Pashmina Shawls

Good News First- emai from Michael at Blue Dragon

Dear Hugh,

Sometimes I think I'm the luckiest guy in the world. Working at Blue Dragon brings me into daily contact with some truly amazing people whose journeys are inspiring beyond words.

In the past few months, there has been a particular group of young women whose stories have moved me, and only now can I share with you what's been happening behind the scenes.

Last year, while the COVID pandemic was raging around the world, Blue Dragon received a call for help that originated from a woman named Bi. Six young Vietnamese women, aged 18 to 33, had been trafficked against their will into Myanmar where they were sold into a brothel. Bi was one of them.

And just to be clear, this was as terrifying as it sounds. They were in a northern part of the country, the Golden Triangle, where even in stable times there's no rule of law. Far from their families, beaten and tortured - even just finding a way to call for help put their lives at risk.

For security reasons, I can't tell you much about how we got them to safety, but it took a few weeks and then they were in hiding, waiting for a flight back to Vietnam. (That in itself was a major challenge, because none of the women had any kind of ID with them).

After a month, three could board a flight and make it home - where of course they went into quarantine for two weeks before finally making it to the Blue Dragon centre and then we accompanied them home, one by one.

But the other three?

They were safe, but then: a coup. I'm sure you've seen the news that the government of Myanmar was overthrown and in a flash everything changed. These three young women, so far from home, had to wait and wait until we could find another way back.

Thankfully they were well cared for by various groups in Myanmar, and when a flight home suddenly became available - they were on it!

Getting home after a traumatic experience like this is only the first step to healing. With special thanks to the Dragon Wings community, Blue Dragon's lawyers helped them make statements to the police, and the psychologists provided counselling and therapy while the social workers looked after them in our emergency accommodation.

And then, finally, they could go home to their families. Bi returned to her village late last week. She's just 18 years old. Hugh, I can't describe to you how powerful, how emotional, that moment was when Bi and her parents held each other for the first time since September last year.

When we talk about young women like Bi, we can call them 'victims' or we can call them 'survivors'. Bi was at one point a victim - a victim of an unimaginably cruel crime. But now, she's more than a survivor. I think she's a conqueror. Because I can't imagine how brave she is to face all she has, and overcome everything in order to get home and start over.

I consider myself lucky just to have met her.

Hugh, I wanted to share this because as a supporter of Blue Dragon you should know what sort of impact you are having. The very fact that Bi and her five friends are home and alive is incredible. I thank you for standing with me and Blue Dragon through this important, life-transforming work.

And just a few quick points I want to mention:

- You may have seen my blog this week, where I share that right now Blue Dragon is involved in revising Vietnam's law on human trafficking. We have an opportunity to contribute to this vital review of the law, to give added protections to victims and survivors of trafficking - and their families. For the long term, this part of our work has the potential to have a major, lasting impact.

- Although it's early, we're starting to think about the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk for later this year. This is a great community-building event where people walk a full or half-marathon to raise money for Blue Dragon. If you might be interested, hit reply and let us know so that we can inform you straight away once the date has been set.

The fight against human trafficking may be difficult and dangerous; it will take many years and there may be many setbacks along the way. But when I think about Bi and all she endured, I know it's worth it.

With humble thanks for your support,

Michael Brosowski
Founder & co-CEO
www.bluedragon.org

Last stocks of Chinh Phuc S and I blend to clear

Chinh Phuc S - Cafe Rang Xay Thuan - 500g

AUD 5.49

I Blend (actually called 'Khất Vọng' or 'Aspire'), is a different blend of TN's trademark four beans. It's flavour tones are not as robust as the 'S' Blend still an office favourite with the gentler tones in the I compared to the vigourous 'S'.

I Blend - Khat Vong Khoi Nghiep; is a roast ground coffee that is very popular in Vietnam, like a slightly less intense but more sophisticated version of the Gourmet Blend or Chiin Phuc S

$5.50 per 500g pack

Bob Greer accepts product Donation from Viet-coffee for Platypus charity event.

Viet-coffee wishes Platypus well for their sold out charity event in Perth.

Their good workjs can  be seen here http://www.platypus-charity.org/

Best wishes, Stay Safe

Hugh and Van
Viet-coffee.com.au