Blanket them With Love -Flood&Cold Relief Thailand

The Worldwide Disruption and A Local Adaptation

Little did anyone know that a seemingly obscure little "germ" could have caused a standstill in almost all aspects of life,  not just where it started in China, but affecting the world at large, and it is still on-going at the time of this writing.

With global infection reaching 3,852,745 and 1,317,148 deaths the future outlook for both the health and the economies of most countries seem bleak. When a country's economic growth stagnates and people lose their jobs, the most affected ones are the daily wage workers and their families who rely on them. 

Even with just the initial curfew imposed on 26 March and thereafter, partial lockdowns with restricted movement between provinces, the panic buying and hoarding of dry foodstuffs had initially affected most cities in Thailand. The lack of facemasks and disinfectants were of major concern to most people especially during the  onset of the  pandemic.

As a result of the lack of disposable surgical masks for the general public, our Foundation decided to launch the sewing of fabric, re-useable masks with special  removable filters , to encounter that lack in supply, which had also increased in price as a result of increased demand over supply.

It was a case of not letting disruption throw us off balance, but rather to adapt to changing circumstances and make good.

When the call for help was sounded out, some people donated fabric, and other sewing materials, while volunteers with tailoring expertise, helped direct both volunteers and staff  to cut out masks patterns and send to volunteers both in Bangkok and upcountry to help to sew and distribute to as many as had needs.  At the same time, the foundation also procured disinfectant with 70% alcohol content, which was more effective in killing viruses on surfaces, to distribute to centres where we have contacts with the local community.

Lek who volunteered with donations and as a 'runner' for the Foundation, went around to deliver the masks to civil servants who needed protection while carrying out their duties. He said, "I am happy to be able to help out in any way that I can, and it gives me great satisfaction to know that I have helped someone and perhaps prevented him / her from possible infection". 

Even as the pandemic have effected you, as donors, whereever you are, our Foundation is touched that donations are still forth coming, and that there are those who are selfless and caring, willing to seek the betterment of people other than themselves.

May God bless and protect you, where-ever you are!

The Winter Will Be Colder and Longer

The Thai Meteorological Department had announced that the temperatures in Thailand will see a drop in most parts of Thailand, as the country will be expected to see a colder and longer winter than usual this year.

It was good that the Foundation for Life had already started to prepare for this, through collection of warm clothing and donations, so that we may provide those living up in hills especially in the Northern parts, with warmth to protect them from the cold.

By 10 December, temperatures up in the northern mountains of Doi Inthanon, Angkang, has dropped to below zero, and icicles were seen in the Royal Agricutural Fields in Angka. This also indicated that regions in the north are also experiencing unusual cold weather in their areas.

Meanwhile, other news media and the Bangkok Post reported that elderly had died from the cold in provinces like Nakhon Nayok, Kalasin, Nakhon Rachasrima and Chainat. The saddest was a gentleman, aged 38 years, who had given his daughter 2 blankets the night before and was found dead in the morning by his 8 year-old daughter.

 The Foundation visited northern province of Chiangrai and distributed socks and warm item to children and the communities, as well as organised actitivities there to help cheer them up as well.

Surachart and Surachai, 2 brothers who have been orphaned since their pre-teen years, said in unison, "Thank you for all you have done for us" , when the team visited them at their simple home, which their uncle and they helped to build.

The Foundation is grateful for all of you who have been giving to our project, so that the beneficiaries may be averted from dangers that would affect their livelihood and even their very lives.

May the year 2020 bring you much blessings, as you have blessed others.

Project Leader

Vena

Over here, Raining Season Equals Floods

'Over Here" is where Wang Thong resides, in the northern province of Phisanuloke in Thailand. 

Wang Thong lies within the Nan Basin, which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. The important water resource is the Wang Thong River. The Khwae Noi and Tah Muen rivers also flow through this district. The area that our Foundation serves is by the river banks, and being at the basin, it falls prey to flooding easily when the  river over runs its banks.

On 31 August 2019, the waters "Over Here" began to flood at 15.00hrs, when the Wang Thong river level rose to around 1 - 2 metres high, as waters behind the  houses enter the land via the drains. The flood was higher than last year and some families had to evacuate their children to another province for fear of them falling into the water and drowning.

About 20 families were rescued in Nam Duan Village, a Wang Thong Sub-district. This village tend to experience heavy floods more than other areas.

Khun Saengchan, our volunteer who also provides public health consultations to the villagers,  promoting district health, suggested buying milk, canned food, rice, eggs and helping clean the houses after flood waters subside... all of which she singlehandedly did.

At the time of reporting, the Ubon Ratchathani Province was also experiencing floods and the foundation is in the midst of packing the emergency packages to deliver via local transportation.

The Foundation is grateful and thanks all donors who have lent a helping hand in raising the funds for the needy flood victims.

Best of regards to all!

Learning from Wisdom of Ants

The Foundation for Life may seem small and frail like the ants, when put beside the big and well connected non-profits in the world,  but with integrity and hardwork, we aim to work to provide in between the cracks where others fail to see.

Like the Ant, small but potent, the Foundation is  not to be dismissed with a sweep of the hand. While it is yet "summer" we are in the process of looking for "supplies" to stock up for the times ahead, when the needs arise.

Before the the cold season arrives from end October to February in Thailand, the Foundation is already gathering donations and networking in preparation or the coming months. Volunteers have been contacted and some are already making arrangements to help with the collection and distribution of warm clothings for the season. MT and his family (who committed to volunteer in this area on a 2 yearly basis) has already gathered his relatives both in Singapore and Malaysia, and are preparing for their trip in the coming months.

MT comments, "It is a priviledge to be able to interact and touch the lives of these people, and in fact, my family and I have RECEIVED  more than what we have given, in ways that money cannot buy, and my children have learnt empathy and kindness in the whole process! Thanks to the Foundation! "

Any help and donations coming in during this period will be greatly appreciated, as it will increase our outreach for the needy.

We want to thank all donors for your perserverance, kindness and partnership with us all these years, that has helped to sustain our work and ministry to the less fortunate in Thailand.

Blessings to you!

Vena

Follow Up on Tropical Storm Report

Following the news of the storm that was written in the previous report on the GlobalGiving site, staffs and volunteers went into full gear to source for help and think of ways to extend help to the victims of the the Tropucal Storm that hit the Southern shores of Thailand.

Within a few short weeks, volunteers and donors started to pour in to aid in the fund-raising. As the Foundation has a rather wide grassroot base, many were just ordinary folks who did not earn much, but they willing gave as they could, to aid in collecting monies or sponsoring  items and giving second-hand, yet useable items that would bless the victims and children, giving them assurance that someone out there cares and is concerned for them. 

It was heart-warming to see.

When enough items were given  / collected, the Foundation then painstakingly sorted, packed and boxed them, ready to send to the  receipeints in Choosin, Nakhon Si Thammarad.

The Foundation thanks all donors who responded so quickly in aid of those who had needs, forgoing your  personal comforts, to care for the less fortunate. 

if there is anyway that we can improve our services , we would be most grateful for any feedback and comments.

Best regards for coming Easter season.

Vena (Project leader)