Lifestart Foundation

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Lifestart Foundation Lifestart Foundation helps those living in challenging situations in Vietnam to be self-sufficient.

Lifestart Foundation is a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating sustainable pathways out of poverty for disadvantaged individuals and families in Vietnam. Established in 2000 by Australian humanitarian Karen Leonard OAM, and supported by a passionate team of volunteers, the Foundation adopts a holistic, long-term approach to improving lives and empowering communities. Our work is focused on enabling self-sufficiency through access to education and targeted programs that drive meaningful, generational change. We deliver a range of impactful initiatives including:
• Education scholarships for academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Clean water projects providing safe drinking water to remote communities
• Vocational training programs that provide practical skills and sustainable income opportunities
• Housing projects and safe accommodation
• Medical assistance and health support services
• Transportation aid and emergency relief programs
• Technology Access initiative providing Laptops to disadvantaged students

As a registered charity in both Australia and Vietnam, Lifestart Foundation ensures that 100% of donations directly support philanthropic projects within Vietnam. We are proud to be recognised as a Deductible Gift Recipient under Australian tax law, meaning all donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. At Lifestart Foundation, we believe in building brighter futures - one life, one family, and one community at a time.

𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐘 is very happy to share that our Medical Scholarship recipient, Ly, has recently received a va...
26/09/2026

𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐘

is very happy to share that our Medical Scholarship recipient, Ly, has recently received a valuable donation – a much-needed laptop to support her studies.

Like many of our students from disadvantaged backgrounds, access to essential educational tools such as a laptop is often beyond reach. This support plays an important role in helping students fully engage with their studies and reach their potential.

Ly is currently a fifth-year General Medicine student at Danang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy. She comes from a humble family in Quang Nam Province, where she lives with her mother and older sister. Her mother, now nearly 70 years old, has been the family's sole provider for many years, despite living with multiple serious health conditions that have made work increasingly difficult.

Growing up, Ly witnessed her mother endure illness while often delaying medical treatment because of financial hardship. This experience inspired her determination to pursue a career in medicine, with the hope of one day helping others facing similar circumstances.

Despite these ongoing challenges, Ly has remained committed to her studies. She dedicates 6–10 hours each day to self-study and achieved an excellent GPA of 3.6/4.0 in the first semester of her fifth year.

Before receiving this laptop, Ly often had to borrow her older sister's computer to complete assignments, making it difficult to study independently or access learning materials whenever she needed them. Tight deadlines often meant waiting for the computer to become available, limiting both her productivity and opportunities to develop important digital skills.

Now, with her new laptop provided through the support of Lifestart Foundation, Ly can study more independently and efficiently. She is able to research medical resources, attend online learning, complete assignments more effectively and strengthen the technology skills that are increasingly essential for her future career as a doctor.

Receiving the laptop came as a complete surprise to Ly. She shared that it was a gift she never imagined she would be fortunate enough to receive. More than simply a study tool, she sees it as a doorway to new opportunities and a source of encouragement to continue pursuing her dream. She is deeply grateful to Karen, our generous donors and the Lifestart Foundation team for believing in her and providing support that will have a lasting impact on her education.

We are inspired by Ly's resilience and determination, and we are proud to support her as she continues working towards her dream of becoming a doctor. At Lifestart Foundation, we believe that education, combined with the right support and opportunities, can truly transform lives.

Thank you to our generous supporters for making this meaningful support possible.

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Please click on the link here to read more about Ly: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1388814269945481&set=a.628466192646963

Liking our page or sharing and liking this post will help to spread the word.

If you like and support what Lifestart Foundation is doing across so many projects please consider a donation, joining our Monthly Members Club or running a fundraising event for us www.lifestartfoundation.org.au

𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒! 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐇 𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝟒.𝟎 𝐆𝐏𝐀! Lifestart Foundation is delighted to celebrate another outstand...
25/09/2026

𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒! 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐇 𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝟒.𝟎 𝐆𝐏𝐀!

Lifestart Foundation is delighted to celebrate another outstanding achievement by Minh Thanh, a dedicated scholarship student studying General Medicine at Danang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy.

After earning a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0 in the second semester of Year 3, Thanh has done it again! During the recent second semester of Year 4, he once again achieved a perfect 𝐆𝐏𝐀 𝐨𝐟 𝟒.𝟎/𝟒.𝟎, earning A level marks in every subject, including all of his clinical assessments.

