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Who's in charge? General Manager James Fuss Managing Editor Gr goire Glachant Associate Editor Nick Measures Senior Staff Writers Monruedee Jansuttipan, Mrigaa Sethi Web Editor Chanun Poomsawai Staff Writer Top Koaysomboon, Junior Writer Narisa Pokunchanan New Media Assistant Sita Srisawat Guide Editor Nick Measures Guide Designer Sunchai Kuttikrut Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designers Sunchai Kuttikrut, Phasiri Sunthornprasat, Sanit Sangkaew Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associate Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Waranuch Thaneerat Tele Sales Associate Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri Junior Sales Associate Onwara Sittirug Senior Marketing Executive Wiwat Patcharinsak Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul
Finance & Admin Manager Chayanuch Kulpitivan Senior Administrative Executive Mukda Nukulkij Accountants Supaporn Bangmung, Kedsaraporn Suinta Administrative Executive / HR Assistant Orawan Sakunloetprasuk
Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Chief Operating Officer Steve Freeman sfreeman@asia-city.com.hk Group Digital Director Greg Duncan duncann@asia-city.com.sg Chief Financial Officer Philip wong pwong@asia-city.com.hk
Group Product Directors Digital Media Jane Bay jbay@asia-city.co.th Visitor Media Celeste Tan ctan@asia-city.com.sg
Where to find us Asia City Media Group 22/F, Silom Center, 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 66-2-624-9696 Fax: 66-2-237-5656 guides@asia-city.co.th www.bkmagazine.com
The BK Get Involved Guide is published and distributed on September 17, 2010. It is edited by Kattiya Chan-urai and published by Asia City Media Group (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2010 Asia City Media Group (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of the BK Get Involved Guide are the property of Asia City Media Group (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Media Group (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Thai Union Graphic Co. Ltd., 85/14 Soi Watphromrungsri, Moo 4, Rama II Rd., Smaedam, Bangkhuntien, Bangkok 10150.
member of:
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W
e were going to call this guide “Be Good” but that’s not really what it’s about. Of course, we’ve included plenty of opportunities to do some good by donating—or sometimes even just clicking on a web link. But what’s much more exciting is all the different communities you can connect with through these organizations, communities of people that have as much to offer you, as you have to offer them. This guide is also full of opportunities to define your world and your city in the way that you see fit, a city where disabilities don’t stop people from leading productive lives—or where trees haven’t completely disappeared.
From rebuilding an ancient temple in the Himalayas, to teaching hill tribe children in the North, “getting involved” can also be about pushing your boundaries and your knowledge, and maybe even recharging your batteries at the same time. Forget about “being good.” You’re here to collect the raw materials needed for a prosthetic limb, or volunteer to support disabled people looking for a job, travel to the steppes of Mongolia to document its flora, adopt a kitten or simply buy a recycled paper notebook. Ready to do meaningful things, meet new people and bring your community closer to what you’d like it be? Then read on and get ready to get involved.
Get Involved
Contents children
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animals
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WOMEN
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The Environment
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The ELDERLY
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cultural preservation
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communities
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help fROM HOME
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The disabled
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Sponsored by:
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CHILDREN
Foundation for the Better Life of Children
Foundation for the Better Life of Children
Kru Ban Nok
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hildren are our future. But meanwhile, we’re responsible for their future. So do your bit to make sure they get to enjoy some basic rights like education, food and shelter thanks to these notable organizations.
Foundation for the Better Life of Children Who they help: Underprivileged children. How they help: They house children and accept donations such as food, stationary and toys, as well as more essential everyday items like clothes, shoes and toothbrushes. How can you get involved: Donate any of these items. 100/475 Chaeng Wattana Soi 10, Laksi. 02-574-1381, 02-574-3753, 02-574-6162. www.fblcthai.org
Phayathai Babies’ Home Who they help: Orphaned babies. How they help: They house and take care of unwanted newborn babies until a permanent home can be arranged for them.
