Haus Munchen charity event tops off Pattaya School for the Blind charity drive coffers

Nernplubwan Muslim Youth Summer Camp aims to build relationships, teach social mores

Hard Rock treats Ban Jing Jai’s kids to Songkran

Haus Munchen charity event tops off Pattaya School for the Blind charity drive coffers

Sue. K

A group of local business owners, represented by Mark Thomas, recently raised 76,645 baht to buy musical instruments and a washing machine for the Redemptorist School for the Blind. The charity drive was considered highly successful, and rightly so, for 76,000 baht is no small amount.

Roger Ayyer, MD of Haus Munchen and Barry read out the numbers for the lucky winners of various prizes donated by friends and well-wishers.

However, organizers learned that they were 7,355 baht short of being able to completely cover the cost for a set of instruments needed for music classes at the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind, and a washing machine. Not to worry, Roger Ayyer from the Haus Munchen Restaurant in Naklua stepped in and organized a charity dinner to cover the rest.

For only 500 baht each, with 200 baht going to charity, many kind-hearted guests were treated to a 5 course meal. Smoked salmon salad, carrot cream soup with leek strips, roasted prawns in saffron sauce, roasted duck breast on red wine-cherry sauce served with broccoli and cheese crockets, or filet steak with red wine shallot sauce, and finally ending with mouthwatering apple strudel with vanilla sauce and coffee or tea.

Not only that, guests were also eligible for many lucky draw prizes donated by friends and well wishers.

Any money left over from the specific amount needed made on the evening will be donated as well.

Asking Roger as to why he took the trouble to personally organize such dinner to cover the event, he told me that when he was 18 he was given a cassette tape by his friend. The song on that tape changed his life forever. It inspired him so much that since then he has become a dedicated supporter for several projects helping the blind. Roger then handed me an envelope. Inside was a simple sheet of paper with the following lyrics of the song he holds in his heart:

As I was slowly passing an orphan school one day,
I stopped there for a moment, as I watched the children play,
A lonely boy was standing and when I asked him why,
He turned with eyes that could not see
And then he started to cry.
“I’m nobody’s child, I’m nobody’s child
Just like a flower, I am growing wild
No mommy’s kisses, and no daddy’s smile
Nobody wants me, I’m nobody’s child
“People come for children and take them for their own
I know they like to take me, but when they see I’m blind
They always take some other child,
And I’m left behind
“Sometimes I feel so lonely,
I wish that I could die
And walk the streets of heaven
Where all the blind can see
And I’ll find love and comfort
Because there’ll be a HOME for me…
“I’m nobody’s child, I’m nobody’s child
Just like a flower, I am growing wild
No mommy’s kisses, and no daddy’s smile
Nobody wants me, I’m nobody’s child”
Please help the blind whenever you have the opportunity.

Nernplubwan Muslim Youth Summer Camp aims to build relationships, teach social mores

Boonlua Chatree

On April 6, 280 Muslim children began participating in a Muslim Youth Summer Camp to learn about their faith and build relationships with their Muslim companions.

Imam Abdullah Soheng, Imam of Nurulyakin mosque.

During the 20-day camp, the children are spending their summer break learning more about Islamic activities from many specialists, like reading from the Koran, writing and pronunciation.

Leaders of the camp hope to implant a deep sense of social conformity in these youth’s minds. When they grow up, they will help make Thailand better.

The camp opening was held at the conference room of Narulyakin mosque. Chanyuth Hengtrakul, adviser to the tourism and sport minister, and Mai Chaiyanit, president of Nongprue District Administrative Organization, jointly presided over the ceremony. Muaz Mustafa conducted the Koran opening reading.

The participants of the summer camp are enjoying a summer break filled with learning about their heritage.

Hard Rock treats Ban Jing Jai’s kids to Songkran

Suchada Tupchai

Hard Rock Caf้ Pattaya held a Songkran ceremony for 40 children from Ban Jing Jai at the hotel’s swimming pool.

The children had a fun time at the pool, taking part in many games such as life ring racing, banana-trunk boats racing and windsurfing. Teams were divided into colors and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The hotel staff looked after the children, who in turn enjoyed chatting to them.

The hotel also provided lunch.

Andrew Khoo, general manager of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya said, “We are so glad to be part of the fun and happiness that all these Ban Jing Jai children are getting out of the activities we’ve provided. This is part of the hotel’s policy to support social services.”

A child from Ban Jing Jai said, “I am so happy and really am having a great time today. This is the first time that I get to play in such a big swimming pool and have such tasty food. It is a rare chance for us to experience such happiness.”

Andrew Khoo, general manager of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, welcomes the children to a day of fun.

This little tike is ready and raring to jump into the pool.

Stretching under the “shadow” of the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel.

Members of the hotel’s staff explain the day’s activities to the children.

Everyone is “all smiles” during a fun day at the pool.

The children perform stretching exercises preparing to jump into the pool.