Children from a Vietnamese orphanage with their Socceroos scarves and footballs donated by Football Federation Victoria.
By Michael Randall, The Journal
Lyndale Soccer Club has taken its generosity global, raising money for a football pitch for orphans in Vietnam.
Narre Warren resident Robert Costabile - who plays for the club and runs a restaurant in Nha Trang in Vietnam - helps pay for everyday living costs for children at three orphanages.
"We pay school costs and uniforms for some, medical supplies and food and allow kids to work and gain work-life experience outside the orphanage.'
Lyndale Soccer Club president Matt Thurbon said the club visited the orphanages on its end-of-season trip last year and decided to donate the $1500 needed to set up the pitch.
"Fifteen of us went over and it's not until you see what it's like that you get an understanding of what these kids go through.
Although work on the pitch is yet to start, Football Federation Victoria has chipped in with Socceroo scarves and footballs for the orphans.
"Their faces just lit up when they got the balls and scarves. Things are hard, but we're trying to help."
Mr Costabile said the restaurant had contributed $2000 for a classroom at one orphanage.
The rest of the funds were organised by Melbourne resident Tiffany Pham.
"We couldn't have done any of this without Tiffany and my restaurant manager Lam Nguyen, who is pretty much on call for the orphans 24 hours a day."
To donate, call 0425 788 556 or email robertcostabile@optusnet.com.au.
Last updated: Wednesday July 21, 2010 1:46PM
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