Mercy Center Appeal

You will have read of the severe flooding in Thailand and the tragic consequences. The Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce and Irish Community in Thailand in partnership with Human Development Foundation Mercy Centre are working on a specific project to get 446 children between the ages of 3-7 from the poorest of families back to school by the end of January 2012. These children attend 4 Mercy Centre schools in different areas of Bangkok, specifically, Landin, Suyai, Rimkong Watsaphan, and Lad Prao.

The floods have not only impacted the children's education but also the ability of the parents to earn. Whilst the children are not in school at least one parent must be a carer. This makes the family even more dependent on state and charity support

The goal of this Appeal is to return these families to normal family life.

Throughout the flooding The Mercy Centre has battled against the floods to get as many children to school as possible.

Space has been rented above the water line and buses and bicycles have been replaced by improvised water transport to school.

The water is receding and it's time to get the kids back to their home schools.

The 4 schools have been completely water logged, electrical equipment, school equipment and kitchen equipment have been swamped by fetid water. These need replacing before the children can attend. Most of the children have lost their belongings because of the flood and new uniforms will provide a sense of 'out with the bad and in with the new'.

Repairs are required to the premises, the local community will do this voluntarily to get these facilities up and running.

The cost is small, the value is forever.

As opposed to making a cash donation your organization may prefer to physically supply selected item (s) from the attached The Children's Needs. If so, please advise contact Khun A at tiranaed@irishthaicc.com or visit web site URL.

At this time, it is estimated that it will take up to six weeks for the floodwater to drain from the schools plus and further 3 weeks of repair and clean up.

Our target is to have the children back at school by 30th January 2012. To order and install the necessary equipment we need to be able to order it by 6th January 2012. Please send your donations as soon as possible.

We hope you will be able to help us in this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

Gary Biesty
Honorary Consul of Ireland

Paul Scales
President, Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce

Gail Wright
President, St. Patrick's Society, Thailand

John Campbell
President, Gaelic Athletic Association, Thailand