DHL supports quake-affected Chiang Rai youth via SOS Children's Villages

DHL Thailand, part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, the world’s leading postal and logistics group, has continued its support of local communities by donating a collection of books and a bookshelf to the SOS Children’s Village Chiang Rai, helping to restock and renovate a library damaged by last year’s 6.3-magnitude earthquake in the area.

Three DHL business units in Thailand – DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain and DHL Global Forwarding – participated in the activities during the visit to the affected village on June 27.

“At DHL, we value the educational partnership with SOS Children’s Villages as it enables our people to support youth through skills and knowledge, contributing positively to society,” said Chananyarak Phetcharat, managing director, DHL Express Thailand and Indochina.

“The donation of books is a direct and tangible way we can assist in the rebuilding, and so support the educational needs of children in the SOS Children’s Village Chiang Rai,” said the MD.

In addition to the donation of books, the DHL team organised a first-aid session for youth and staff members of the SOS Children’s Village, supported by the local Sirikorn Chiang Rai Rescue Association.

The children were introduced to a number of common emergency situations and shown how to provide first-aid responses by well-trained specialists.

“The recent earthquake here can obviously hinder the educational progress of underprivileged youth,” said Thomas Tieber, CEO, Asean & South Asia, DHL Global Forwarding. “Through creativity and our ongoing commitment, however, we are able to turn something negative into a powerful learning opportunity.”

The DHL volunteer team, led by Kevin Burrell, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam, also taught a first-aid class in English, which incorporated a short cartoon and light-hearted demonstrations.

“I am proud to be a part of the volunteer team with a high level of passion. It gives us a tremendous sense of satisfaction to see what a positive impact DHL volunteers can have in a country where we do business. Nothing could make us even more proud than the children’s happy faces and laughter during our visit and the training session,” he said.

Deutsche Post DHL Group launched its global partnership with SOS Children’s Villages International in 2009.

The partnership helps provide young people between the ages of 15 and 25 with better opportunities for a professional career, an independent and steady source of income and a self-determined life.

In addition to “GoTeach”, the Germany-based company is also focused on “GoGreen” (protecting the environment) and “GoHelp” (disaster preparedness, response and recovery) programmes.

Since 1971, SOS Children’s Villages Thailand has been supporting children who have lost their parental care, helping them grow up in the most natural way possible and guiding them on their path from childhood to adulthood.

There are 700 children being cared for in five SOS Children’s Villages around the Kingdom – in Bangpoo in Samut Prakan province, in Hat Yai in Songkhla province, and in Nong Khai, Chiang Rai and Phuket – and SOS mothers provide children who have lost their parental care and a supportive and loving home.

SOS Children’s Villages Thailand has to date raised more than 500 responsible and independent adults who are now actively contributing to society.