Angelina Jolie has been traveling to refugee camps around the world as a UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) Goodwill Ambassador. Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page donate one percent of their ever-mounting profits and use the power of technology to raise awareness on energy consumption. George Clooney, along with his Ocean crew, co-founded an organization to stop the dreadful atrocities in Darfur, Sudan. And even our very own Film Rattapoom rolled up his sleeves and helped build homes for poor villagers.
Feeling guilty yet? You’re not a movie star or a billionaire, so nobody’s expecting you to save the planet single-handedly, but you can have a positive influence on whichever little corner of the planet you choose to focus on. Here’s a list of ways for you to help, give and volunteer.
Kids
Children are the future. But meanwhile, we’re their future. Bring them education, food and more thanks to these reliable organizations.
Foundation for the Better Life of Children (100/475 Chaeng Wattana Soi 10, Laksi, 02-574-1381, 02-574-3753, 02-574-6162, www.fblcthai.org) has taken in over 100 underprivileged children and is in constant need of donations, food, stationery and learning tools. You can also join former senator Wanlop “Khru Yui” Tangkhananurak as part of his “street teacher” team.
Give the babies the care they need and exercise your babysitting skills at the Phayathai Babies’ Home (78/24 Moo 1, Phumwet Rd., Pakkret, Nonthaburi, 02-584-7253/-5, www.phayathaibabieshome.com), where newborn orphans are taken care of until a permanent family can be arranged for them.
The CCF Foundation in Thailand (36/4 Chalermprakiat Soi 9, Pravet, 02-747-2600, www.ccfthai.or.th) provides poor children across the country with educational opportunities and basic health services. You can help them by donating B500 per month to sponsor a child.
For as little as B15 a day (B450 a month), you can help improve the life and future of your sponsored child through the World Vision (582/18-22 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-381-8863/-5, www.worldvision.or.th) fund. You can also make a donation for its Lunch Box or Emergency Relief programs.
Both the Rajvithi Home for Girls (255 Ratchavithi Rd., 02-359-7484. www.rajvithihome.org) and the Pakkred Home for Boys (2 Moo 1, Phumvet Rd., 02-583-8343, www.pakkredhome.org) were founded to prevent at-risk kids from dropping out of school and ending up on the streets. They are looking for volunteers to help teach children on-site. Commitment-phobes can still contribute by visiting them and donating a free lunch.
Nuannoi Timkul turned her home into Ban Khru Noi (319 Moo 1, Ratchaburana Soi 26, 02-871-3083, www.moobankru.com/bankrunoi/bankrunoi.htm), a free daycare center for children living in slums. You can chip in by buying food, books, clothes and learning tools or transferring money to account 251-1-15151-2, Bank of Ayudhya, Ratchaburana branch.
One of the Mirror Foundation projects, Kru Ban Nok (106 Moo 1, Baan Huey Khom, Muang, Chiang Rai, 053-737-412, www.bannok.com/volunteer) is seeking volunteers ready to spend a four-day holiday in an isolated hilltribe community in Chiang Rai to help teach Thai and life skills to the rural kids. You have to arrange your own trip to Chiang Rai and pay another B890 to cover your food. No experience required.
Started by Macsaysay activist Prateep Ungsongtham, Duang Prateep Foundation (34 Lock 6, Ard-narong Rd., Klong Toey, 02-671-4045/-8, 02-249-4880, www.dpf.or.th) keeps on improving the quality of life of slum children. Donate your money to Duang Prateep, account 017-2-06336-5, Kasikorn Bank, Klong Toey branch.
Books for Children Foundation (23/26 Moo 10, Petchkasem Soi 60/2, 02-805-0202, www.thaibby.in.th) is dedicated to boosting children’s reading skills. Thanks to your donations, sets of books will be sent to school libraries in Thailand for kids in remote areas and the three southern provinces, victims of disasters and novices. You can volunteer to read to children, too.