This semester, Thanh completed four demanding specialist subjects focused on Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology:
- Paediatrics 1
- Paediatrics 2
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2

Over nearly five months, Thanh balanced hospital clinical placements, lectures, overnight shifts, and countless hours of self-study. Achieving a perfect GPA once is impressive, but repeating it in consecutive years while undertaking increasingly demanding clinical training is truly exceptional.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐡'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬?

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 – After each day at university and hospital, Thanh dedicates another 4–5 hours to self-study. On his days off, he often studies 11–13 hours, ensuring he not only remembers the material but truly understands it.

𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦 – Alongside his university placements, Thanh voluntarily spends one day each week assisting his surgical mentor at Da Nang Hospital, gaining valuable experience in gastrointestinal surgery - the specialty he hopes to pursue in the future.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 – Although proud of his academic achievements, Thanh believes that understanding medicine deeply and developing excellent clinical skills matter far more than simply earning high marks.

𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 – From early morning ward rounds and afternoon lectures to overnight hospital shifts and demanding examinations, Thanh has embraced every challenge with resilience, knowing each experience brings him one step closer to becoming the doctor he dreams of being.

Congratulations once again, Thanh! Achieving a perfect GPA for a second consecutive year is an extraordinary accomplishment. Everyone at Lifestart Foundation is incredibly proud of your dedication, perseverance, and passion for medicine. We look forward to watching you continue to excel as you move closer to achieving your dream of becoming a surgeon.

Please click on the links below to learn more about Thanh’s journey:

🔸Introducing Thanh:
https://www.facebook.com/TheLifestartFoundation/photos/a.485561648156026/962568363788683/
🔸Meet Thanh – Doctor of the Future:
https://www.facebook.com/TheLifestartFoundation/posts/5569422483103225
🔸Hamper Box Donation for Thanh: https://www.facebook.com/TheLifestartFoundation/posts/4104423552936466
🔸A semester of success for Thanh: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1259372496222993&set=a.628466192646963

Liking our page or sharing and liking this post will help to spread the word.

If you like and support what Lifestart Foundation is doing across so many projects please consider a donation, joining our Monthly Members Club, or running a fundraising event for us www.lifestartfoundation.org.au

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐌𝐈𝐃-𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋! - Tet Trung Thu - In Vietnam, Mid Autumn Festival can be considered the second biggest festi...
25/09/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐌𝐈𝐃-𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋!
- Tet Trung Thu - In Vietnam, Mid Autumn Festival can be considered the second biggest festival after the Tet holiday (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and it is a special time for children.

The Mid-Autumn festival dates back to the Rice Civilization of the Red River delta, over 4,000 years ago. It is a fantastic and charming celebration with its history and is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (often in late September or early October) in the middle of autumn and it is celebrated for a whole day. If you look at the moon on this day, you will see that its orbit is at its lowest angle to the horizon, and this makes the moon appear brighter and larger than at any other time of the year. The observation of this phenomenon called for a festival filled with joy and entertainment, in honor of the beautiful full moon.

Some say that the festival began during the reign of King Duong Minh Hoang in China, at the beginning of the 8th century. According to ancient manuscripts, the Emperor often wished to visit the Palace on the Moon, so, with the help of a magician, he was taken to the Moon and welcomed by a lot of beautiful fairies. He expressed his admiration for their dance, which was called Nghe Thuong Vu Y, and tried to memorize it. Later on, upon his return, he accidentally found that there were similarities between Nghe Thuong Vu Y and Ba La Mon styles. So he combined the two songs and dances and gradually introduced the new style to everyone in his far-ruling countries.

The tradition of watching the moon, accompanied by the dance and songs, later became a traditional event in the Mid-Autumn celebration. On this day, the adults and the parents prepare many different foods - Moon cakes, candies, biscuits, jellies, and fruit, such as grapefruit, longan fruit, bananas, apples, mango, etc.
cakes “Banh Trung Thu” are specific cakes and are only found during this festival. These cakes are very rich and are filled with lotus seeds, ground beans, and egg yolk, though there are other varieties. Moon cakes are the most important traditional food related to Tet Trung Thu, and they are massively popular.

