Gift of Happiness Foundation New Year Projects
Since the start of 2017, the child care charity, Gift of Happiness Foundation has been rushing along at a high rate of knots working on several projects all aimed at helping some of the poorest people in Thailand. Starting right at the beginning of January with some great activities at the Go Happiness Centre in downtown Bangkok, when we received around 80 cubic metres of donated goods from two relocation service companies in the city, Santa Fe and Allied Pickfords.
They sent several large truckloads full of furniture and bric-a-brack during December and the first week of January, and we managed to quickly arrange a Fun Day and Yard Sale at the Go Happiness Centre where we redistributed a lot of the bulky goods amongst the slum dwellers located close to the charity office.
They sent several large truckloads full of furniture and bric-a-brack during December and the first week of January, and we managed to quickly arrange a Fun Day and Yard Sale at the Go Happiness Centre where we redistributed a lot of the bulky goods amongst the slum dwellers located close to the charity office.
Then later in January, we produced a major six day long aid and show giving project tour to the North of Thailand where we served around 1,200 poor children and families with three truckloads of essentials and two professionally arranged fun shows per day by Gingernutt the Clown from London and the Bangkok based, Clown Eckie.
Be sure to read one of the volunteer reports, Laura Sheppard, on her experiences during the tour and check-out all the happy pictures she took while helping the children to have the experience of a lifetime during this first month of 2017.
Be sure to read one of the volunteer reports, Laura Sheppard, on her experiences during the tour and check-out all the happy pictures she took while helping the children to have the experience of a lifetime during this first month of 2017.
Firsts...Just a few shots of some of the places we served in January 2017...
First Gift of Happiness Foundation Project of 2017.
Project title
Gift of Happiness Foundation hosted a
"Great Amazing Fun Day and Yard Sale".
Gift of Happiness Foundation hosted a
"Great Amazing Fun Day and Yard Sale".
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Project Date: 14/01/17.
Volunteers: Eddie Haworth, Founder/Director at Gift of Happiness Foundation. Ian Thon, London. Nic, Ning & Callie Burr. British Women's Group Bangkok members, Gale bailey MBE. Laura Leonard. Karen Burr. Sally Varavon, Sue Steel, Angela Stafford.
Paid staff: Khun Polchanok Buasorn and event catering staff.
Project report:
Gift of Happiness Foundation held their charity fun day and yard sale at the Bangkok Go Happiness Centre aimed at supporting the local poor community by selling goods at very low prices instead of giving charity to the poor. This way, the people receiving fashion clothing, furniture and other goods that we cannot take to the rural poor communities, and they retain a degree of dignity when they are encouraged to bargain the price down to suit their megre budget.
The small amounts of money raised at this event is used to help fund fuel costs on our monthly long distance aid giving projects serving some of the neediest people in rural Thailand.
The whole day was a great hit with all the families and volunteers who attended throughout the day. And it became even more successful by the return of our favorite comedy entertainer, Gingernutt the Clown, who came all the way from London to help spread a little of his own brand of HAPPINESS!
Volunteers: Eddie Haworth, Founder/Director at Gift of Happiness Foundation. Ian Thon, London. Nic, Ning & Callie Burr. British Women's Group Bangkok members, Gale bailey MBE. Laura Leonard. Karen Burr. Sally Varavon, Sue Steel, Angela Stafford.
Paid staff: Khun Polchanok Buasorn and event catering staff.
Project report:
Gift of Happiness Foundation held their charity fun day and yard sale at the Bangkok Go Happiness Centre aimed at supporting the local poor community by selling goods at very low prices instead of giving charity to the poor. This way, the people receiving fashion clothing, furniture and other goods that we cannot take to the rural poor communities, and they retain a degree of dignity when they are encouraged to bargain the price down to suit their megre budget.
The small amounts of money raised at this event is used to help fund fuel costs on our monthly long distance aid giving projects serving some of the neediest people in rural Thailand.