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How can you get involved: Either donate money or food, toys and other necessary items like diapers. Or you can just visit them and give them some much needed love, care and attention. 78/24 Moo 1, Phumwet Rd., Pakkret, Nonthaburi, 02-584-7253/-5, www. phayathaibabieshome.com
The CCF Foundation Under the royal patronage of hrh princess maha chakri sirindhorn Who they help: Children in need. How they help: They help provide needy children across the country with educational opportunities and basic health services. How can you get involved: By making a donation of just B17/day
(or B500/month) to sponsor a child. You then get to follow your sponsored child’s development via their regular handwritten letters. Alternatively, you can just make a one-off donation. 36/4 Chalermprakiat Soi 9, Pravet, 02-747-2600, www.ccfthai.or.th
World Vision Who they help: Underprivileged children. How they help: Helping and improving the lives of children through education, health care and good nutrition. How can you get involved: For as little as B15/day (B500/month), you can help improve the life and future of your sponsored child. Or you can or just make a one-off donation. 582/18-22 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-381-8863/-5, www.worldvision.or.th
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CHILDREN
Kru Ban Nok (Mirror Foundation Project)
Rajvithi Home for Girls, Pakkred Home for Boys
Kru Ban Nok (Mirror Foundation Project)
Who they help: Kids at risk of dropping out of school and ending up on the streets. How they help: They house these children and make sure they receive a proper education. How can you get involved: Either donate food, educational materials and money, or volunteer to help teach children on-site.
Who they help: Hill-tribe children. How they help: They provide volunteers to help teach kids in rural areas. How can you get involved: You can donate learning tools, clothes and money or go on a four-day holiday where you get to stay in an isolated hilltribe community in Chiang Rai and help teach Thai and life skills to village children. (No previous experience required.) If teaching isn’t your thing you can also go there and help plant trees. You have to pay your own way to Chiang Rai and then pay another B1,000 to cover your food. (Transfer the money to Krungthai Bank account “Volunteer Teacher,” 539-133371-7.)
255Ratchavithi Rd., 02-354-7483-5. www.rajvithihome.org Pakkred: 2 Moo 1, Phumvet Rd., 02-583-8343, ww.pakkredhome.org
Ban Khru Noi Who they help: Slum children. How they help: Offer shelter, food and eduation to poor children. How can you get involved: You can buy food, books, or transfer money direct to the charities bank account (186-4-16883-4, Bangkok Bank, Ratchaburana branch) Costs: Up to you. 319 Moo 1, Ratchaburana Soi 26, 02-871-3083, www.moobankru.com/ bankrunoi/bankrunoi.htm
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106 Moo 1, Baan Huey Khom, Muang, Chiang Rai, 053-737-412, www. bannok.com/volunteer
Just click! Light a candle Light a candle and save innocent children from online child pornography. Despite 2,954,738 candles lit and counting, child pornography continues to circulate on the web and the site still needs your voice to tell the world to care. To help end child abuse, visit them, light a candle and spread the word. www.lightamillioncandles.com The Hunger Site This collective of charities and causes has set up a web portal where they turn your clicks into dollars. You can choose from world hunger, breast cancer, animal rescue, rainforest protection and healthcare. www.thehungersite.com
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CHILDREN
78 million
Number of preschoolers in developing countries suffering from malnutrition, causing stunted growth, brain damage, emotional distress, and death.
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Duang Prateep Foundation
Books for Children Foundation
Who they help: Slum children and the elderly. How they help: Provides foster homes for orphaned or unwanted children and provides them with a formal education as well as introducing them to life-long learning activities. How can you get involved: Donate money and essential everyday items. Account “Duang Prateep,� 017-2-06336-5, Kasikorn Bank, Klong Toey branch.
Who they help: Thai children without access to reading materials. How they help: Sets of books are sent to school libraries across Thailand with a special focus on getting these books to children in remote areas or parts of the country that have suffered, or are currently suffering from, ongoing unrest or natural disasters, like the three southern provinces. How can you get involved: Donate books and money.
34 Lock 6, Ard-narong Rd., Klong Toey, 02-671-4045/-8, 02-249-4880, www.dpf.or.th
23/26 Moo 10, Petchkasem Soi 60/2, 02-805-0202, www.thaibby.in.th
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WOMEN
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omestic violence, rape, unplanned pregnancies, prostitution... Woman face specific—and often incredibly tough—challenges. To help empower them, lend your support to these female-focused organizations.
