GFC Pharma unites 50 French pharmacies, organizes an annual charity gala and finances hospitals and heritage restoration in Cambodia.
GFC Pharma is a cooperative group of pharmacists based in the Île-de-France region that combines commercial performance for around fifty pharmacies with humanitarian commitment in Cambodia. Each year, its Charity Gala brings together the Khmer diaspora, medical-pharmaceutical elites, and the cultural community to raise funds for public health, education, and the preservation of Cambodian heritage, such as the restoration of the monumental statue of Shiva in the Koh Ker temple.
Origins and operation of the group
GFC Pharma was founded in the Île-de-France region in the 2010s by a core group of pharmacists of Khmer origin who wanted to pool their purchasing and best practices. Today, more than 50 pharmacies are members of the cooperative, benefiting from negotiated commercial conditions, professional seminars, and a shared logistics platform.
Assumed Cambodian roots
The official website recalls that "GFC Pharma does not forget its Cambodian roots"; the Khmer identity permeates the group's governance and CSR policy.
An annual gala in the service of solidarity
Since 2013, the association has organized a Charity Gala in Paris which combines fine dining, traditional dance performances (Robam, Robam Trolok) and charity auctions.
Cultural partnerships and Miss Cambodia in France
GFC Pharma is the main sponsor of the Miss Cambodia pageant in France ; the winners participate in the gala each year, increasing the event's media visibility and raising funds for health and education projects in the kingdom.
Humanitarian and heritage impact in Cambodia
Health and education
Proceeds from the gala fund the shipment of medicines, the equipment of pediatric services and the construction of rural classrooms.
Heritage preservation
GFC Pharma is among the patrons of the French School of the Far East (EFEO) program dedicated to the restoration of the dancing statue of Shiva at Koh Ker (2021-2024) and supports archaeological missions in the Angkor area.
Cultural influence: between dance and diaspora
The galas regularly welcome the 3AK troupe, for example, and artists from the diaspora, strengthening Franco-Khmer exchanges and the transmission of the performing arts.
Outlook and challenges for 2025
For its 15th anniversary, GFC Pharma aims to expand its network to 70 pharmacies, create a scholarship program for Khmer pharmacy students and increase its support for the Bayon central tower construction site.
Conclusion
Between a professional cooperative and a de facto NGO, GFC Pharma illustrates the diaspora's ability to combine business and social responsibility.