Readers of Thailandblog and the editors, thank you for your support of Philanthropy Connections Foundation
Thanks to your heartwarming donations on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Thailandblog.nl, we have been able to help vulnerable communities in need. From direct aid during floods in Chiang Mai to providing structural support in Myanmar: your contribution makes a world of difference. Read how your support offers hope and a future perspective to the people who need it most.
My name is Carter Duong and I have been living in Bangkok for three years now because my husband is the Dutch Ambassador here, Remco van Wijngaarden. Life is very good for us in Thailand, but there is also a lot of poverty for many. That is why I am a goodwill ambassador for two foundations with Dutch founders, Philanthropy Connections of Sallo Polak and Thai Child Development Foundation of Roos Tieges. For the latter foundation, two …
The Philanthropy Connections Foundation (SPC) was created in 2011 by Dutch founder and director Sallo Polak, an idealist who embarked on a philanthropic adventure in Thailand. Over the years, numerous projects have been carried out for the predominantly ethnic minorities in northern Thailand and neighboring parts of Myanmar (Burma) and in Cambodia. The mostly small-scale projects in the areas of education, housing, healthcare, etc. were initiated by the local...
In Thailand, compulsory education ends at the age of 15, but not all children can complete their education with a diploma. FERC, a small but dedicated foundation based in Chiang Mai, is committed to changing this. By providing scholarships to motivated students in poorer areas, FERC helps them to complete their education, regardless of whether it concerns academic studies or practical vocational training. With the support of sponsors and fundraising activities, including an upcoming afternoon tea party, FERC is committed to making education accessible to all.
Agenda: Celebrate a century of charity at the 2023 Red Cross fair in Bangkok's Lumphini Park
The Red Cross fair 2023 in Bangkok is more than an event; it is a celebration of one hundred years of charity. From December 8 to 18, Lumphini Park transforms into a vibrant festival full of food, entertainment and cultural wealth. With stands of royal projects and local talent, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience Thai culture while supporting a good cause.
To everyone with the heart in the right place (reader's submission)
For 13 years, a loving couple has cared for their disabled nephew, who now attends a special school in Sattahip. Despite the school's dedication to around 100 children, it receives little government support. From food donations to financial contributions, any form of help can make a difference in the lives of these children.
Agenda: Rotary Foundation fund raising on Saturday, October 21 in Pattaya – help eradicate polio from the world
The fight against polio, a disease that has plagued humanity for millennia, is about to reach a crucial turning point. At the heart of this heroic effort is the Rotary Foundation, which has worked tirelessly for global improvement since its founding in 1970. Discover how this foundation, supported by its generous members and partners, is working towards a world without polio.
Bamboo Lakeside with Dutch help from the ground
Do you remember when we asked you for a small contribution to complete Bamboo Lake Side? Only a few walls of this structure, a stone's throw from the Burmese border, were still standing, covered with corrugated iron. I can assure you first hand that your money, that of many supporters and the Lions Club IJsselmonde, has been extremely well spent. On Sunday, the building, in Ban – Ti Say Yok, about 70 kilometers from Kanchanaburi, …
A birthday wish from Sallo Polak
Sallo Polak, the energetic Dutchman, who has been in charge of Philanthropy Connections in Chiang Mai for many years, has expressed a birthday wish in a newsletter from the foundation. His wish is to get your support and donation for a special education project for Karen children.
The pandemic is over, according to the WHO. But for many Thai people, such as the inhabitants of the slums of Khlong Toey in Bangkok, the consequences are huge, says Friso Poldervaart of the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, which once started with food distribution.
Karen refugee childcare campaign was a success, thanks in part to the readers of Thailandblog
The joint action of Lionsclub IJsselmonde and the NVTHC to build a school for Karen child refugees in Ban-Ti behind Kanchanaburi has been a success.
Karen child refugee school in Ban Ti is nearing completion
The construction of the school for Karen child refugees from Burma, a stone's throw from the border west of Kanchanaburi, has been delayed in recent months by the heavy wet monsoon. Now that this is a bit over, work has quickly resumed. The official opening will almost certainly take place in January next year. With thanks to Lionsclub IJsselmonde in Rotterdam and the Dutch Association Thailand Hua Hin and Cha am. However, there is still a shortfall of 600 euros.
Bamboo School: lifesaver for Burmese children
What should become of you if you were taken out of a toilet bowl as a newborn baby? What your mother put you in because you were a child of another father? Where do you go when your father, a Karen from Burma, has been shot and your mother has left you somewhere? Is there still hope if you weigh only 900 grams at birth, without medical care? For very young children who no longer have a father or mother?
In fact, he never expected it when Friso Poldervaart started a temporary emergency aid project for the residents of Klong Toey two years ago, at the start of the covid period. A slum in the heart of Bangkok. But now the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, formerly Dinner from the Sky, has grown into a large-scale, broad-based organization with 400 volunteers, helping one million people to date.
The number of students living in extreme poverty is rising
Recent research among Thai students shows that, as a result of the corona pandemic, the number of students with financial problems has risen to more than 2021 million in 1,2. According to the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) study, the number of students classified as “extremely poor” has risen from 994.428 in the first semester of 2020 to 1,24 million today. This means that 1 in 5 students now falls into that category.
You probably know how nice it is to be able to do something for someone else, to just help people who could use some money. The Thailand Business Foundation will (to start with) hand over 400 Thai people who have run into financial problems due to Covid-19, 300 Thai Baht (€ 7,70) in cash. That is about the Thai minimum wage for a day's work.
Interesting vacancy at Philanthropy Connections in Chiang Mai
The Philanthropy Connections Foundation, which operates under Dutch management, has posted an interesting vacancy for a “Management Support Officer” on its Facebook page.
Ambassador Rade visits Philanthropy Connections project
Last week, an important event took place for Sallo Polak and his Philanthropy Connections staff. The Dutch ambassador to Thailand, Mr. Kees Rade, honored the organization with a visit to Ban Pha Lai Preschool. It is one of the many projects supported by Philanthropy Connections, in this case even for four years.
Tens of thousands of Thai men and women are on the street due to the corona crisis. Hotels are close, as are many restaurants and shops. With the average low wages, there is hardly any savings and it is impossible to live on the meager benefits.
Reader submission: Food parcels campaign for Thai in Pattaya
This week I came up with the idea of sharing an action, which I initially wanted to start myself, with my family, friends and association. This had a very nice effect and including my own contribution it had raised € 1.150 in no time and it is still ticking.