PATTAYA, Thailand – What began as a 7,250-kilometre challenge linking Bangkok with Brisbane has turned into a remarkable demonstration of community spirit, with supporters walking a combined 9,145.3 kilometres throughout August.
The Hand to Hand Global Charity Walk exceeded its original target by 1,895.3 kilometres, while raising 464,980 baht towards a 600,000-baht fundraising goal to support the foundation’s work with vulnerable children, families and communities in Pattaya.
The campaign culminated in a community walk around Lake Maprachan on Saturday, Aug. 29, with a final headcount of 212 participants bringing together families, children, schools, businesses, sponsors and supporters. The event was particularly significant as it marked the final fundraiser for Margaret Grainger, Hand to Hand’s long-time founder and vice-president, before her return to Australia.
Margaret Grainger has lived in Pattaya since 2000 and has spent more than two decades serving the local community. She founded and led Hand to Hand for 16 years, helping develop programmes covering food, education, scholarships, housing, legal documentation and family support. The foundation’s Family Care Ministry currently reaches 77 families across nine disadvantaged communities.
The August campaign had originally set the ambitious goal of walking 7,250 kilometres — the approximate distance between Bangkok and Brisbane. Supporters could walk anywhere in the world and log their kilometres, while the Pattaya community walk provided a focal point for the campaign. The foundation had encouraged participants to bring a 5kg bag of rice, with rice being among the staple foods regularly distributed to families in need.
For Jessica Chilver, who is preparing to take over Margaret’s role, the extraordinary result demonstrated the strength of the community behind Hand to Hand. “What stood out to me most was seeing the whole community come together for Hand to Hand,” Jessica said. “Schools, businesses, families, sponsors and supporters all played a part. To not only reach our walking goal but go almost 1,900 km beyond it shows what can happen when a community comes together for a shared purpose.”
Jessica’s connection with Hand to Hand goes back to childhood. She began volunteering with the foundation when she was six and grew up around its children, volunteers and supporters. She now faces the task of carrying Margaret’s work into its next chapter. “As we enter a new chapter at Hand to Hand, I’m incredibly excited to build on what Margie has created and continue serving the children and families of Pattaya,” Jessica said.
For Margaret, the farewell was deeply personal. “After more than 20 years in Pattaya, seeing so many people come together to support Hand to Hand was incredibly special,” she said. “I am so thankful to everyone who has walked alongside us, not just during this campaign, but throughout the many years of our ministry.”
Margaret said Hand to Hand had never been about one person but about people coming together to support those in need. “I leave Thailand with a very grateful heart and great confidence in Jessica and the team as they carry the work forward,” she said.
The Lake Maprachan event provided a fitting conclusion to the campaign and a chance for the community to celebrate what had been achieved. The original event included a full 10.8-kilometre lake route, a 350-metre children’s circuit and a 100-metre toddler walk, making it possible for people of different ages and abilities to participate.
Ren Lexander, one of the supporters at the event, summed up the feeling of the day: “Amazing day at the lake. I completely agree that this could become an annual event.” The response, he added, had certainly given organisers something to think about for next year.
While the walking challenge is over, Hand to Hand’s work continues. The Pattaya-based Christian organisation says it supports marginalised people regardless of race, age or religion through practical assistance including food, clothing, education, legal documentation and family support.
The 464,980 baht raised so far leaves the campaign 135,020 baht short of its 600,000-baht target, giving supporters an opportunity to help complete what has already become a fitting tribute to Margaret’s years of service.
The kilometres may have been counted, but the message from Pattaya’s community was clear: Margaret may be leaving, but the work she helped build is continuing.
