(VNF)- An Australian woman has dedicated 20 years of her life to caring for and mentoring underprivileged children in Vietnam.

Patricia Ellen Franklin, lovingly known as Trish, has run LORETO kids charity over the past 20 years.

From a sole coordinator in 1997 to a Team of nine members in 2014, Loreto Vietnam-Australia Program (LVAP) is a vibrant, spirited group of wonderful, effective multi-task achievers, who have a shared passion for Vietnamese kids, according to the organization’s website.

Trish is the founder of LVAP and has been CEO since its inception in 1997.

The philanthropic woman is highly driven in her work because of her passion and hopes for disadvantaged children and kids with disabilities – most especially in Vietnam where she has lived for 20 years.

A humorous, astute and a gifted teacher with a particular interest in child/human psychology, Trish is the driving force behind LORETO’s various sustainable charity projects in Ho Chi Minh City, with a total of US$1 million in sponsorship.

The organization is currently conducting 26 projects in such provinces as Phu Yen in the central region, and Ca Mau, Tra Vinh, Tien Giang and An Giang in the Mekong Delta.

These projects, which cost over VND13 billion ($586,166), have offered support in different forms, including providing equipment for libraries, computer labs and multipurpose classes; offering scholarships, bicycles, English and swimming classes to visually impaired kids; and improving life skills among children with special needs.

Earlier this month, Trish was conferred with a Medal of Friendship by Vu Xuan Hong, chair of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) in recognition of her massive contributions in healthcare, education, charity and fostering Vietnam and Australia’s ties.

Mr Vu Xuan Hong (left), chair of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), is seen giving away a Medal of Friendship to Australian philanthropist Patricia Ellen Franklin. Photo: Thoi Dai Online.

“Trish is like a yellow daisy with many petals, with each representing a good deed she wishes to do for the poor and disadvantaged children in Vietnam,” Le Hung Quoc, chair of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO), remarked.

“The daisy petals are usually uncountable. Trish’s contributions are similarly immense and unrivalled. She has given her best and sacrificed her private life for the sake of Vietnamese people and kids with disabilities,” he stressed./.

by VNF