A
rapt audience for the art of the magician.
Each year since the first in March, 1997, Rotarians
from Rotary Bangkok South have taken disadvantaged children from their
Pakkred foster home, some 15 kilometres outside Bangkok, and escorted the
little ones to the Royal Varuna Yacht Club for a day of fun and feasting
at the seaside. For the sixth time, this year under the leadership of
Bangkok South incumbent president, Wanit Mekdhanasarn, a legion of
Rotarians rode with the children, their nurses, teachers, keepers and the
staff of the Pakkred Home, in a convoy of buses to the gates of Royal
Varuna, opened in welcome.
President
Alvi takes a break.
President Alvi Sinthuvanik and members of the Jomtien-Pattaya
Rotary Club joined forces with the Bangkok South group to ensure that the
children had a most enjoyable, safe and memorable trip to the seashore,
one of the very few outings these little people have during the course of
a year.
On arrival at the Varuna foreshore, they played in the
sea and in the club swimming pool, felt the caress of the warm south wind
on their faces - many, for the first time - and enjoyed life like any
child, anywhere - if only for a day.
“There,
but for the ‘Grace of God’, go I.”
Rotarians were out in full force, also, to help the
youngsters enjoy their special day, catering to their every need, serving
them food, drinks and, of course, an unlimited supply of ice cream which
they relished (as did most of the Rotarians and the Royal Varuna staff!).
A magician and a clown were there to entertain the
little ones who simply exploded in laughter at each and every
well-rehearsed routine. No wonder these guys come back each year to Varuna:
they have a most appreciative - and ready-made audience.
Fun
time in the sea.
Another swim, fun and games on the seafront grass area,
a last drink and finally, it was time to head for the buses waiting
outside the Varuna gates. As the army of brave, cheerful little people was
wheeled, lifted, carried or managed to hobble to the exit, there was a
farewell package for each one at the gate, to ease their way back to
Pakkred, the only home they have ever known. This is a traditional gesture
from Rotary past president and founder of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, the
incomparable Walter Meyer who, each year, stands in the blazing sun to
present the gifts to each and every child.
“He
ain’t heavy...” RTN Frank lends a hand.
There were many moist eyes on the little - and not just
a few of the big - people as the buses pulled away. It was difficult not
to reflect on the vagaries of life: the innocence of the Pakkred children
who have been dealt a bad hand in the game of life, but whose minds
radiate an inner beauty which we, the able-bodied, would do well to
emulate.
President
Wanit accepts a painting done by a Pakkred student, from the director of
the home.
They will be back again next March for the 2003 “Kids
Out” - the day at the seaside which - even if for only a day - brings
light and hope into lives severely limited by their physical disabilities.
For a number of the children, the seaside represents a beauty which they
can feel but not see, as they turn their faces to the warmth of the south-westerlies
which caress them for a while, before they head back to their world of
permanent darkness.
Thank you Rotary and Royal Varuna Yacht Club for
bringing joy into the lives of these unfortunates.
Christopher
Haeberli, an MCCI elementary student, shows a kindergartener a coin from
Bangladesh.
Assistant
Director for the ICRC in Thailand, Mr. Magne Barth gratefully accepts the
70,000 baht ISE donation that students raised. Thanks to the donation, he
said, “329 people in Afghanistan can have six weeks worth of food.”
Outgoing
dean of faculty at Burapha University, Dr. Parsuch Kullawanich (left) has
handed over the reigns to the new dean of faculty, Professor Dr. Suchart
Upatham (right).