Foundation for Women Who they help: Trafficked women and victims of domestic and sexual violence. How they help: They house abused women and children, fight for their rights and welfare, and provide information and legal support for these victims. How can you get involved: Donate items like clothing or money by transfering your donations to account 038-2-18085-2, Kasikorn Bank, Sathorn branch. 295 Charansanitwong Soi 62, 02-433-5149, 02-435-1246, www. womenthai.org
Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women Who they help: Women facing unplanned pregnancies, rape, violence or abandonment. Women and children with HIV/AIDS. How they help: Provide temporary shelter, food and mental assistance. They also have an “emergency home” which takes women and children with HIV/AIDS under its wings. How can you get involved: Volunteer to help out at the shelter and by donating money. 501/1 Soi 1, Dechatungkha Rd., Don Muang, 02-929-2222, 02-929-2301/-7, www.apsw-thailand.org
Just click! Care2 Another charitable click portal that aims to promote a range of different causes. Take your pick from: marine life, rainforests, primates, global warming, pets, breast cancer and violence. www.care2.com Feed SA Feed the hungry children of South Africa simply by clicking on the logos of the sponsors and signing up for membership. Free but you will be spammed with newsletters. www.feedsa.co.za Give Us a Home Give stray animals a home by donating your clicks through their sponsor banners. www.giveusahome.co.uk
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WOMEN
Amnesty International Thailand Who they help: Those who have been deprived of their human rights. How they help: A global organization that campaigns to protect and promote human rights, calling for actions to eliminate violence against women and to stop the death penalty. How can you get involved: Donate money online or join their petition campaigns, see their website for the latest news. 90/24 Ladproa Soi 1, Chompol, Jatujak, 02-513-8745, www.amnesty. or.th
Pavena Foundation Who they help: Female victims of forced prostitution and physical abuse. How they help: Offer the victims support and the means to be rehabilitated.
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How can you get involved: Call 1134 if you want to report a suspected case of abuse. Or simply make a financial donation (187-0-74095-6, Bangkok BanK, Ramindra branch). 84/14 Moo 2, Rangsit Rd. Nakorn nayok Klong 7, Lumpukkude, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani. 025770496-8. Hotline: 1134. www. pavenafoundation.or.th.
Empower Who they help: Sex workers. How they help: They campaign for their rights and help improve their self-esteem and levels of education. How can you get involved: Donate money to Krungsri Ayuthaya Bank, PTT branch, account 578-1-00314-7 or Bangkok Bank, Wongsawang branch, account 194-0-24606-7.
US$300 million
Amount the International Labor Organization estimates Thai sex workers send back to the provinces each year.
57/60 Tiwanon Rd., Nonthaburi, 02526-8311, www.empowerfoundation. org
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the Elderly
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on’t let the generation gap get in the way of reaching out to this fragile part of our society – after all you wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them.
Ban Bang Khae Who they help: The elderly. How they help: They house and take care of the elderly who don’t have families able to take care of them. How can you get involved: You can pop in to brighten up the day of the grandpas and grannies. Join them in their morning exercise, help feed them or drop by and visit them at the hospital. You can also donate money
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to account 053-2-67665-2, Kasikorn Bank, Bangkhae branch. Plus, you can also host a meal for them at Ban Bang Khae—just call at least 7 days in advance and count on spending B4,000-6,500. 813 Petchkhasem Rd., 02-455-1592, 02-413-1141, www.banbangkhae. go.th Ban Bang Khae 2 at 69/4 Moo 9, Soi Klong Song Yai, Bangkhae, 02-4556318, 02-455-6309, 02-455-6294
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Working people for every elderly person in 1970, in Thailand.
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Estimated number of working people for every eldery person by 2035
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communities into the program, they will give you basic training on first aid, CPR and other procedures that you need to know. With that you’ll get your own first aid kit, a uniform and you’re ready to go. Give them an idea of when you are available and wait for that call. Costs: Free of charge but you need to be prepared to undergo the training. 9 Moo 13, Ladkrabang-KingkaewBangpli Rd., Samut Prakarn, 02-7510950/-3. Operation Blessing Thailand
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on’t dismiss manual labor as a blue-collar job. Your sweat and hard work can help build homes—and hope—for people in dire need of a roof. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty! Sounds too physically demanding? But come on. If Film Rattapoom can do it, so can you! Join him and help build and repair homes for the poor and victims of disasters.
Habitat for Humanity Thailand Who they help: Homeless people. How they help: They organize trips for volunteers to help build new houses or renovate existing structures for homeless people. How can you get involved: You can join one of their existing house building projects, set up your own project or just donate money.