Women
Victims of domestic violence and rape or young girls facing unplanned pregnancies... You don’t have to be a knight in shining armor to help these damsels in distress.
Foundation for Women (295 Charansanitwong Soi 62, 02-433-5149, 02-435-1246, www.womenthai.org) is an advocate for the rights and welfare of trafficked women and victims of domestic and sexual violence. It also provides information, help and legal support to them. Help these women in crisis by transferring your donations to account 038-2-18085-2, Kasikorn Bank, Sathorn branch.
Each day, over 100 women seek help from the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (501/1 Soi 1, Dechatungkha Rd., Don Muang, 02-929-2222, 02-929-2301/-7, www.apsw-thailand.org), which provides temporary shelter, food and mental assistance to women facing unplanned pregnancies, rape, violence or abandonment. The “emergency home” also takes women and children with HIV/AIDS under its wings. The foundation is looking for both volunteers and donations (account 059-0-12725-4, Bangkok Bank, Song Prapha branch).
Amnesty International Thailand (641/8 Ladprao Rd. Soi 5, 02-938-7746, 02-513-8745, www.amnesty.or.th) has been campaigning to protect and promote human rights, calling for actions to eliminate violence against women and to stop the death penalty. You can download a donation form online.
Founded by former MP Pavena Hongsakul, the self-titled Pavena Foundation (1047-49, Peung Luang Complex, Amornpun Soi 12, Phaholyothin Rd., 02-972-5489, www.pavena.thai.com, www.pavenafoundation.or.th. Hotline: 1134) reaches out to female victims of forced prostitution and physical abuse and offers them means to be rehabilitated. Call if you want to report an abuse or make a donation.
Empower (57/60 Tiwanon Rd., Nonthaburi, 02-526-8311, www.empowerfoundation.org) is a non-profit foundation for sex workers, by sex workers. It campaigns for their rights and empowers them with self-esteem, knowledge and education. Volunteers are needed to help teach English and computer skills.
The Elderly
Don’t let the generation gap get in the way of reaching out to this other fragile part of our society.
At Ban Bang Khae (813 Petchkhasem Rd., 02-455-1592, 02-413-1141, www.banbangkhae.go.th) and Ban Bang Khae 2 (69/4 Moo 9, Soi Klong Song Yai, Bangkhae, 02-455-6318, 02-455-6309, 02-455-6294), you can pop in to brighten the day of the grandpas and grannies. Join them in their morning exercise, help feed them or simply donate money to the centers’ account 053-2-67665-2, Kasikorn Bangk, Bangkhae branch. If you want to host a meal, call at least three days in advance.
The Disabled
People with disabilities want to and can contribute productively to our society. But because of the stigmas attached to their disabilities, they’re going to need a little help from you to reach that point.
Pick a novel, pocketbook, documentary or textbook from the request list at the Thailand Association of the Blind (85/1-2 Soi Boonyou, Din Daeng Rd., Phayathai, 02-246-3835. www.tabod.net) and then record yourself reading it. Cassettes, CDs and cash are also welcome (account number 128-0-854-850, Bangkok Bank, Din Daeng branch). You can also donate your cornea after your death by registering at Thai Red Cross Eye Bank (Henry Dunant Rd., 02-256-4039, 02-256-4040, www.eyebankthai.com).
Don’t throw away your Coke can! It can get a new life as a limb for amputees. The Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother (693 Bamrungmuang Rd., next to Hua Chiew Hospital, 02-226-5666 ext. 2600, www.prosthesesfoundation.or.th) welcomes any aluminum whether from bottles, soft drinks cans, beer or even old aluminum pans. The metal gets melted and recast as components for artificial legs. There are also donation boxes at Big C supermarkets across the country. Or wire your money directly to the foundation’s account, 001-4-76000-8, Siam Commercial Bank, Chidlom branch.
