The Pattaya Orphanage celebrated their annual Christmas party with Santa bringing gifts to both the children and foundation.
Director Rev. Weera Pangrak and Radchada Chomjinda, director of the Human Help Network Thailand, welcomed 500 people to the Dec. 27 celebration, with private organizations putting on a spread of more than 10 different food dishes for the occasion.
The young orphans were decked out in their Christmas red and took to the stage to entertain the benevolent crowd with Christmas carols. Santa Claus also made an appearance with gifts for the kids.
The highlight of the party was the raffle. More than 4,500 tickets were sold at prices of 20-100 baht, with proceeds going to the orphanage’s operating fund for the coming year.
Heinrich & Eva Schmidinger also donated 43,000 baht to the foundation and gave small cash gifts to the children.
Prizes were numerous in the lucky draw, with winners taking home 15 gold necklaces, appliances, televisions, dolls and more.
Radchada said the event was truly enjoyable and added, “We are truly thankful for all sponsors, guests and benefactors for joining the children at this special and happy occasion. It’s a great privilege and honor that Howard Osborne, Past President of Rotary Club Eaglehawk in Bendigo, Australia, his wife Vivienne and Michael & Nora, their children paid visit to Pattaya after the last visit to Fr. Ray Brennan over two decades ago. Mr. & Mrs. Osborne together with Rotary members under the R.O.S.E. Program have accepted many orphaned children from the Pattaya Orphanage and Fr. Ray Foundation to study ESL and stay with foster families in Bendigo under this program. All children return with good English speaking skills and can get good jobs. We are truly thankful and very happy that they pay visits to the Orphanage and Child Protection and Development Center (CPDC) during this holiday seasons. We look forward to seeing you again next Christmas. May God Bless You All.”