Ruamkatanyu Foundation Who they help: People in accidents, at crime scenes, and those in extreme need of emergency rescue. How they help: They help the police pick up dead bodies or get injured individuals to the hospital. How can you get involved: Join their team. When you have been accepted
Operation Blessing Thailand Who they help: Economically disadvantaged communities, and victims of natural calamities. How they help: Providing health care and first-aid training, distributing food and water to poverty-stricken communities. How can you get involved: Unless you are a medical practitioner that is willing to join and travel with their medical team, you can basically help by donating money. Costs: Up to you. 320, Moo 2, Potong-Jaroen Village, Chiangmai-Maesuay Rd., Chiangmai, 053-291164. http://www.obthailand.org
Costs: B750 donation for food, and building materials per day. 12/F, 253 Bldg., 253 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-0644, www.habitatthailand.org
Habitat for Humanity Thailand
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The Disabled
The Bangkok School for the Blind
The Protheses Foundation
The Protheses Foundation
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any people with disabilities could lead almost normal lives and contribute productively to our society. But, because of the stigmas attached to their disabilities, they’re going to need a little help from you to reach that point.
Thailand Association of the Blind
The Bangkok School for the Blind
Who they help: The blind. How they help: They help train blind people in useful vocational skills and then support their careers. How can you get involved: Pick a novel, pocketbook, documentary or textbook from the request list at the Thailand Association of the Blind (open Mon-Sat 9:00am-5:00pm) and then record yourself reading it. Cassettes, CDs and cash are also welcome. You can also donate money to account number 128-0854-850, Bangkok Bank, Din Daeng branch.
Who they help: Blind people. How they help: Provide education and career training to blind people. How can you get involved: There’s a programme for people to come, read storybooks and record them to tape or CD. You can also go there, play with the kids, read to them and help them with their homework.
5/1-2 Soi Boonyou, Din Daeng Rd., Phayathai, 02-246-3835. www.tab. or.th
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420 Ratchawithi Rd., 02-354-8365/-8. www.blind.or.th
Thai Red Cross Eye Bank Who they help: The blind. How they help: They collect donated corneas and offer them as transplants to blind people.
Just Click! Free Rice The site has a little game on its front page. For each correct answer you give, 20 grains of rice will be donated to the UN World Food program. www.freerice.com Thai Giving The website is the give-andtake hub of Thailand, where people in need can post their requests online and donors can help them directly. The e-charity website also includes over 100 foundations, allowing you to make donations, volunteer, support and contact the charitable organizations you care for. www.thaigiving.org
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How can you get involved: You make a will that you’ll want to donate your corneas once you’re dead. So in death you can help give someone a new lease of life. Thai Red Cross Eye Bank, Henry Dunant Rd., 02-256-4039, 02-2564040, www.eyebankthai.com
The Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother Who they help: Amputees. How they help: They produce artificial legs for those who can’t afford to buy their own. How can you get involved: Collect bottles, soft drinks cans, beer or even old aluminum pans and donate them to the organization so that they can recast them as components for artificial legs. Or simply wire your money directly to the foundation’s account, 001-4-760008, Siam Commercial Bank, Chidlom branch.
Foundation for Children with Disabilities
Thai Disabled Development Foundation
Who they help: Disabled children. How they help: They house and take care of disabled children. How can you get involved: Collect used and unwanted pre-paid calling cards, MRT and BTS passes and expired credit cards (which will be resold to raise money for the kids). You can also volunteer to help take care of the children or just donate money to account 203-0-18163-6, Bangkok Bank, Ladprao Soi 44 branch.
Who they help: Disabled people. How they help: They create employment opportunities for the disabled through a special web board where job seekers can post their resumes and search for relevant jobs. How can you get involved: You can make money donations or volunteer to help out with their various different activities. 29 Chaiyapruek Bldg., Wisutkasat Rd., 02-281-9280, www.tddf.or.th
46 Ladprao Soi 47, 02-539-9958, www.fcdthailand.org
1 out of 10 470 million
Ratio of people with a disability.
693 Bamrungmuang Rd., next to Hua Chiew Hospital, 02-226-5666 ext. 2600, www.prosthesesfoundation.or.th
Number of disabled people of working age worldwide.
PTTEP Thai Heritage
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Animals
Elephant Nature Park
T
hink you have it tough in today’s cutthroat world, well how about trying to survive as one of our furry friends, having to cope with disappearing natural habitat, exploitation and even plain cruelty. Do your bit by helping those creatures who can’t always help themselves.
