Celebrating Connections Across Borders
From November 12 to December 4, 2024, Bernard Kervyn, Mekong Plus’ founder and Ho Tiêu Dan, the director at Mekong Quilts, embarked on an exciting journey to North America, with the mission of strengthening existing partnerships, connecting with the Vietnamese diaspora, and laying the groundwork for future fundraising initiatives. This ambitious trip, spanning key cities in Canada and the United States, was more than just about meetings and networking—it was about telling the story of resilience, hope, and empowerment emerging from the rural communities in Vietnam and Cambodia.
The Purpose of the Journey
For over 30 years, Mekong Plus has been a champion of rural empowerment, focusing on women’s rights, education, and sustainable development. This trip had a clear goal: to broaden the reach of their impactful work by fostering new relationships with potential donors, NGOs, and organizations that could contribute to their mission.
The Vietnamese and Cambodian diaspora, with its deep-rooted emotional and cultural connection to their homeland, represents a powerful and untapped resource. Many members of these communities are eager to give back and help rebuild their country. Bernard and Dan’s outreach focused on showcasing how Mekong Plus ensures that all contributions are handled transparently and lead to tangible, measurable results. Unfortunately, due to logistical challenges, they were unable to connect much with the Cambodian diaspora this time, but future efforts will aim to build those crucial connections as well.
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Exploring New Horizons: Key Destinations
The journey took Bernard and Dan across multiple key cities such as Montreal, Ottawa, Los Angeles, Eugene, and Portland. Each of these locations presented unique opportunities, challenges, and insights.
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Montreal: Strengthening Trust
In Montreal, the team met with influential members of the Vietnamese community who expressed strong emotional ties to Vietnam. While there was a shared desire to support their homeland, several individuals voiced concerns about corruption and how funds are sometimes managed in international aid efforts. Bernard and Dan addressed these concerns by providing concrete examples of Mekong Plus’ transparent operations and success stories. Their discussions provided an opportunity to reframe skepticism into support.
An exciting breakthrough came with the discovery of Myriad Canada, a platform offering fundraising opportunities with tax credits for donors. This connection opens up new avenues for Mekong Plus to engage with Canadian supporters, making it easier for donors to contribute while ensuring they can benefit from tax incentives. Myriad has invited us to contact their branch in Singapore and Australia.
Eugene: Inspiring the Next Generation
The University of Oregon in Eugene was a particularly significant stop on this journey. The meeting was made possible thanks to a former visitor to Mekong Quilts and in the delta: Ms.Hope Clifton, a genuinely motivated and dynamic person! Here, Bernard and Dan presented the work of Mekong Plus to a group of motivated students eager to become involved in social change. Their enthusiasm underscored the growing interest in global development and sustainable giving among younger generations. The presentation, which was also made available online, sparked interest and built awareness around the Mekong Plus mission, providing valuable exposure among future advocates and potential partners. Ms. Dyana Mason, Director of the Master of Nonprofit Management program, offered a warm welcome and made suggestions for further visits.
Portland: Building Collaborative Communities
Portland offered a different kind of opportunity. The team met with Vietnamese-American business leaders, including those at Dragonberry Produce, who showed a strong commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit Vietnam. There was a shared sense of community, and many wanted to bring together the local Vietnamese population to support impactful causes back home. These conversations highlighted the importance of grassroots movements, where local leaders actively engage in the efforts of organizations like Mekong Plus, creating a ripple effect in the community.
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Orange County: Learning from Goodwill’s Social Impact Model
During the trip, Mekong Quilts had the extraordinary opportunity to visit Goodwill, a leading social enterprise committed to creating employment opportunities and fostering community support for those in need. This visit offered valuable insights into balancing business operations with social responsibility, as well as fresh perspectives on sustainable solutions.
Hearing personal stories from individuals at Goodwill—people who regained confidence and hope through meaningful employment—was profoundly inspiring. Their approach reinforced the belief that impactful change stems from acts of sharing and mutual support. Such exchanges motivate Mekong Quilts to further its mission of creating opportunities for rural women in Vietnam through unique handmade products, and the hope is to foster collaborations that amplify shared values.
