“One drawing changed one life. Then it changed mine.”
Read the story
The First Drawing
It all began with a simple act of kindness.
While traveling through Asia, I stopped at a busy local market and drew an elderly woman whose gentle smile and kind eyes immediately captured my heart.
Her portrait touched millions of people around the world. Later, I learned her heartbreaking story. She had lost all of her children, survived by collecting plastic bottles from the streets, and struggled every day just to find enough food to eat.
That moment showed me that kindness has no borders.
Together, we changed a life.
With donations from people who had never met her, we renovated her home, bought everything she needed, arranged medical care, and provided her with a monthly allowance so she could finally stop worrying about survival and simply enjoy the years she had left.
I realized that Granny Thuy was not an exception.
There are millions of elderly people across Asia living in poverty, often forgotten, without pensions, healthcare, or family support.
Many have worked hard their entire lives only to spend their final years alone and struggling to survive.
I knew I couldn't stop after helping just one person.
So I founded the Samalia Swan Foundation.
A registered charitable organization based in Luxembourg, dedicated to supporting vulnerable elderly people in Cambodia — through food, shelter, community, and care.
Food Program
Monthly food support for elderly villagers who would otherwise go hungry.
Safe Homes
Building safer, warmer living conditions for those without shelter or comfort.
Village Gatherings
Community dinners and afternoon tea where elderly neighbors reconnect, share stories, laugh together, and feel part of a caring community.
Emergency Support
Medical help and urgent assistance whenever a life is at risk and no one else can step in.
A movement of small, quiet miracles.
Not numbers — but lives.
supported monthly
built
gatherings
united
Our next chapter:
Art of Kindness Home
My biggest dream is to build a permanent home where elderly people who have no one left can live safely, receive care, enjoy nutritious meals, and spend their final years surrounded by love, friendship, and dignity instead of loneliness.
Alongside the residential home, we are creating a day center where dozens of elderly villagers can gather for meals, activities, healthcare, companionship, and meaningful moments together.
Discover Art of Kindness Home →The Power of a Drawing
Every drawing still starts the same way.
I sit down with a stranger, listen to their story, draw their portrait, and share their life with the world.
Art becomes a bridge between two people who would otherwise never meet.
That connection inspires compassion, and compassion leads to action.
- One portrait.
- One story.
- One life changed.
- Then another.
- And another.
About Samalia
My name is Samalia Swan. I am an artist, traveler, blogger, and founder of the Samalia Swan Foundation.
For many years, I have believed that creativity has the power to unite people. Before establishing the Foundation, I organized charity concerts, fundraising campaigns, and community projects.
Today, I dedicate my life to combining art, storytelling, and humanitarian work to help elderly people living in poverty.
I believe that every person deserves to grow old with dignity.
No one should spend their final years hungry, abandoned, or forgotten.
“This is more than a charity. It is a movement built on compassion, human connection, and the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can transform someone's entire life.”
— will you be part of this story?
Join Our Journey →