Foundation for Stray Dogs and Soi Cats and Dogs (SCAD)
Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WARF)
Who they help: Stray cats and dogs. How they help: They help reduce the number and improve the lives of Bangkok’s strays through programmes of adoption, education and sterilization. How can you get involved: You can pitch in with money or supplies like leashes and shampoo for the adoption facility, or even plan events like fundraisers or sterilization projects in your community. Just contact SCAD for advice. Costs: Up to you.
Who they help: Wild animals. How they help: They provide animal sanctuaries and fight against the illegal wildlife trade in endangered species. How can you get involved: You can join one of their two projects: The Gibbon Rehabilitation center in
Phuket and The Wild Animal Rescue and Education Center, where you can participate in activities like looking after the animals, research, building cages, and informing tourists about wildlife protection. You will need to be available for at least three weeks and pay for your own travel and food costs. Accommodation is provided. 65/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-712-9715, www.warthai.org
Foundation for Stray Dogs. 02-746-6498, 02-463-9283. www.scadbangkok.org Elephant Nature Park
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Elephant Nature Park
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300,000
Estimated number of stray dogs in Bangok
400,000
SCAD
Friends of the Asian Elephant Who they help: Elephants in distress. How they help: Their hospital has medical tools and kind-hearted vets to take care of sick or maltreated elephants. How can you get involved: Nothing hands on, unless you are a vet, but you can make a donation to account 111-2-27207-8, Siam Commercial Bank, Ratchayothin branch. 350 Moo 8, Ram-Indra Soi 61, 02-9457124/-6, www.elephant-soraida.com
the staff feed and bathe them. Or for a more intensive experience, go for the seven-day volunteer program where you’ll be living at the sanctuary with the creatures and helping out at the park. Count B2,500 for a one-day visit (includes buffet lunch and transportation to and from your hotel in Chiang Mai) or B12,000 for seven-day volunteer program (includes all meals and drinks and accommodation in bamboo huts with a fan and bedding).
Number of cats that could descend from one couple in their lifetime (seven years)
1 Ratmakka Rd., Phra Singh, Chiang Mai, 053-272-855., www. elephantnaturefoundation.org
Elephant Nature Park Who they help: Thai elephants. How they help: By providing a natural habitat for elephants that allows them to live peacefully in natural surroundings. How can you get involved: You can make a day visit where you can learn about the elephants and help
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Environment
Greenpeace
N
o one in their right mind denies that global warming is a reality anymore but Thailand hasn’t exactly mobilized to stop what’s causing it either. And if you like the outdoors, joining the environmental conservation movement is a great way to get out of the city while doing some good.
Seub Nakhasathien Foundation Who they help: Forests within Thailand. How they help: They run many different programmes aimed at sustaining and protecting our forest regions. The foundation got its name from Seub Nakhasathien, who has dedicated his life to protecting Thailand’s forests and the wildlife that lives in it. How can you get involved: Make a donation (account 099-2-687304, Kasikorn Bank, Phaholyothin branch or account 053-2-38652-4, Siam Commercial Bank, Bangbua branch). 693 Bldg. 4, Department of Medical Sciences, Bamrungmuang Rd., 02224- 7838/9, www.seub.or.th.
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Greenpeace Who they help: The planet and all the people who depend on it. Greenpeace works to stop climate change, protect forests, prevent water pollution and promote sustainable agriculture. How they help: By exposing environmental threats and promoting solutions, Greenpeace aims to protect the planet from further ecological ruin, and to serve as a beacon of awareness and action in the interest of environmental protection and sustainable development. How can you get involved: Be a volunteer in one of their projects or give a donation. Costs: B300 a month.
1938
Year the last living captive Schomburgk’s Deer died, six years after Thailand’s wild population was exterminated.
