The Wagga woman, 23, is currently volunteering at an orphanage in Cambodia caring for disabled children and young adults.

Despite only being about three weeks into a three-month trip, Marni’s mother Jodie Hay said Marni’s initial response to what confronted her at the Phnom Penh facility was that she had to do more.

Marni emailed her mother and said clothes were needed for the orphans, as many were impoverished and unable to care for themselves.

Jodie is calling on the Wagga community to get behind an appeal to donate any unwanted clothing suitable for children and young adults housed at the National Borey facility for infants and children.

Many of those housed at the orphanage are physically and intellectually disabled, while other children are infected with HIV.

Due to the high temperatures and humid conditions in Phnom Penh, summer clothing (T-shirts, shorts, etc) are required.

Jodie is also urging businesses to help fund the freight costs of sending the donated clothing to Cambodia.

Jodie said her daughter was having a fantastic, albeit eye-opening, experience working as a volunteer in such a different part of the world compared to her upbringing in the Riverina.

“Marni has always wanted to help other people – I don’t think she wants to come back from Cambodia,” Mrs Hay said.

Donations can be made at Coast City Country General Practice Training at 21 Blake Street, Wagga, or email Jodie at sandjhay@live.com.au to find out how you can assist the cause.