On July 30, Pattaya and the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya had the pleasure of welcoming to Pattaya 12 Rotarians from
Japan. The visitors were led by President Narahashi Akio from the Honjo
South Rotary Club in Yamato, Japan, a sub-district of Tokyo.
Everyone
joins in a happy picture at the end of an enjoyable evening with the kids.
Their mission was to visit the Redemptorist Home for
Street Children to get a first hand look at its operations and organise a
‘special party’ for the kids.
Assistant district governor of Rotary, Susuma Asada,
said in his opening statement, “One reason for the party is to bring
more joy to the children.” He went on to say, “I am so impressed with
the love and care these children are receiving from the volunteers and
staff. I am moved by the sight of how the children are cuddling the
volunteers, and the volunteers are using their expensive digital cameras
to take pictures of anything and everything.”
Narahashi
Akio presents Father Banchong with a 20,000 baht donation for the home.
The district governor went no to say, “I believe
genuine love is not restricted by one’s race or country, but by the love
that God has instilled in our hearts.”
President
Judy Hoppe (left) prepares to exchange club banners with President
Narahashi Akio (right) as Dale Harrison (centre) looks on.
Dale Harrison, a member of the Honjo Rotary Club and
interpreter for the group said, “Many Rotarians throughout Japan are
concerned with the plight of the children of Thailand. They care for their
well-being and are willing to do whatever is necessary to bring more
happiness and joy to them.”
Children
present the visitors with sweet smelling wrist leis to show their
appreciation for their help.
Judy Hoppe, president of the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya, along with other members of her club welcomed the
assistant district governor and his group to Pattaya and thanked them for
showing such great support for the Home for Street Children. Judy
expressed her thankfulness, saying, “It’s quite obvious your love and
compassion exceeds beyond the borders of your own country.”
Children
perform the Dance of Wishes.
She went on to say, “With your acts of kindness, you
have demonstrated why Rotarians worldwide are making a difference in
people’s lives. I applaud you and other Rotarians around the globe for
your acts of kindness.”
The group from Japan also shared a keen desire to
financially become involved with the children’s home. President Judy,
hearing this, seized the opportunity to invite them to participate in a
joint venture with her club.
Children
born in the month of July were treated to a birthday cake.
President Narahashi Akio and the Japanese assistant
district governor were very excited hearing this and about the possibility
of co-sharing a project with both clubs, welcoming the suggestion that
perhaps a ‘Sister Club’ agreement might be forthcoming.
When two Rotary Clubs embark on a joint venture or
project together then it’s very possible to get a ‘matching grant’
approved by Rotary International. A matching grant is when the two clubs
contribute money that has been generated by local fund-raising events. The
club’s individual district donates a certain proportion and then Rotary
International donates their share to the designated project. In many
instances, the money donated by the District and Rotary International will
match in equal amounts to the money initially generated by the two primary
Rotary Clubs. It’s really a win-win situation for all concerned.
President Judy’s closing remarks were, “This has truly been an
exciting and entertaining night. I would like to thank the very talented
children that performed traditional Thai dances, which were so eloquently
performed. The almost real-to-life Thai boxing demonstration was very
exciting. You kids are so talented. Our intention was to bring a little
joy to the children here tonight, but in retrospect, they have brought the
joy to us. Thank you from all of us for such a delightful night, one that
we will long remember. And again, this whole endeavor would not have been
possible without the generous help from our brothers and sisters from the
Honjo Rotary Club of Japan.”
Pra
Pariyathada relays the teachings on the dangers of alcohol, cigarettes and
drugs.
Cigarette
incineration in process.
Everyone
pours out the booze.
