On 13 December, just before the Christmas trade period was about to hit full swing, Footscray's iconic Little Saigon market was gutted by fire.  

Little Saigon has been a meeting place for the Vietnamese community of Foostcray and surrounds for many years and there are traders and others who are going to miss out on their income over the coming weeks in  what is the busiest time of the year, 

Two Melbourne broadcasters - Cam Smith of RRR's Eat It program and Pete Dillon of JOY 94.9's Cravings program have collectively been broadcasting about Melbourne's food scene for more than 30 years.  Together, they have decided to galvanise the restaurant and food community as well as concerned people from right across the community, to help provide some financial support to the traders who will miss out on their income, who were not insured for fire and have no way to have a holiday season with any joy. 

Community identity Les Twentyman lost more than 6000 text books and Christmas presents he had collected for financially disavantaged families.  This fund, dependent on its success, may support Mr Twentyman in his efforts to look after the many families he assists. 

At some point or another, many of Melbourne's chefs and food lovers have walked into Little Saigon to buy hard to find fruit and vegetables, spices, herbs and other ingredients. It's time now to support these traders with your donation. 

The funds from this campaign will be used to support the traders of Little Saigon in getting back on ther feet.  A third party organisation will manage the disbursement of the funds in an open and transparent manner.  Traders can access these funds through this organisation.  This partner will be The Enterprise Maribyrnong Commitee of the Maribyrnong City Council 

Funds will also go to Mr Twentyman's Foundation to assist in provision of gifts and text books for financially disdvantaged families. 

Its a difficult thing, asking for money. The Vietnamese community is a very close one and they will look after each other.  The challenge is letting the community know the funds will be available for them to access.