Used and unwanted pre-paid calling cards, MRT and BTS passes and expired credit cards can help disadvantaged kids at the Foundation for Children with Disabilities (546 Ladprao Soi 47, 02-539-9958, www.hoytakpoolom.org). Collect a bunch and call them over or mail them in. The donated cards are resold to raise money for the kids. You can also volunteer to take care of the children and donate money. Account number 203-0-18163-6, Bangkok Bank, Ladprao Soi 44 branch.
Thai Disabled Development Foundation (29 Chaiyapruek Bldg., Wisutkasat Rd., 02-281-9280, www.tddf.or.th) campaigns for equal opportunity in employment for the disabled. There is a web board where job seekers can post their resumes and browse available positions posted by employers. You can also make a donation or apply to be a volunteer online.
Homeless People and Victims of Disasters
Don’t dismiss manual labor as a blue-collar job. Your sweat and hard work can help build homes—and hope—for people in dire need of a roof. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty!
Mixing cement, carrying blocks and planks, digging, rust proofing… Sounds too physically demanding? But come on. If Film Rattapoom can do it, so can you! Join him at Habitat for Humanity Thailand (12/F, 253 Bldg., 253 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-0644, www.habitatthailand.org) and help build and repair homes for the poor. The organization, however, differs from other volunteer groups as it believes charity should come with responsibility. Although it provides labor at zero cost, future home owners must work side by side with the volunteers and pay Habitat back for the cost of materials (at cost and without interest, of course).
Established in the aftermath of the 2004 natural disaster, the Tsunami Volunteer Center (26/10 Moo 7, Takuapa, Phang Nga, 076-485-541, www.tsunamivolunteer.net) continues its commitment to help victims rebuild their lives. It is in constant need of funds and financial support. (You can donate online or transfer your money to the Tsunami Volunteer, account: 000-0-01965-8, Krung Thai Bank, Sukhumvit branch.) Those with at least a week to spare can volunteer to help fix homes, make furniture, teach English and help by any means possible.
Animals and Environment
Do you take planes? Use air-con? Eat shark fin soup (or any kind of meat, for that matter)? Read magazines printed on paper? That’s it. You’re an accomplice in the planet’s destruction. Help the critters and environment surrounding you, now.
Foundation for Stray Dogs (1200/174, 02-746-6498, 02-463-9283, www.2fsd.org) and Soi Cats and Dogs (www.scadbangkok.org) don’t exactly help animals in the wild—or anywhere near extinction—but if you’ve got a heart, you must feel for those unfortunate four-legged soi dwellers. Pitch in with money or supplies like canned food, leashes, collars and shampoo.
The Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WARF) (65/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-712-9715, www.warthai.org) is looking for outgoing and adventurous volunteers to work at any of its three projects: The Gibbon Rehabilitation in Phuket, The Wild Animal Rescue and Education Center and The Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Ranong. You will assist the animal keepers, build and clean cages, as well as inform visitors about wildlife protection.
To help Friends of the Asian Elephant (350 Moo 8, Ram-Indra Soi 61, 02-945-7124/-6, www.elephants-soraida.com) help elephants, you can make a donation to their account 040-1-14242-7, Bank of Ayudhya, Suanplu branch. The money will go to support its elephant hospital in Chiang Mai.
Seub Nakhasathien dedicated his life to protect wildlife and forests. Keep his dream of preserving our green spaces alive by donating to the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation (693 Bldg. 4, Department of Medical Sciences, Bamrungmuang Rd., 02-224-7838/9, www.seub.or.th. Account 099-2-68730-4, Kasikorn Bank, Phaholyothin branch or account 053-2-38652-4, Siam Commercial Bank, Bangbua branch).
Green Peace (2/F, Thong Bldg., Sutthisarn Rd., 02-357-1921, www.greenpeace.org/seasia/th) has long been exposing global environmental threats and raising green awareness. It campaigns against GMO products, toxic chemicals and climate change. Make your life a little greener and stand up for nature by signing up to be a volunteer or just donate online.
