Trees of life for the underprivileged

RAMATHIBODI FOUNDATION recently launched the second edition of its “Giving & Sharing” campaign to raise funds to help both underprivileged patients and support the ongoing construction of the new Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute in Samut Prakan with an event at EmQuartier.

One of the contributors is Silapathorn Award-winning artist Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch who helped design the mangrove tree donation box.

“Ramathibodi Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support treatment, research and medical staff training while promoting good health. Giving & Sharing is now in its second year and this year, the design of the donation box really catches the eye,” Punsiree Kunakornpaiboonsiri, the foundation’s managing director, told the press during the launch event at the Quartier Water Garden.

 “The mangrove forest helps reduce the impact of the winds and prevents waste and toxins from going to the sea. It is also home to many trees and animals, which are inter- dependent. It can be compared to a big hospital that provides help to many patients. When you put money into this box, you are helping people who need help in order to continue their lives. The inspiration behind the design is the print used in the traditional Ratchaburi pha khao ma. We call the box ‘Untitled Mangrove’,” Wasinburee explained.

Several other artists and celebrities have designed their own 30cm mangrove trees.

Chalit Nakpawan came up with a “Tree of Compassion”. “Compassion allows people to live together harmoniously and happily. My tree represents the compassion we have for each other. The colour is glossy like a mirror, reflecting the kindness that we offer to our fellow human beings,” he said.

Illustrator Thaweesak Srithongdee’s “Anatomy of Life” focuses on how relationships lead to happiness and harmony, contemporary artist Yuree Kensaku’s offers a “Mangrove of Love” and designer Bhanu Inkawat’s “Heart Infinity” reminds Thais of the need to give and care for each other.

Other mangrove trees up for auction include Taksaorn Techanarong’s “Love to Give”, Urassaya Sperbund’s “Circle of Giving”, Thanawat Wattanaputi’s “Bright”, Puttichai Kasetsin’s “Mangrove the Giver of the Shore” and Pakorn Lam’s “Sounds of Nature”.

 Members of the public wishing to donate or enjoy the art creations should head to The Em District. Bids for the 30cm mangrove trees are being accepted through December 15. 

Find out more at www.RamaFoundation.or.th.