elaborated at the gal: “Monetary contributions from our supporters primarily go into procuring food for the elephants, ensuring the mahouts and other staff are compensated, and furthering developments at our elephant sanctuary”.
But Chenda’s vision for the Airavata Elephant Foundation doesn’t stop there. Her blueprint for the future encompasses constructing a guesthouse within the conservation region, paving a concrete path leading up to O’ka Tieng waterfall, and setting up key facilities such as washrooms, toilets, and even a restaurant.
