Gift of Happiness Pages

RETURN OF THE CLOWN by Gale Bailey MBE

Edward Haworth is better known as Clown Eckie as he was the only British clown in Thailand and performed at large events as well as children’s parties. He is the founder/director of Gift of Happiness Foundation and I have been privileged to accompany him on his trips around Bangkok and up country which have been memorable. Clown shows were performed in poor schools and refugee camps after which donations of clothes, toiletries, household goods, toys were distributed.

In 2020, Eddie returned to UK after more than a 10 year gap then was unable to return as Covid intervened however Gift of Happiness continued to operate under his direction from a distant. The loyal staff who are sponsored by wonderful, generous people have collected and given out the donations on a regular basis to communities all over Bangkok.

Eddie returned for a month in June and asked if I would like to join him when he was going to a community (slum) on Onnut. I took along 2 other BWG ladies who had never experienced a clown show in Bangkok and to see how Gift of Happiness brings delight and joy int o their lives – they were not disappointed! After his show which delighted everyone and still makes me laugh even though I have seen it many times, we helped to give each child a pack of new underwear, soap, toothbrush and paste and a towel (donated by a well-known Bangkok hotel). This was followed by the rest of the community being able to help themselves to more towels, clothes, household goods and toys so we quickly moved out their way as it was a bit like a rugby scrummage!

I also went with Gift of Happiness to another community on Klong Tan to help distribute packs to children then the whole community were allowed access to clothes and other goods – happiness was certainly in the air. Whilst he was back in June, Eddie certainly packed in a great deal with more shows and many other ‘giving away’ sessions, visiting schools, one in Nakhon Sawan as well as speaking to corporate sponsors and supporters.

Eddie loves to see the happy faces of the children and those who live in poor communities who do not always have something to smile about.

Eddie is back later in the year to bring more happiness – Ploenchit Fair for starters! Check out www.gohappiness.org and Gift of Happiness Foundation on Facebook for more details