The whole day was a great hit with all the families and volunteers who attended throughout the day. And it became even more successful by the return of our favorite comedy entertainer, Gingernutt the Clown, who came all the way from London to help spread a little of his own brand of HAPPINESS!
Second Gift of Happiness Foundation Project of 2017.
Project title
Gift of Happiness Foundation Aid & Show Giving Project in North Thailand.
"Educating children on the importance of wearing motorcycle crash helmets!"
Gift of Happiness Foundation Aid & Show Giving Project in North Thailand.
"Educating children on the importance of wearing motorcycle crash helmets!"
Project Dates: 22/01/17 to 27/01/17.
Volunteers: Eddie Haworth, Founder/Director at Gift of Happiness Foundation. Ian Thon, London. Laura Leonard, Aberdeen. The Honourable Mr. Terry Sherwood, Bangkok. (Special thanks to Ning Burr for organising the schools in Nakhon Sawan!)
Paid staff: Khun Polchanok Buasorn and Khun Owan Bob.
Volunteers: Eddie Haworth, Founder/Director at Gift of Happiness Foundation. Ian Thon, London. Laura Leonard, Aberdeen. The Honourable Mr. Terry Sherwood, Bangkok. (Special thanks to Ning Burr for organising the schools in Nakhon Sawan!)
Paid staff: Khun Polchanok Buasorn and Khun Owan Bob.
Project report:
Report writer Laura Leonard (retired Chemistry Teacher, Aberdeen)
Apart from the main man Eddie there were: Ian Thom (Clown Gingernutt, London) Terry Sherwood (Mr Kit Sorter Outer, Bangkok) Driver (Khun Own)
This would be my second trip with the GOHF the first being just over a year ago. Following on from previous trips we took ‘S̄nuk māk’ and lots of donations to five more Thai Government Schools in and around Nakhon Sawan before heading to both the new Mae Tao Clinic and Dr Zaw’s orphanage in Mae Sot.
This year, Go Happiness has introduced it safety awareness for kids on motorbikes initiative. So eddie brought along his shiny Royal Enfield 500cc superbike and all the important protective clothing he wears whenever he rides the dream machine. The children are all taught the importance of wearing at least a crash helmet every time they go anywhere at all on the back of the family motorbike. Eddie hopes his constant reminders at almost every location he visits may actually save some young lives or at least help reduce the very high levels of head injuries, common in this part of the world.
DAY 1 Fun for the infants in the city.
The first school we went to was called Anubansomboon School and catered for children aged 3-8. We arrived in the morning and were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of students keen to see what the clowns, (Eckie and Gingernutt), were going to do. Whilst the ‘boys’ were setting up I did a couple of warm up songs with the teachers helping with the words in Thai for the Five Little Fingers song. (I really missed my past partner in crime and Go Happiness volunteer, Ailsa Kneath for this.) We finished with Five Sizzling Sausages which led neatly into Gingernutt’s show which starts with a bang and bangers!
Report writer Laura Leonard (retired Chemistry Teacher, Aberdeen)
Apart from the main man Eddie there were: Ian Thom (Clown Gingernutt, London) Terry Sherwood (Mr Kit Sorter Outer, Bangkok) Driver (Khun Own)
This would be my second trip with the GOHF the first being just over a year ago. Following on from previous trips we took ‘S̄nuk māk’ and lots of donations to five more Thai Government Schools in and around Nakhon Sawan before heading to both the new Mae Tao Clinic and Dr Zaw’s orphanage in Mae Sot.
This year, Go Happiness has introduced it safety awareness for kids on motorbikes initiative. So eddie brought along his shiny Royal Enfield 500cc superbike and all the important protective clothing he wears whenever he rides the dream machine. The children are all taught the importance of wearing at least a crash helmet every time they go anywhere at all on the back of the family motorbike. Eddie hopes his constant reminders at almost every location he visits may actually save some young lives or at least help reduce the very high levels of head injuries, common in this part of the world.
DAY 1 Fun for the infants in the city.
