Our Story
Sunrise Cambodia focuses on building brighter futures for Cambodia’s most vulnerable children and the communities in which they live.
Together, we can empower every child and end poverty, step by step.
In 1993, fifty-year-old Geraldine Cox was adamant to help a group of displaced war orphans living in appalling conditions close to the Cambodian-Thai border. With very little resources, Geraldine gave everything she could to provide care for these kids, giving them food, a safe place to call home, the opportunity for education and the nurturing love of a mother. Within a short period, Geraldine was able to build outstanding rapport with the local community and donor support from Australia and abroad. As her charity work expanded, so did her vision, and she aspired to focus on rebuilding lives through sustainable community development.
Today, Sunrise Cambodia provides a home and residential care for more than 60 orphaned, abandoned and at-risk children and education for hundreds of children from poor communities. The children that come to us have often been trafficked into prostitution, slave labour, begging rings, are victims of domestic violence, were abandoned by their families, have a disability or live on the streets to survive. As a result, they are in great need emotionally and physically when they arrive at Sunrise. Sunrise provides holistic support to care for their physical and emotional needs and the educational opportunities and counselling they need to reach their full potential.
Sunrise Cambodia also supports whole communities with healthcare, material aid and education so that families can prosper.
Meet the Team
Geraldine Cox AM
Founder and Fundraising Ambassador
Tracey Shelton
Country Director
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Duk Pun
Operations Manager
Vorn Dy
Assistant Operations Manager
Kheang Mary
Senior Finance Officer
Morm Rasy
Education Manager
Phem Sorn
Admin and HR Officer
Seng Ponsopheap
House Parent Coordinator
Meet our Board of Directors
John Black - Chairman
With over 20 year’s experience in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality industry, I have lived in Cambodia for some 16 years and have a profound understanding of Khmer culture, history and it’s people. I have a deep appreciation of the plight and needs of Cambodia’s children and youth and I am committed to making a difference.
Hugh Darwell - Treasurer
I have over 40 years experience in banking and professional service industries and am delighted to use my financial expertise in assisting Sunrise Cambodia. Having lived and worked in Asia for nearly 20 years, 5 of them in Cambodia, I’m acutely aware of the needs of underprivileged kids and grateful for the opportunity to assist Sunrise in changing their lives, particularly through education.
Sao Sabouen - Board Adviser
After living in a refugee camp on the Thai border, Sunrise Cambodia became my home when I was 8 years old. There I met an Australian who sponsored me through a degree in Computer Science and an MBA. For over a decade I have been Operations Manager of a 21st-century education facility. I am now giving back to my family (the Sunrise children) by sharing my knowledge and experience as a Board Advisor.
Geraldine Cox - Founder
After 18 years in the Australian Diplomatic Service working in Embassies in Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand, Iran and the United States and 8 years with Chase Manhattan Bank in Sydney, Geraldine founded Sunrise in 1993 and relocated to Cambodia to live and work with the Sunrise Children in 1995. Her main responsibility is to raise Funds as the Fundraising Ambassador.
Tracey Shelton-Country Director
Before becoming Country Director, I was a volunteer at Sunrise for 25 years as a teacher, writer, photographer, and organising and financing kids parties, outings and fundraisers. As a journalist I covered war, psychological trauma and human rights violations in the Middle East and Asia. My war photography, reports and videos received 21 international awards. I gave up my journalism career in 2023 to dedicate my life to my Sunrise family.
Sam Rith
I am a journalist with 21 years of experience in the field. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (BBA) in management, as well as a master's degree in law and political science. Beyond my professional work in journalism, I am also dedicated to charitable causes and volunteer work, particularly supporting Cambodian children and orphanages.
Brenton Whittaker
I have 35 years experience working in the charity sector. I have supported many diverse social projects throughout South-East Asia and am passionate about doing my part to make the world a better place.