Granny Thuy Charity Fund · Cambodia

Art of Kindness

Bringing dignity, care and belonging to elderly people in rural Cambodia — one warm meal, one gentle conversation, one home at a time.

Founded by artist Samalia Swan

Portrait drawing of Granny Thuy by Samalia Swan
Granny Thuy Koh Phangan · April 2024

Our founding story

A pen sketch that became a promise.

In April 2024, on a humid evening at the Night Market of Koh Phangan, artist Samalia Swan sat down to draw a quiet Cambodian grandmother selling banana cakes.

When Samalia posted a short reel about this story, it went viral. Strangers from every corner of the world wrote to ask how they could help. The answer became Granny Thuy Charity Fund — and a small but stubborn promise to look after the elderly who had been forgotten by everyone else.

In May 2025, Granny Thuy passed away peacefully. Her spirit lives on in every food package, every repaired roof, every community dinner we hold across the villages of Cambodia.

Watch the early YouTube diary videos

Impact in real time

Numbers that are actually people.

0 Elders currently supported
0 Monthly food packages delivered
0 Homes built or renovated
0 Community dinners held

Numbers are updated monthly. Every digit here has a name, a village and a face.

How your support helps

Small acts of kindness, lasting impact

Every contribution becomes nourishment, healthcare, community and shelter for elderly people living in rural Cambodia — and helps tell their stories to the world.

Elder receiving a warm meal 01

Nourishment & Stability

Monthly food support and regular assistance for elderly people living in rural Cambodia.

Caring for elder's health 02

Dignity & Care

Helping cover essential needs including healthcare access, clothing, and basic necessities.

Community gathering of elders 03

Belonging

Creating heartfelt community gatherings and shared meals so no one feels alone.

Safe home for elders 04

Safe Shelter

Supporting the repair and construction of safe, dignified homes for vulnerable elders.

Real stories

Before & after kindness.

These are not statistics. These are the grandparents your donation reaches first — in their homes, in their villages, in their lifetimes.

Granny Seng before support
Before
Granny Seng after support
After

Granny Seng

78 · SIEM REAP

We found Granny Seng on the streets, pushing a heavy cart just to survive. She was drowning in dept. We paid off every single debt she carried and gave her a monthly pension, so she could finally stop surviving and start living again.

Butsi before support
Before
Butsi after support
After

Granny Thuy

83 · KOH Phangan

The story of Granny Thuy is a powerful testament to what community can do. We cleared every debt that weighed her down, rebuilt her home with care, and gave her a monthly pension, so she could finally feel safe, seen, and loved again.

Grandma Jin before support
Before
Grandma Jin after support
After

Grandma Jin

75 · cAMBODIAN VILLAGE

Granny Jin used to live in a broken hut that flooded every time it rained. Every morning started with scooping water out. We built her a brand new house: a safe and beautiful place she can finally call home.

Transparency

You deserve to see where your kindness goes.

We publish every donation, every receipt, every flight ticket and every bag of rice. Our books are open because trust is the only currency that matters. Granny Thuy Charity Fund is registered as an ASBL in Luxembourg — your contributions are documented and accountable.

Our team

Three people, one stubborn mission.

Stories from the Village

Real Moments of Kindness

Small moments that stay in the heart

Grandma Sarun and Sieb at a French restaurant
A First Time

First Time in a French Restaurant

For the first time in their lives, Grandma Sarun and Sieb had dinner in a French restaurant. Simple joy, pure gratitude, warm hearts.

Read the moment
Village elders gathered for a shared dinner outdoors
Together

Evening Under the Sky

We gathered the village elders for a shared dinner — laughter, stories, and warm food under the evening sky. A night of simple joy and connection.

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Volunteers distributing food to elderly villagers
One Year

One Year of Care

With the support of our donors, we have been feeding elderly villagers for One Year — and we're committed to continuing this mission.

Read the moment
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