The idea for the Kim Foundation International grew out of Kim Phuc's visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

When Kim accepted an invitation to visit the Memorial on Veterans Day in 1996, she met Ron Gibbs, an Army Infantry Captain in Vietnam in 1971-72 who directed the legislation that established the Memorial through Congress. As a Board member for the Fund, Ron escorted Kim to the Memorial and assisted the production crew that was filming "Kim's Story: The Road from Vietnam", the Canadian documentary about Kim's life.

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 nation’s 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 harm’s way.

Kim’s 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."

Background | Needs How The Foundation Works | How Organisations Can Apply

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.

Programs to help children disabled by war exist, but the resources available to support them fall far short of meeting the need. Many children who could use prosthetic and orthotic devices that would allow them to lead more normal lives cannot obtain them, because the demand for these devices is great and the costs are often high. Physically and mentally disabled children are isolated and kept out of schools, because the schools, and sometimes their families, don't understand how to include them. In the developing world, less than one percent of children with special needs are able to benefit from the educational system in their country.

Background | Needs How The Foundation Works | How Organisations Can Apply

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.

Background | Needs How The Foundation Works | How Organisations Can Apply

Background | Needs How The Foundation Works | How Organisations Can Apply