Rotary Sows the Seeds of Love

On the eve of 11 September 2002, most citizens of the world ceremoniously remembered the great tragedy that befell the United States and all who believe in the sanctity of human life the feeling of deep vulnerability of the unwanted coming into our home to destroy the things we cherish. Some people still helplessly cling to the pain of precious ones being taken from them. But in other parts of the world, such tragedies occur day in and day out, and the sight of women and children crying out in grief is often accepted as something that happens "over there".

Nevertheless, the compassion of the human spirit still prevails in much of the world through organizations such as Rotary International, whose members dedicate their extra time to finding funds and recycled items to distribute to the poor and needy.

Rotary Keeps Growing in Thailand

When Rotary International first established a presence in Thailand in 1930, the Bangkok club was known as an "English speaking club" made up mainly of western businessmen. Today there are close to a hundred rotary clubs throughout the kingdom whose membership includes expatriates from all over the world as well as Thai business owners. This well-known organization, originally founded in the United States, is dedicated to the service of the poor and needy. Most recently, another Rotary branch was established in the southern Thai city of Pattaya.

Since membership was overflowing in the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, Rotarian Peter Thorand decided to start a new club in the city. While administrative details and organizational issues punctuated its first year term (2001-2002), the Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya was still able to do a lot of work on behalf of needy people. Thorand took the helm as president and quickly got to work recruiting members and establishing relationships with local schools, hospitals and charity organizations.

The U.S. Navy & Project Handclasp

Most notably, Thorand arranged several community relations activities in conjunction with the U.S. Navy's "Project Handclasp" program. This military program provides donations from American individuals and corporations. U.S. Naval vessels ship donated materials on a "space availability" basis. Soldiers, sailors and airmen act as goodwill ambassadors to distribute clothing, books and other materials to all countries in the world hosting U.S. Navy operations.

During their annual military readiness exercises in Thailand, these American military branches donated over 15 tons of books, supplies and toys for the Taksin-Pattaya Rotary Club to deliver to schools, hospitals, training centers and nursing homes. Beneficiaries included the Banglamung Hospital, which is known to cater to indigent patients; several schools; Chonburi Juvenile Detention Center; Vocational Training Center in Banglamung; Chantaburi Business School and Chantaburi Hospital.

Local Charity

Other Taksin-Pattaya Rotary Club charity work during the 2001-2002 term included donating rice in conjunction with the Pattaya Lions Club to people in Northeast Thailand who were affected by a flood, donating books to the Pattaya Public Library in Soi Yodsak, and joining other charity clubs in raising money for the lunch program of a rural school.

Now the club is now well into its second year term (2002-2003). As the Rotary International theme for this term is "Sow the Seeds of Love" the Taksin Pattaya club has reached out to Rotarians in Chiangmai. In September, The Rotary Club of Chiang Mai West and Taksin-Pattaya Clubs signed an agreement to work together as sister clubs.

Please contact President Marc Dumur (Tel. 053 221044) or Rotarian Michael Jacobsen (mobile 01 595 5481) mcj@loxinfo.co.th of The Rotary Club of Chiang Mai West to find out more about their work in Chiangmai. Rotarian Peter Thorand of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya can be contacted at mobile 01 909 9089.