Background | Needs How The Foundation Works | How Organisations Can Apply |
The idea for the Kim Foundation International grew out of Kim Phuc's visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Kim and Ron discussed their experiences and the importance of the Vietnam Memorial as a symbol of reconciliation concerning the war for Americans, and the important role the Memorial was playing in healing the nations wounds from the war. While the Wall brings honour and dignity to those who served and died in Vietnam, it is also a lasting symbol for future generations, reminding them what wars can do to a nation. The Memorial not only deals with reconciliation, but also the need for peace and the avoidance of wars, which put the lives of innocent children in harms way. Kims journey to the Vietnam Memorial brought some closure to the Vietnam War and the attack on her village. When Kim spoke at the Wall, and she met Captain John Plummer, a pilot who helped coordinate the air strike on her village, she forgave him. In essence, that meeting represents Kim and her message of forgiveness. Today, Kim remains in close contact with John Plummer who is now a minister living in Virginia. Now Kim lives in the Toronto area of Canada with her husband and two sons, Thomas and Stephen. In 1997 UNESCO named her a Goodwill Ambassador for Peace. She is also an Honorary Member of Kingston Rotary, an Honorary Member of St. Albert Rotary, a member of the Advisory Board for the Wheelchair Foundation, an Honorary Member of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, a Member of the Advisory Board of Free Children's Foundation in Canada, and the World Children's Center in Atlanta, Ga, USA. Kim is also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the 2004 "Order of Ontario."
The U.N. estimates that 2 million children were killed and 6 million were severely injured or permanently disabled in armed conflicts during the last decade. Parts of 68 nations are infested with millions of landmines and other hidden explosives that can blind, maim, or kill when handled, stepped on, or kicked by the innocent or unwary. Chemical weapons used during wars continue to cause birth defects. Land that was once under attack is now deemed too toxic to live in or farm on. Lack of vaccinations and other medicines during extended periods of conflict has resulted in polio and other crippling diseases.
The Kim Foundation International is a private charitable organization that is dedicated to providing funds to support the work of international organizations that provide free medical assistance to children who are victims of war and terrorism. Such organizations might manufacture prosthetic and orthopedic devices for children; fit children with those devices; provide therapy, medication, wheelchairs, and rehabilitative services; or help families, schools, and other institutions find ways to support the efforts of disabled children to become full members of their communities.
![]() Organizations with a history of providing effective services to disabled children around the world are invited to apply for funding to supporting their existing programs, or to develop new programs serving children. Proposals can be mailed to:
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