The other most visible tradition related to Tet Trung Thu is the dance. On the nights leading up to the holiday groups of children parade through the streets – some of the children maintain a martial beat on drums, while others control an extravagantly decorated ‘lion’ crafted from molds and paper. The children approach homes and businesses and ask the owners for their permission to perform. If they agree, the children put on a show that is believed to bring a blessing of luck and fortune. Afterward, the host gives the children lucky money as a sign of gratitude.
Perhaps the most picturesque place in Vietnam to experience Mid Autumn Festival is in Hoi An. The Hoi An old quarter comes alive during Mid-Autumn Festival with folk games on the streets and floating lanterns on the river running through the town, making for a magical atmosphere. Adding to the festivities are groups of lion dancers who engage in mock dance battles in a contest of skills, involving the coordinated efforts of up to a dozen people performing a mixture of rhythmic dance and acrobatics.

Let’s enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An, Vietnam through these beautiful images from previous years' events.

Liking our page or sharing and liking this post will help to spread the word.

If you like and support what Lifestart Foundation is doing across so many projects please consider a donation, joining our Monthly Members Club, or running a fundraising event for us www.lifestartfoundation.org.au

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐃𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐥 (𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟕–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)The Lifestart Foundation team extends its heartfelt...
24/09/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫
𝐃𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐥 (𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟕–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)

The Lifestart Foundation team extends its heartfelt gratitude to Don Cracknell for his steadfast support and remarkable generosity. His kindness and enduring legacy will continue to fund transformative projects that uplift communities and change lives.

Don’s connection to Vietnam began when his daughter-in-law volunteered as a physiotherapist with the Lifestart Foundation many years ago. This sparked a deep interest in the country and its people, particularly those facing significant disadvantage. Over the years, Don became a committed supporter of Lifestart’s initiatives, visiting Vietnam several times and forming a heartfelt bond with its culture and people.

Through Lifestart Foundation, Don dedicated himself to improving the lives of families and students by funding vital initiatives in housing, transport, and education. His extraordinary contributions include:

🔸160 emergency relief hampers for families in need
🔸63 bicycles and 3 electric bikes for improved mobility
🔸2 clean water systems for access to safe drinking water for hundreds of children and families
🔸5 kitchen and bathroom projects for families lacking basic facilities
🔸Supporting one General Medicine student through university to graduation

Don’s life journey was just as remarkable. Raised in and around Melbourne, he trained as an electrician with the Railways before pursuing studies in Christian Education and Theology. After marrying his wife, Meryl, in 1964, Don dedicated nine years to mission work in Papua New Guinea. Upon returning to Australia in 1977, he served in various parishes with the Uniting Church, focusing on Christian education and ministry. In 2013, Don retired to Warragul, Victoria, where he continued to inspire others with his compassion and dedication.

Even in his passing, Don’s generosity of spirit endures, leaving a legacy of hope and transformation that will touch countless lives for years to come.

With gratitude and respect,
The Lifestart Foundation Team

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🌟 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘, 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 🌟

Dear Lifestart Foundation Community,

We invite you to leave a lasting impact by considering a bequest to Lifestart Foundation in your will. Your generosity can ensure that our mission continues to thrive, leaving a legacy of positive change for generations to come.

💙 Why Choose a Bequest? A bequest is a powerful way to support Lifestart Foundation. By including us in your will, you contribute to building a better future for those in need.

📜 How to Include Lifestart Foundation in Your Will:
1️⃣ Speak to your legal advisor to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected.
2️⃣ Specify Lifestart Foundation's details: [Include Lifestart Foundations legal name, address, and any specific instructions].
3️⃣ Let us know! We would love to express our gratitude and welcome you to our Legacy Circle.

🙏 Thank you for being the heartbeat of Lifestart Foundation. Together, we can create a legacy of compassion and change.

For more information or to notify us of your bequest, please visit www.lifestartfoundation.org.au or contact us directly.

- Monthly Giving: Join The Club!- Great satisfaction.- Convenience.- Flexibility.- Reduced paperwork and overhead ex...
23/09/2026

- Monthly Giving: Join The Club!

- Great satisfaction.
- Convenience.
- Flexibility.
- Reduced paperwork and overhead expenses.
- Periodic updates.
- Tax Deductibility.

http://www.lifestartfoundation.org.au/donate/

Lifestart Foundation Inc. is a Deductible Gift Recipient under Australian tax law. All donations exceeding $2 are an allowable tax deduction to the donor. Donations are via Paypal and charged in AUD.

