We had almost forgotten about them, the more than 300 inhabitants of the 'home for the destitute' in Prachuap Khiri Kan. In August 2014, the Lions Club Hua Hin provided all disabled residents of this homeless shelter with custom-made wheelchairs. This in collaboration with Vincent Kerremans, regional coordinator of the RICD Wheelchair Project in Chiang Mai.
You remember that this home is populated by the physically and mentally handicapped, foundlings, HIV-positives, beggars and other adults who have been vomited by their families and society.
It is high time to honor these people with a visit. The birthday of Jah, the wife of Lions member Hans Goudriaan, was an excellent opportunity for this, provided with large pans of fried rice, bottles of soft drinks, snacks and other food that the residents can normally only dream of. How could it be otherwise, where only 1,75 euros per patient per day is available for food and drink.
The condition of the wheelchairs is a cause for concern. Most of the tires are gone and the rest are flat. Perhaps it is better to provide them with solid ones. Repair is also often necessary in other ways. Apparently the institute does not have mechanics who can do that.
Also striking was the number of people walking barefoot. Do they do that in the absence of slippers/shoes or do they prefer to go barefoot through the (boring) life? The question deserves further investigation.
Unfortunately, we again found men in the cages who have to serve their sentences because they broke the rules. Usually it involves escape or use of alcohol.
Nevertheless, we provided the residents with a nice day. They sang a large number of songs in gratitude, including Happy Birthday.