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Challenges and Insights
While the trip was successful in fostering new connections, it also revealed several challenges. One recurring theme was the skepticism surrounding how aid reaches its intended recipients. Many members of the diaspora were concerned about the effectiveness of international NGOs in bringing about real change: the weight of the bureaucracy, prejudices from party officials… Bernard and Dan were well-prepared to address these concerns with evidence of Mekong Plus’ clear, results-oriented approach to rural development.
The trip also exposed the vast disparities in cost of living between North American cities and the rural communities that Mekong Plus serves. This contrast is a poignant reminder of how much work remains to be done in bridging the gap between wealthier nations and the impoverished regions Mekong Plus supports.
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The Importance of Transparency
A key lesson from the trip was the critical need for transparency in the nonprofit sector. Diaspora members and potential donors are more likely to contribute if they can see direct, measurable outcomes from their contributions. Mekong Plus’ focus on transparency in all their operations, from fundraising to project implementation, was highlighted throughout the journey.
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The Disparity in Wealth
The differences in the cost of living between cities like Los Angeles and rural Vietnam further emphasize the challenge of fundraising in such contexts. However, it also provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses from wealthier communities to play a significant role in bridging that gap by offering more support to those in need.
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Stories That Stay With You
One of the most emotional moments during the trip occurred in Montreal, where retired Vietnamese individuals shared their dream of returning to Vietnam, though under the condition of a political change in the country. This poignant conversation reflects the complexities of the relationship between the diaspora and their homeland, underscoring the emotional factors that influence charitable giving.
On a more positive note, in Portland, the business leaders’ eagerness to collaborate and unite their community around Mekong Plus’ mission was inspiring. It served as a reminder of the collective power of local communities, and how effective grassroots efforts can be in supporting sustainable development.
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Laying the Foundation for Future Fundraising
The purpose of the trip was not necessarily to secure immediate donations, but rather to build the groundwork for future campaigns. The lessons learned and the relationships formed will shape Mekong Plus’ strategy as they continue to raise awareness and funds in 2025. Key takeaways include:
- Transparency – Trust is earned when donors can see exactly how their contributions are making a difference.
- Tailored Messaging – Connecting on an emotional level is essential when reaching out to the diaspora community. Highlighting tangible outcomes resonates deeply.
- The Power of Storytelling – Sharing personal stories, along with compelling visuals, is one of the most effective ways to engage potential supporters.
This trip was a first and exploratory step. Mekong Plus is now following up with these contacts to determine which groups could benefit from a second visit, this time with Vietnamese fundraisers. Many in Canada and the USA commented on how Mekong Plus could achieve seemingly impossible results for local Vietnamese teams. Of course, this isn’t true—quite the opposite. The local teams run the projects exceptionally well, often better than any foreigner could hope to.
Vietnamese fundraisers have also successfully raised funds from groups where they clearly make a difference. To date, they have contributed over 30% of the total budget. The goal is for local fundraising efforts to reach 50% or more in 2025, showcasing the strength and capability of Mekong Plus’ local teams.
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How You Can Support Mekong Plus
Mekong Plus’ work thrives because of the support it receives from compassionate individuals and communities who believe in creating lasting change. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate: Your contributions directly fund vital education, healthcare, and livelihood programs for rural communities in Vietnam and Cambodia.
- Shop at Mekong Quilts: Every purchase helps provide women artisans with income and opportunities for a better future.
- Join Mekong Bike Tours and Cruises: Enjoy an unforgettable experience in Southeast Asia while supporting local communities.
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Celebrating 30 Years of Impact
As Mekong Plus celebrates its 30th anniversary, this journey to North America serves as a powerful reminder of the organization’s mission to build bridges across borders and create sustainable change. The stories shared, the relationships built, and the lessons learned will continue to shape the future of Mekong Plus as it grows and expands its impact. By uniting people from all walks of life, Mekong Plus shows that the spirit of giving and compassion transcends boundaries.
Let’s continue to write this story together—one partnership, one act of kindness, and one empowered community at a time.
