Even though the collection phase of the annual Winter Clothing Appeal ended on December 1, 2019, Project Champions Dylan and Viki, and helpful fellow Rotarians & friends remained busy with delivering warm clothes and school supplies to children living in vulnerable hill tribe communities and refugee camps in the mountains of Northern Thailand. For the record, we've driven more than 4000 km in total to reach ten secluded destinations in three different provinces.
As temperatures dropped below 10°C, hitting as low as -1°C at Thailand’s highest elevation, Doi Inthanon, it proved to be perfect timing to distribute donations to people in need. Our generous donors' contributions were welcomed with excitement and gratitude. It was very touching to see the happy smiles of villagers living in such hardship that most of us cannot even fathom.
CMIRC has distributed donations to the Koung Jor Shan Refugee Camp near Piang Luang; Karen hill tribe communities in Ban Huai Khwai Lip, Ban Huai Tong, Ban Nong Tao, Mae Win and Ban Sop Lan, Omkoi; a Lahu village in Ban Muser, Omkoi; the Ban Huay Mung Nai Learning Centre in Mae Na Wang, Mae Ai; the School For Life orphanage & school for Thai youth in Mae On, Chiang Mai Province, and the Baan Mai Naisoi Shan refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province.
In addition, the Rotaract Club of Payap University delivered winter clothes and books to the Hsa Too Lei Orphanage and I.D.P. Learning Centre for Burmese refugees (of Karen, Burman, Mon, Pa 'O', Kachin, Shan, Muslim, and Karenni origins) in Mae Sot, Tak Province. Also, CMIRC handed over the clothes deemed unsuitable for hill tribe children to sell at the Free Bird Pre-Loved Charity Shop and Donation Center, with proceeds supporting their activities centered around Burmese migrants.
The delivery of winter clothes has now officially ended, although we still have school supplies/stationery to deliver. We would like to thank all the donors for making this year's donations drive possible. You're wonderful! Your contributions helped light up many children's and adults' faces. Special thanks to our supportive friends, families and fellow Rotarians - in no particular order: John, Bob, Clarence, Areeya, Mike, William, Sally, Raphael, Brian, Jerry, Nancy, Roger and Gordana to participate in this truly community project.
Please note that there is still a continuous need for school supplies. Therefore, we would like to appeal to our community to help raise funds to provide necessary stationery for low-budget schools and learning centers in Northern Thailand. To find out more information on how to donate money for this specific cause, please contact treasurer@cmirotary.org.
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