Banyan Tree Organization
...to all who have donated so generously to our Cambodia projects.
Introduction
The Banyan Tree Organization (BTO) is a Not-For-Profit organization in Cambodia providing education and sanitation facilities to villagers and neighbouring people, mostly in the Provinces of Takeo and Kampot. Our schools teach English, sanitation and hygiene to over 525 students. At one of the schools, we teach computer skills on the weekend; at another school, we teach computer skills Monday to Friday from 4:30 - 6pm. And at another school, we teach Math and Khmer, along with the English lessons. BTO has 16 employees, all Cambodian.
BTO also organizes water projects in Cambodia - building toilets for impoverished village families; building toilets, handwashing stations, and digging wells for government schools; and digging wells and installing water towers for Health Centres to ensure that the Health Centres have clean water.
Many of these projects assist children of landmine victims. Over the years, many outreach programs have been undertaken to help these landmine affected families to become self-sufficient: sewing lessons with a sewing machine, crafts, a technology centre, and a weaving centre.
BTO also assists young girls to stay in school by supplying re-usable menses kits. To date, over 2,000 girls have received a kit (which with proper cleaning will last for 3 years).
Patti and Barbara are excited and optimistic about all of these projects and the fundraisers that we do every year. If you are unable to attend one of our fundraisers, but still wish to make a donation, we would be so grateful. Barbara and Patti are an Agency of a charity in Canada; as well, they have formed an alliance with a charity in the USA. As a result, all Canadian and USA donors can receive tax receipts, valid for their own country.
THANK YOU
Projects
Our 4th School - Completed!
Our fourth school has been completed and is ready for the students! 158 students attended January 22, 2018!
Student Sponsorship
We are currently sponsoring three students at university. This includes tuition and books.
Teacher Sponsorship
We are sponsoring one of our teachers to take additional university courses in English on a part-time basis over the next year.
Toilet Installations
We have now installed 18 toilets over the last 3 ½ years for 18 families in the villages near our schools. FIVE more toilets will be installed over the next year for five other families.
Cambodia & Our Projects Update
3rd Annual Culinary Experience Fundraiser - A Huge Success!. The Rotary Club of Toronto West (RCTW) in conjunction with the Canadian Landmine Foundation (CLMF) held a very successful fundraiser on June 12th at the Chef's House, part of George Brown College. Continued...
Thanks the Rotary District 7070 and 5 Rotary Clubs in District 7070 (Rotary Club of Toronto West, Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise, Rotary Club of Toronto, Whitby Rotary Club, Rotary Toronto Eglinton), seven (7) Health Centres now have clean water. Continued...
Thank you for your fantastic support this year! What a wonderful year it has been. Continued...
Thank You...
Our thanks to all the attendees, and RCTW & CLMF for their fantastic support at our 2nd Annual Culinary Experience Fundraiser. Huge thanks to our donors and sponsors: Ticketmaster, Bill Miles for Men, Cineplex, Newediuk Funeral Homes, the Village Players, Salon Allure, the Toronto Blue Jays, Jeff Starr of Remax, Gabby’s, the Chef's House, and the Canadian Landmine Foundation! Continued...
Our thanks to those who purchased Barbara Seagram's Three Part Slam Bidding Bridge Series lessons. Continued...
Eyeglasses to Cambodia
In February 2024, Patti Lee brought 150 pairs of eyeglasses with her on this trip. Many people in Cambodia cannot afford to get their eyes tested or to buy glasses. But thanks to some generous donors in Canada, Patti was able too! Continued...
Days For Girls
On January 22, 2024, 2 nurses, our Director Savin, teacher Sokha, my nephew David and I went to the school to do a distribution of Days for Girls (DfG) kits. 423 girls received DfG kits that day! Continued...
Save the Date! Sunday May 3rd, 2026: 1:30 pm
Join us for a unique and memorable event in support of Cambodia.
This exclusive afternoon promises an inspiring experience for a great cause.
Admission is by donation - more details to come soon!
Our 2026 Cambodia Fundraiser will feature a special concert by ROBERT PILON, held at the Granite Club in Toronto.
Robert Pilon is a celebrated Canadian singer and actor best known for his powerful performances in two of the most iconic roles in musical theatre. He portrayed the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and played the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, captivating audiences with his rich voice and commanding stage presence.
With a career that spans concert halls, international stages, televised events and 4 recorded albums, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee recipient Robert Pilon has become a beloved figure in the world of musical performance, bringing depth, emotion, and artistry for audiences to enjoy.
Note from Robert: “I look forward to bringing focus to the wonderful work being done by the Southeast Asia Support Organization in Cambodia. A salute to the founders, Barbara Seagram and Patti Lee."
We would truly appreciate your support! This is open to everyone.
NOTE: We're currently seeking corporate sponsors to help cover the costs of this incredible event. With sponsorships, all contributions will be eligible for a full tax receipt. If you know of any businesses who might be interested in supporting us, we’d be extremely grateful for the connection.
Patti Lee & Barbara Seagram
Email: pattilee@sympatico.ca | barbaraseagram@gmail.com
Our focus is to make sure that our students and villagers have:
Safe Water
Access to safe water, a fundamental human need and a basic human right. In some cases, this may be as simple as teaching them the necessity of boiling water.
Hygiene & Sanitation
Access to health care and education aiding in the prevention and transmission of diseases, including: Handwashing Stations / Toilets / Days for Girls Kits.
PHOTO GALLERY
New Pavilion
A new pavilion has been built at Chan Teap school in memory of CARL MCCOY (Husband of Lisa McCoy) Carl was very supportive of Lisa's work and due to his kindness she was able to dedicate much of her time to the projects in Cambodia. The pavilion creates shade for the students as well as a place to enjoy outdoor classes and other activities.
THANK YOU SO MUCH...
To all of you who supported our Cambodian Schools fundraiser on Friday June 2nd. There were many who were unable to attend but generously donated to our cause anyway.
We are so grateful... Patti Lee and Barbara Seagram
To Lynda Miller who donated hundreds of brand new white tops and track pants in all sizes and to Leanne who brought over this HUGE supply of clothes and books over to the Chan Teap school located in Takeo!
We are so grateful... Patti Lee and Barbara Seagram
To Mary Miller and Sally Hill and all the local teachers at ACBL who helped sponsor our fundraiser! These funds will pay for a teacher for over 1/2 of a year.
We are so grateful... Patti Lee and Barbara Seagram
To Enid Roitman, who is always there to help. She makes the Silent Auction table look so fantastic; she greets the people in the morning; and she handles the collection of the Silent Auction payments at the end of the day. We really could not run this function without her!