St. Patrick’s Day parade raises funds for Father Ray Foundation
More than one thousand local residents and foreign expats joined the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade which took place on the afternoon of Saturday March 17th.
Bigger and better than last year, the 2012 Parade attracted marching bands and decorated floats from many of Pattaya’s Irish bars as well as from local businesses, including one float from Thammasat University.
St Patrick’s Day brings the communities of Pattaya together.
While it can be said that everyone attending had an afternoon of fun, there was also a serious side to the day’s events.
It was hoped that the 2012 parade would increase awareness of the work of the Father Ray Foundation. The parade also raised funds to help cover the costs of providing accommodation, education, food, medical help and therapy for the 850 children and students with disabilities currently living at the Foundation.
Money was collected in donation boxes along the route, from sponsorship of the event and from decorated float entry, and more than 400,000 baht was raised.
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome is already looking forward to 2013, and has agreed that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will once again take place. It is hoped that more Pattaya based Irish bars and businesses will join together in one of the most fun filled days in the Pattaya calendar, boosting the image of our city and raising much needed funds for the underprivileged children of Pattaya.
More information can be found at www.fr-ray.org or email [email protected]
