Central smiles are southbound

SCHOOL SUPPLIES, sports equipment and toys will again be pouring into the troubled southern provinces soon as the “Million Gifts Million Smiles” campaign taps the wisdom of the late King, the aid of the Royal Thai Army and the generosity of citizens to reach out and cheer up youngsters.
Gearing up for New Year and National Children’s Day on January 8, Central Group recently unveiled plans for this season’s campaign.
“Central Group has carried on this drive for seven consecutive years and distributed more than a million gifts donated from the public and private sectors,” said Pichai Chirathivat, the group’s executive director. “In keeping with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s encouragement to give and be dedicated, this year we are joining forces with the Army in inviting people and our business partners to donate items.”
Youngsters ages three to 15 in southern Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces and four districts of Songkhla will be the recipients.
Pichai said the Army is well acquainted with public sentiment in the southernmost provinces and considers it a duty to try and lift spirits there while keeping citizens safe.
“The campaign is a good chance to demonstrate that all Thais care and try to make people in the South happier with these gift caravans,” said Lt Gen Nath Intrachareon, the Army’s deputy chief of staff. “It’s a way to solidify national unity and encourage people to do good for each other, in accordance with the wishes of His Majesty the late King.”
Lt Gen Nath and Pichai welcomed to the campaign launch celebrities including ML Samonrada Chumpol, Varit Hongsananda, Thitipong Lorprasert, reigning Miss Universe Thailand Chalita Suansane, Pong Nawat, Top Charon, Top Pipat, Yardthip Rajpal and Wan Thanakrit.
There are three ways to participate in the “Gift of Love” campaign before it ends on December 31.
People can deposit gifts for the southern children in a “Giant Box” at Central World, stick a Polaroid “Photo of Love” on the “Wall of Love”, or buy a Bt980 Mamuang Jung Doll created by cartoonist Wisut “Tum” Ponnimit. They’ll all be sent to the South, along with all other income after expenses. The Mamuang Jung doll is also on sale at participating branches of Robinson and Tops.
Learn more at CentralGroup.com and the “CentralGroupThailand” Facebook page.