Smoke Free Organization Declaration Ceremony in ADRA Kompong Thom office

On May 30, 250 ADRA staff and community members, including 10 Buddhist monks, joined in a march that started at the health department Operational District office and referral hospital and walked about 2.5 kilometers to the ADRA Child Survival Project office.

After the parade, the Chief of the Baray District, Mr. Bun Chhoun stated, “as chief of the district, I strongly support the ADRA leadership which has decided to declare itself as a Smoke Free organization because cigarettes are one of addictive drugs which destroy both people’s health and economy.  I would like to suggest that all smokers quit smoking from today on and that those who are not smoking yet do not try or test cigarettes.”

 “I am very proud of the ADRA board of directors who had decided to declared itself to be a Smoke Free organization,” stated Pastor Hang Dara, representative of the Cambodia Adventist Mission.  “As you know, ADRA and the Mission are working closely to promote Cambodian’s health.  The Bible tells us very clearly about making healthy choices and cigarettes are not good for you and they will destroy your health, waste your money and increase poverty.”