That thrill of giving

THREE HUNDRED youngsters under the care of the Community Children Foundation had a happier holiday season thanks to people who donated generously to the “Citizen of Love: Gifts for Them” campaign organised by Siam Piwat.
The company that runs Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery gave Bangkok residents a chance “to send good wishes to disadvantaged children” via the foundation, which enjoys the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Chanisa Kaewruen of Siam Piwat said the campaign derived from His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s advocacy for sharing with others for the sake of the country’s wellbeing.
The youngsters benefiting from the campaign were asked in advance what they’d like to receive, and the answers ranged from bicycles, jigsaw puzzles, cameras and ping-pong paddles to sneakers and sweaters.
Shoppers were asked to buy a gift from the wish list, with prices halved, and the goodies were presented to the foundation on January 10.
Its national director, Dr Kanchada Piriyarangsan, expressed gratitude on behalf of the foundation, which has been helping kids since 1957 and currently has more than 50,000 children on its roster being helped with education, healthcare, career development and the quality of life in general. The aim is to ensure they become good and happy citizens.
In announcing the success of the campaign at Siam Discovery’s Exploratorium, Chanisa was addressing a gathering of especially generous people including celebrities Sarawit Suboon, Karatphet Issara, Nop-abha Devakula and Phongsthon Thamwatthana. Several mentioned how they too derived great happiness through the simple act of giving.
Karatphet said the worthiness of being generous has been passed on from one generation to the next in her family. Her parents instilled it in her, wanting her to always be kind to others, and she’s followed their wish since childhood.
The campaign was a wonderful way to “give back” to society and ensure that less fortunate children get their dream gifts, she said, adding that she hopes it becomes an annual event.
Phongsthon said he often makes merit by treating kids on special occasions and always find their resulting happiness “priceless”. He hosts a regular party at JP Toys, opening the store for disabled children so they can choose the gifts they like.
Nop-abha is also devoted to making merit and routinely supports charitable activities that help disabled children. This campaign not only gives the youngsters the gifts they most want, she said, but can also inspire them to likewise “pay it forward” when they have the chance.
She noted, too, that the assembled wish list entailed mostly essentials in life, fully in keeping with His Majesty the late King’s philosophy of sufficiency.