For the 9th consecutive year, representatives from the Canadian Jackalope Open and Jesters Care for Kids joined together to take the Camillian children for Christmas shopping at Big C in Rayong. Fifty-one children participated on Sunday, December 11th from the Camillian Social Center in Rayong, the Garden of Eden, and Independent Living.
The Center was originally established in 1994 for people living with HIV/AIDS and in need of ARV therapy. Today 70% of the children have HIV, while the rest do not, including orphans from parents who have died from AIDS.
At the mall, the children were given1000 baht apiece and about an hour and a half to shop. As usual, most had done their homework and knew where the best bargains were. They didn’t seek frivolous items, but instead, necessities, like clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc. And, to boot, they even bought presents for their friends!
All in all, the children spent 51,695 baht on their shopping spree, which we split between our two organizations. And to wrap it up the children performed a delightful rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’ with the older children ringing bells in synchronization, while the young ones danced.
We look forward to seeing them again in the New Year when we take them on another fun excursion in the spring before school recommences.
The Canadian Jackalope Open is one of our special charity partners, major sponsor, and donors of auction items for our Gala Party Night.
For more information, please visit: www.jackalopeopen.com and www.care4kids.info.
