Action: 40 wheelchairs for the disabled in Prachuap Khiri Khan

The wheelchair project for the mentally and physically disabled in the shelter in Prachuap Khiri Khan is starting to take shape. An inventory shows that 40 residents have a great need for a wheelchair. The current ones are worn out to the thread, while many residents of this 'Home for the Destitute' can barely move around the site without such a means of transport.

In a previous article I mentioned a visit to this home for the 'rejected' in Thailand. Mainly mentally handicapped people live here, from Down's syndrome to borderline and HIV-infected people to arrested vagrants, beggars and a few foundlings, with whom no one knew what to do with. There are also a number of physically handicapped people. They have in common that they are no longer welcome in society or in the family circle.

In collaboration with the Lions Clubs IJsselmonde and Hua Hin, we recently ensured that the day of our visit was unforgettable for them. Also because we had a lot of food and soft drinks with us…. Normally they get some rice with a sauce every day. A maximum of 60 baht per resident per day is available to them.

But we have encountered more problems than the lack of good food. Many residents are immobile due to a lack of wheelchairs. Vincent Kerremans, wheelchair technician at the RICD in Chiang Mai, responded to my story. This organization provides aids for Thai disabled people (www.wheelchairproject.com). He contacted Hans Goudriaan, here in Hua Hin. Hans, retired accountant, is the connecting link between the Lions clubs in IJsselmonde and Hua Hin and is known on this blog for the actions for Karen children in the border area.

The Kerremans organization is prepared to supply the necessary wheelchairs and adapt them to the individual disabled person, of course against reimbursement of the costs incurred.

And for that we need the help of the readers. It is not an insurmountable amount, about 60.000 baht, just under 1400 euros. These are for the transport of the wheelchairs from Chiang Mai to Prachuap and the costs of accommodation for the mechanics who will assemble the vehicles on site. This week Goudriaan and Kerremans went to have a look on the spot. The first ten wheelchairs will come to Prachuap next week to alleviate the worst needs. The other thirty will come when we have the necessary money together.

If things go according to plan, the RICD wants to set up a warehouse at the Hua Hin Hospital to better reach the south of Thailand from there. You can rest assured that not a single baht will remain hanging on the bow during this promotion. If, as hoped, we collect a little more than the required 1400 euros, we can also provide food for the more than 300 residents.

If interested parties in Thailand want to join us on February 26 when the first ten wheelchairs are handed over, they are most welcome. You can then see with your own eyes how happy the residents are with their new transport. Please report in advance via [email protected].

In the Netherlands you can transfer donations to the bank account of the Lions club IJsselmonde, ING 66.91.23.714 stating Wheelchairs Prachuap. Hans Goudriaan is a member of the audit committee and therefore has a good overview of income and expenditure.

In Thailand please send your contribution to: Siam Commercial Bank Hua Hin account 919-2188114-8 in the name of mr Johannes Goudriaan (local Thai bath account).

Donors are requested to mail their transfer to Hans Goudriaan ([email protected]) and to which account, after which (immediately after money has been credited) he will confirm your deposit. Unfortunately, it is not possible to open an account in the name of Lions in Thailand.