Rabbit in the Moon Foundation (7/F, Apiporn Marble and Granite Bldg., Ratchadaphisek Rd., 02-275-2262/3, www.rabbitinthemoon.org. Account: 103-4-016111, Bangkok Bank, Yannawa branch) focuses on long-term solutions to environmental issues. That’s why it organizes various activities to plant the love of nature in children. The Rabbit is looking for volunteers who can provide expert advice on ecological systems, make short films or teach music,
acting or English.
80 Million Seeds for the Father project has produced nine million sachets (B9 each) of various plant seeds to mark the King’s birthday. Buy a bag or two and plant them now. Available at 7-Eleven and B2S. For a purchase of 500 sachets and more, call 02-831-5959.
BK Asks Are you a good person?
Vareerat Unwerawattana, 26, PA
“I would say I can do better. I volunteer to teach English at the Goodwill Foundation. But I don’t think I’m a good girl because I receive a lot more than I give. I volunteer because I want to validate myself and to make myself happy. From teaching, I learn a lot from my students, too.”
Sararin Sutheesorn, 26, PR executive
“Yes. I never harm or hurt anyone.”
Chutchawal Wisawabumrungchai, 26, 7th Scene
“Maybe... I never do any volunteer jobs, but what I can do as a musician is to make the best music I can to make people happy. And that is my way of contributing.”
Kritin Jiraporncharoen, 30-something, senior
advertising sales executive
“Yes, I’m a good person, but I don’t think I’m good enough.”
Sumana Sajeekul, 30, promotion supervisor
“Yes I am. Or else no one would hang out with me.”
Click Me, Please
Want to contribute but too time-strapped to get away from your screen long enough to volunteer? These days, charity is just a click away—and doesn’t necessarily involve donating money or even any effort. Many websites are attempting to raise awareness on particular issues and simply want you to visit them and support them by clicking through to their sponsors. Now what’s your excuse going to be?
www.bookcrossing.com
Help make the world a library and spread the joy of reading. Take a minute to register any book you want to share on this global network, then set it free to travel the world and find new readers. How?
Deliberately “release” it at a coffee shop, a gym, a park, etc., then let serendipity do its magic! Who knows? One day your book might return to you. Prefer Thai books? Visit www.freeyourbook.kumsub.com.
www.charityusa.com
This website brings together a family of online charity organizations. On the front page are www.therainforestsite.com, www.theanimalrescuesite.com, www.thebreastcancersite.com and more. Every time you click on one (or all) of the logos listed, the revenue from the sponsor ads on that page will be sent to these activism sites.
www.greenpeace.org
If you are environmentally conscious (and you should be!), take a tour of Greenpeace’s site and check out its tips for greener living. In the Get Involved section, there is an overview of its current projects. Choose one that matters to you and fill in online petitions to call the government and world leaders to take action.
www.konjaidee.com
Started by the National Center for Giving and Volunteering (NCGV), this site features numerous non-profit foundations, governmental and religious organizations and volunteering opportunities across the country for you to choose from and get involved with. You can also download its extensive “Do Good Map” as a guideline.
www.lightamillioncandles.com
Light a candle and save innocent children from online child pornography. At first, the site was hoping to light one million “candles” in four months but they reached the goal in less than 60 days. Despite 2,412,634 candles lit and counting, child pornography continues to circulate on the web and the site still needs your voice to tell the world to care. To help end child abuse, visit them, light a candle and spread the word.
www.onlinevolunteering.org
Based in Bonn, Germany, this United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program asks interested people around the world to get involved in its development projects through the internet. Whether you have editing, website development, data analysis or translation skills, there’s surely a way you can help.
www.thaigiving.org
The website is the give-and-take hub of Thailand, where people in need can post their requests online and donors can help them directly. The e-charity website also includes over 100 foundations, allowing you to make donations, volunteer, support and contact the charitable organizations you care for.