For more information about our projects: www.lifestartfoundation.org.au

Liking our page or sharing and liking this post will help to spread the word.

If you like and support what Lifestart Foundation is doing across so many projects please consider a donation, joining our Monthly Members Club or running a fundraising event for us.

Visit and support our Online Store here: https://www.lifestartfoundation.org.au/get-involved/shop/

Are you interested in supporting 's efforts to help disadvantaged students and families in Vietnam? Why not hold a fund...
21/09/2026

Are you interested in supporting 's efforts to help disadvantaged students and families in Vietnam? Why not hold a fundraiser or start a "birthday pledge page"? In lieu of your upcoming birthday gifts, you could ask for a donation to Lifestart Foundation. Your network of family and friends will be excited to support your cause on your birthday! The personal connection and selfless sacrifice of one’s birthday is a great way to give back. To set up a birthday pledge page visit us at: https://www.lifestartfoundation.org.au/fundraise/

A few tips on your efforts:
1. It's best to start fundraising a few months prior to your birthday to get the ball rolling
2. Choose a catchy title, "$27 for my 27th Birthday"
3. Share your reason for donating to LSF
4. Include a photo
5. Email your link to all your family and friends

For more information about our projects: www.lifestartfoundation.org.au

Liking our page or sharing and liking this post will help to spread the word.

If you like and support what Lifestart Foundation is doing across so many projects please consider a donation, joining our Monthly Members Club or running a fundraising event for us.

Visit and support our Online Store here: https://www.lifestartfoundation.org.au/get-involved/shop/

19/09/2026

𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 - 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒
𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟒𝟕

Providing clean water for over 19,200 students to 48 remote schools in Central Vietnam.

https://youtu.be/UcXIxU6tK5g?si=I2GqutGgHz1vSS-5

Liking our page or sharing and liking this post will help to spread the word.

𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐇𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆 ️🎉We are delighted to welcome Hoang Khang as the n...
18/09/2026

𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐇𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆 ️🎉

We are delighted to welcome Hoang Khang as the newest recipient of a Lifestart Foundation Education Scholarship.

A Year 9 student from Quang Nam, Khang is an outstanding student who consistently ranks among the top students in his class. When he joined the Lifestart Foundation scholarship program, he had achieved an impressive academic average of 9.35 out of a possible 10. His favourite subject is Mathematics, and he dreams of one day becoming a civil engineer.

Khang's life changed forever when he lost his father due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, his mother has worked tirelessly in several jobs, including childcare, cleaning as well as serving at weddings and parties to support the family despite her own health challenges. Together with his grandmother, they do everything they can to make ends meet.

At just 14 years old, Hoang Khang is already carrying responsibilities far beyond his age. Outside of school, Khang spends hours helping with household chores, caring for his grandmother, and studying hard. Although he admits he is shy and sometimes lacks confidence, he continues to push himself forward, believing that education is the path to a brighter future.

💭 When asked what motivates him most, Khang gave a heartfelt answer:
"My motivation to study hard comes from my parents. It was my father's wish before he passed away."

Receiving a Lifestart Foundation scholarship will ease much of the financial pressure on Khang's family while providing him with the resources he needs to continue pursuing his education. Through comprehensive support, including tuition fees, health insurance, textbooks, stationery, school uniforms, and assistance with essential family needs, Lifestart Foundation is helping to create opportunities for Khang to focus on learning and building the future he dreams of.

Khang also hopes that one day he will be able to build a home for his mother, take her to places she has never had the chance to visit, and give back to the community through acts of kindness.

Please join us in welcoming Hoang Khang to the Lifestart Foundation family. We are honoured to walk alongside him as he works towards a future filled with opportunity, purpose, and hope.

💙 Together, we can help students like Khang turn determination into achievement.

📌 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://www.lifestartfoundation.org.au/2026/07/08/hoang-khangs-gratitude-letter/
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Liking our page or sharing this post helps spread the word.

If you support what Lifestart Foundation is doing across many projects, please consider making a donation, joining our Monthly Members Club, or organising a fundraising event for us.

