This
local Santa brings joy to the kids.
Pratchaya Kerdthong
It’s another lovely gathering of orphans, deaf children,
former residents, staff members, sponsors, and benefactors, once again at
the annual Christmas Celebration at Pattaya Orphanage this year.
The garage next to the football pitch has been adapted as
the main stage for the event and nicely decorated with lights for the
festive occasion. Together with Fr. Michael Veera Pangrak, who marked the
opening of the party by lighting up the Christmas tree and the stage, sixty
school-aged orphans sang carols to wish their benefactors and one another a
very happy holiday season.
Over 400 people turned up for the warm family atmosphere.
At least 20 dishes of delicious food were sponsored by benefactors and
served to all to enjoy. Children tirelessly played on the giant inflatable
kingdom until they became soaked in sweat. In all, 62 former residents and
their family members joined this delightful night of reunion.
Each of them were given a Christmas present after the
current residents received theirs. With generous support of various donors,
50 extra gifts from cell phones to refrigerators and gold chains were won
through lucky draws open to all guests.
Thanks to all people of good will who took part in the
celebration, and those who were not able to be present but have generously
contributed to the happy evening for the children.
Santa
Claus distributes gifts to the children.
Bob
Bisghini dresses up as Santa Claus to give joy to the kids.
Pictures
of alumni coming back home to thank their life supporters.
Alumni
take group photos with their teachers.
Children
stand in line to receive food
from kind hearted people at food stalls.
The gift
is bigger than the child!
The
children gather to sing Christmas Carols.
Children
as well as adults receive gifts from Santa.
Fr.
Veera Pangrak gives the opening speech.
Alumni
and current students sing Christmas Carols to thank kind hearted people for
their support.