2/F, Thong Bldg., Sutthisan Rd., 02357-1921, www.greenpeace.org/seasia/
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Rabbit in the Moon Foundation Who they help: The environment, by planting a love for nature in children. How they help: They offer regular tree-planting trips to the country, but it’s their alternative approach to raising awareness of environmental issues and the range of programs under the Rabbit in the Moon umbrella that has got people interested. Their Nature Study through Aesthetic Consciousness course encourages people to experience nature first-hand through all five senses. The Music for Nature Project teaches children about the environment through the means of traditional music. The Career-Centered Advising project teaches arts and crafts to rural communities so they can make environmentally friendly products that are then sold at the Rabbit Shop. How can you get involved: This foundation is perfect for artsy types. Whether you are a musician or an artist, you can donate your skills. They are currently looking for graphic designers, photographers, video edi-
tors and English teachers. However, they will also ask what other attributes or specialties you can bring to the table and then look to utilize these in their projects. Donations are also welcome. 103/62 Sukpalerk Village, Ladprao Soi 26, Chompol, Jatujuk. 02-513-9767. www.rabbitinthemoon.org
Earthwatch Who they help: The environment. How they help: By supporting scientific field research related to sustainable development, educating teachers and students and establishing community-based environmental conservation strategy models. How can you get involved: You can join one of the many Earthwatch expeditions, which range from documenting the cultural resources of the Mongolian steppe to studying climate change in the Borneo rainforests. Alternatively, if you don’t have 5-14 days to spare, you can just become a donor or a member, starting from US$35. The costs for each expedition also vary but start at around US$2,000.
Paper Ranger Who they help: Trees and more. How they help: They convert used paper into cute notepads and notebooks which are then sold at cheap prices. The money raised is used to spend on materials and the running costs of the organization. How can you get involved: Just gather stacks of paper from your home, or take on the role at your company and collect them at your office, before delivering them to Paper Ranger. And if you’re too lazy, then arrange for them to come and pick up the paper at your office. Their finished products are either sent back to use at your office or donated to schools in rural areas. Paper Ranger also holds events throughout the country to promote their cause so you can tag along and offer support. If you want to buy the notebooks, simply call and they can send them to your office for a small fee (starting from B10 each). 2044/21 New Petchaburi Rd., 02-319-5017, 089-670-4600. http:// paperranger.wordpress.com.
www.earthwatch.org
Paper Ranger
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CulturAL PRESERVATION
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ulture isn’t just some stuffy old thing you experience in museums; it’s all around us. Our heritage can enrich us, sustains us and preserve our sense of community. Here are a couple ways you can help preserve it.
Makhampom Theater Who they help: Anyone interested in theater. How they help: They teach theater arts, produce plays, and promote Thai culture. How can you get involved: You can volunteer to act in a play or join their performance training programs. You don’t need to have any background in theater to contribute. The theater will take you through a series of training and orientation sessions. For those who like to travel, the theater also goes on tour to the provinces. To support them, you can donate money to Kasikorn Bank, Sutisarn branch, account 0692-59271-9. 55 Soi Intamara 3, Suthisarn Vinichai Rd., 02-616-8473. www.makhampom.net
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Cultural Restoration Tourism Project (CRTP) Who they help: Communities around the world whose cultural heritage is facing the threat of extinction. How they help: Volunteers pay a fee to work alongside local craftsmen at the cultural site in question. Since 2005, the current project has been the restoration of a 300-yearold Buddhist temple situated along the Anapura trail in Nepal. How can you get involved: Give up your holiday to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand. A 12-day trip is US$2,795 or a 6-day trip is US$1,695. This fee covers room and board and restoration costs. If you can’t make it, you can also make a donation through their website. www.crtp.net
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Home Helpers These sites offer ways you to live greener, more ethical lives without actually having to get your hands dirty. www.konjaidee.com Started by the National Center for Giving and Volunteering (NCGV), this site features numerous nonprofit foundations, governmental and religious organizations and volunteering opportunities across the country for you to choose from and get involved with. If you want to keep things closer to home then just download its extensive “Do Good Map” as a guideline. www.greenpeace.org If you are environmentally conscious (and you should be!), take a tour of Greenpeace’s site and check out their extensive tips for greener living. If that inspires you then visit the Get Involved section where there is an overview of its current projects. Choose one that matters to you and fill in online petitions to call on the government and world leaders to take action.
www.bookcrossing.com Help make the world a library and spread the joy of reading. Take a minute to register any book you want to share on this global network, then set it free to travel the world and find new readers. How? Deliberately “release” it at a coffee shop, a gym, a park, etc., then let serendipity do its magic! Who knows? One day your book might return to you. Prefer Thai books? Visit www.freeyourbook.kumsub.com. www.onlinevolunteering.org Based in Bonn, Germany, this United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program asks interested people around the world to get involved in its development projects through the internet. Whether you have editing, website development, data analysis or translation skills, there’s surely a way you can help spread the love from the comfort of your home.
Get involved, 2010
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