More information can be found at www.lifestartfoundation.org.au

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞) 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟏 – 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐Eddie was an extraordinary supporter o...
17/09/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫
𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞) 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟏 – 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

Eddie was an extraordinary supporter of Lifestart Foundation's initiatives, including medical scholarships, clean water projects, life-saving medical equipment for Danang Women’s and Children’s Hospital, support for orphans, bicycle donations, and emergency food hampers. These are just some of the many wonderful donations over the years.

The Lifestart Foundation team will be forever grateful for Eddie’s unwavering support, his kindness, and his enduring legacy, where he has left provisions in his will to continue his philanthropy and the funding of future projects.

Eddie Smith, affectionately known as Eddie, was born in Coventry, UK, in 1941. Leaving school at the age of 15, he began an electrical apprenticeship that laid the foundation for his remarkable journey. In his late teens, he discovered a passion for boxing, excelling in the ring and winning most of his matches. This fighting spirit served him well in later years as he navigated the competitive Australian corporate world, where he often "punched above his weight."

In 1965, Eddie embarked on a life-changing journey to Australia. Travel at the time was an adventure; his flight took a week, stopping in South Africa, Singapore, and finally arriving in Perth, Western Australia. Wasting no time, Eddie found a job and accommodation almost immediately. He joined the Hammersley Rail Project in the remote Pilbara region, working in Dampier and living in a tent. He spent eight months at Camp 60, wiring the camp and its generators.

Eddie's next adventure took him to Saigon, Vietnam, where he worked at the airport. This experience sparked a lifelong connection to Vietnam and its people.

After gaining invaluable experience, Eddie established his own electrical contracting company, Elcos, which operated successfully from Western Australia, and expanded to Queensland. Later, he transitioned to a second highly successful career in the oil and gas industry.

Eddie faced significant health challenges, including surviving bowel cancer and, later, a major heart attack in 2009. His heart was severely damaged, requiring a transplant for long-term survival. In December 2009, he received the gift of a new heart, allowing him to embrace a new chapter of life.

Following his recovery, Eddie dedicated himself to philanthropy, supporting numerous charities both in Australia and abroad. He became a major donor to the Fiona Stanley Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation, the Fred Hollows Foundation, and many others. In 2013, Eddie founded the Karma Foundation, a registered charitable trust to support causes in Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, and Laos.

Eddie's connection to Vietnam deepened over the years, with frequent visits and hands-on involvement in philanthropic projects. His admiration for the resilience and history of the Vietnamese people fueled his efforts.

Known for his resourcefulness and intellect, Eddie combined his expertise as an electrician with astute business acumen. A self-educated and well-read man with a “get-it-done” attitude, Eddie was generous to those in need, always relating to their struggles.

Even in passing, Eddie’s generosity endures. True to his character, he established a trust fund to ensure his philanthropic legacy would continue well beyond his lifetime.

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🌟 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘, 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 🌟

Dear Lifestart Foundation Community,

We invite you to leave a lasting impact by considering a bequest to Lifestart Foundation in your will. Your generosity can ensure that our mission continues to thrive, leaving a legacy of positive change for generations to come.

💙 Why Choose a Bequest? A bequest is a powerful way to support Lifestart Foundation. By including us in your will, you contribute to building a better future for those in need.

📜 How to Include Lifestart Foundation in Your Will:
1️⃣ Speak to your legal advisor to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected.
2️⃣ Specify Lifestart Foundation's details: [Include Lifestart Foundations legal name, address, and any specific instructions].
3️⃣ Let us know! We would love to express our gratitude and welcome you to our Legacy Circle.

🙏 Thank you for being the heartbeat of Lifestart Foundation. Together, we can create a legacy of compassion and change.

For more information or to notify us of your bequest, please visit www.lifestartfoundation.org.au or contact us directly.

is celebrating a major milestone - 𝟐𝟕 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 to the disadvantaged community in Vietnam. We have grown from v...
16/09/2026

is celebrating a major milestone - 𝟐𝟕 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 to the disadvantaged community in Vietnam. We have grown from very humble beginnings to an organization that now delivers significant services to those most in need. Our success would not be possible without our dedicated staff and our amazing group of supporters from all corners of the world.

Liking our page or sharing and liking this post will help to spread the word.

If you like and support what Lifestart Foundation is doing across so many projects please consider a donation, joining our Monthly Members Club or running a fundraising event for us www.lifestartfoundation.org.au

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