The past six months has been up, down and exceptionally challenging for Glen and Project Karma. But this week has seen some of that hard work come to fruition.
I spoke to Glen about the challenges as well as how the travel industry continues to back this important cause:
So what’s been happening the past couple of months?
roomsXML gets an update on Project Karma from Glen.
“We’ve been developing cases in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines and received an influx of reports through our intelligence network. We are coordinating campaigns to launch teams in these locations to support recently appointed ‘on the ground’ coordinators. It’s a lot to do on a shoe-string budget.”
I understand you have had excellent support again from the travel industry.
The Australian travel industry has contributed significantly to saving numerous kids from a life of hell.
The Australian travel industry has provided funds and support which has directly led to known paedophiles being tracked down, deported and charged.
Last year through introduction by KarryOn and roomsXML, we got brilliant support from Gate7 which lay the foundations in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines as well as underpinned the successful Walbran investigation, assist Cambodia Childrens Fund Child Protection Unit to track down and arrest fugitive Belgium child sex offended Peter Cuelen.
KarryOn’s director Matt Leedham has featured numerous articles in the travel trade and he has made person financial contributions to Project Karma activities. It’s phenomenal.
Just last week TravelManagers Australia gave me a free return flight to Thailand to assist with operations there.
A massive thanks goes to Luke Vaughan who not only facilitated the TravelManagers support, but who assists myself and other Project Karma staff in booking flights and dealing with the constant changes in itineraries and helping us when stuck in an airport at ungodly hours.
The Australian travel industry is making this happen. I can’t say thanks enough.
I understand it’s not only the Australian travel industry who is now backing you?
We have formed a strategic partnership with APLE Suisse and welcome them as a donor partner.
APLE “Action Pour Les Enfants” (Action for Children); a Swiss based philanthropic organisation sponsoring Non Government Organisations protecting children’s rights and combating child sexual exploitation.
We are proud to be associated with and recognised by such a reputable organisation. It’s a massive recognition for us.
I understand Project Karma has been involved in setting up some more convictions – what else can you tell me?
A known paedophile is currently working as a school teacher in Thailand, surrounded by kids of the same age he has previously been found guilty of molesting. This is regardless of Thai authorities saying they will tighten the controls on teachers reaching Thailand.
I cannot divulge much more detail but with the arrest pending, this is the case that TravelManagers have provided the flight for me to help with closure. I will also be attending a planned press conference there after the fact and fielding the expected large international media interest in the story.
So Travel Industry – well done, but don’t rest yet.
Click here for information on how your business or organisation can become a Project Karma donor partner.