The Pass It On Phnom Penh event is set for Saturday, May 3; donations can be dropped off at the Tin Hat anytime prior. Supplied
A community-led charity event with a creative twist is set to take place on Saturday, May 3rd at The Tin Hat in Toul Tom Poung, all in support of the Sorn Foundation, a Cambodian non-profit working to empower women and uplift vulnerable families.
This week’s donation drive gives Phnom Penh residents a chance to give back, connect and make a real impact. With the Sorn Foundation at the heart of the initiative, all funds raised will go directly to supporting their work in Cambodia.
The Sorn Foundation, co-founded by Nicola Clements and Somphors Sorn (both in white) provides free Khmer and English lessons to some of the Kingdom’s most vulnerable. Supplied
Give, grab a beer, and win
From now until May 3, locals are encouraged to drop off gently-used or spare clothes, books, gadgets and household goods at The Tin Hat. On the big day, the best donations will be featured in a pop-up charity sale from 2.30–5.30pm, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to the Sorn Foundation. To sweeten the deal, anyone who donates a bag on the day receives a free beer (while stocks last), and the donor of the highest-selling item will win a special prize and a shoutout.
The evening will continue with a lively $2 charity quiz with a mix of rounds covering geography, lyrics, Cambodian trivia and even a comedy storytelling round.
“The Sorn Foundation is doing vital grassroots work supporting women and children in rural Cambodia, and this event is about getting the wider Phnom Penh community involved. Whether you’re donating a bag, coming for the quiz or just spreading the word, it all helps,” explained Tom Starkey, Strategic Partnerships Advisor for the Sorn Foundation.
Tom, who is also the founder of Cambodia Lifestyle, added that his company will be helping to promote the event on their platform and sponsoring a prize on the night.
They also ensure that learning is fun, as can be seen from their celebrations of the recent Khmer New Year. Supplied
The Sorn Foundation: Changing lives through education
Founded by Somphors Sorn from Cambodia and Nicola Clements from the UK, the Sorn Foundation is a grassroots charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and social exclusion in rural Cambodia. Based in Takeo province, the foundation provides free education to children, offering English and Khmer lessons, life skills and a safe space to grow. Their mission is to empower individuals with the tools they need to build a better future through education and community development programs.
What began as Somphors teaching local children under a tree has evolved into a fully registered school, built from the ground up with the help of dedicated supporters. The foundation has taught over 70 children, provided school supplies, food, and internet access and supported local students in pursuing higher education.
In addition to education, the foundation focuses on reducing violence against women through grassroots education and training initiatives. Programmes include women’s rights awareness, parenting support and sustainable living projects such as vegetable growing and livestock rearing.
Liverpudlians Jane and John Ryan first visited the Sorn Foundation in 2018. Supplied
A venue with character: The Tin Hat
Located in the popular Toul Tom Poung neighbourhood, The Tin Hat is known for its laid-back charm and community spirit. More than a bar, it’s also home to an in-house barber salon, and hosts everything from live music nights, weekend BBQS and curated events that support good causes. It is also known as the home of the loudest supporters of English Premier League champions Liverpool Football Club.
Scousers John and Jane Ryan, the owners of the bar, have long been supporters of the Sorn Foundation. In 2023 , they even dedicated their efforts at the Angkor Half Marathon to raising money for a new tuk-tuk to deliver the kids to school.
As it turned out, the cash they raised ended up going towards a shade sail for the children’s playground, ensuring the little ones could enjoy creative play rain or shine.
Jane joked it felt good to literally put a roof over the kids’ heads.
“When Tom got in touch with us about hosting Pass It On, we didn’t think twice. We first visited the Sorn Foundation in 2018, and the work they do is amazing,” explained John.
“With everything Cambodia has given us, we are always pleased to give something back. This is especially true at such a grassroots level, where we know any resources we can muster will be put to good use ensuring these kids have the best possible futures,” he added.
He encouraged people to have a think about what they might be able to spare.
Every little bit is appreciated, and donations can be dropped off anytime during the Tin Hat opening hours (3.30pm til late, earlier opening hours on Saturdays; closed on Tuesdays).
Of course, donations can also be made on the day, whether clothes, books, accessories, kitchenware or other quality items.