The first school we went to was called Anubansomboon School and catered for children aged 3-8. We arrived in the morning and were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of students keen to see what the clowns, (Eckie and Gingernutt), were going to do. Whilst the ‘boys’ were setting up I did a couple of warm up songs with the teachers helping with the words in Thai for the Five Little Fingers song. (I really missed my past partner in crime and Go Happiness volunteer, Ailsa Kneath for this.) We finished with Five Sizzling Sausages which led neatly into Gingernutt’s show which starts with a bang and bangers!
Slideshow of morning and afternoon visits to Anubansomboon School and Sangsawan School. Day 1.
It was wonderful to see that both clowns had so many willing volunteers for the interactive parts of the show. I noticed that Clown Eckie includes more participation of the kids this year and they just love it.
It doesn’t matter how many times I see the shows I still laugh out loud. It was great to see some new bits in the shows and the whole thing went down very well with all the children and staff. Eckie has added a bit at the end of the show to demonstrate the importance of wearing a safety helmet when travelling on motorcycles. A great initiative to show in Thailand.
In the afternoon we went to Sangsawan School which had some very young children aged from 2-5. Some were still having their after lunch nap when we arrived to set up. The children were much quieter than the morning ones as they had just woken up! One thing that is really impressive about watching the shows is how both clowns can start with a quiet audience but their skill and experience can change this bit by bit and the kids come alive and start to laugh, shout and become animated. It’s great to see how often the teachers love it too and one teacher this afternoon had a real hearty belly laugh. This encouraged the boys and girls to enjoy themselves to the maximum. The wee kids were just so cute. We had a lovely start to the week with two sets of happy customers.
DAY 2 The tale of the bursting balloons
The first school today was around 20Km outside Nakhon Sawan past fields of sugar cane out to the countryside. It is called Watthapracharoenprotwittaya School and much to our surprise it had older teenagers not infants as we expected. No problem as the shows cater for all ages, but driver Own and I headed back to the hotel to pick up some teen clothes donations to add to the toys and small child clothes we had taken already. The staff and teachers, were extremely courteous and helpful and made us feel very welcome to their school. They brought coffee and water, as we were welcomed to their hall to set up.
It doesn’t matter how many times I see the shows I still laugh out loud. It was great to see some new bits in the shows and the whole thing went down very well with all the children and staff. Eckie has added a bit at the end of the show to demonstrate the importance of wearing a safety helmet when travelling on motorcycles. A great initiative to show in Thailand.
In the afternoon we went to Sangsawan School which had some very young children aged from 2-5. Some were still having their after lunch nap when we arrived to set up. The children were much quieter than the morning ones as they had just woken up! One thing that is really impressive about watching the shows is how both clowns can start with a quiet audience but their skill and experience can change this bit by bit and the kids come alive and start to laugh, shout and become animated. It’s great to see how often the teachers love it too and one teacher this afternoon had a real hearty belly laugh. This encouraged the boys and girls to enjoy themselves to the maximum. The wee kids were just so cute. We had a lovely start to the week with two sets of happy customers.
DAY 2 The tale of the bursting balloons
The first school today was around 20Km outside Nakhon Sawan past fields of sugar cane out to the countryside. It is called Watthapracharoenprotwittaya School and much to our surprise it had older teenagers not infants as we expected. No problem as the shows cater for all ages, but driver Own and I headed back to the hotel to pick up some teen clothes donations to add to the toys and small child clothes we had taken already. The staff and teachers, were extremely courteous and helpful and made us feel very welcome to their school. They brought coffee and water, as we were welcomed to their hall to set up.
Slideshow of morning visit to Watthapracharoenprotwittaya School. Day 2
The students themselves were very friendly and supportive of each other and being older they fully understood the jokes and laughed wholeheartedly at the show. Part of Clown Eckie’s routine is ALL about balloons of every increasing size. He blows them up in his own inimitable style and they are bounced around over the audience who squealed and shrieked with joy. This morning it went a bit Pete Tong (Wrong) when not one, but two balloons burst, one catching on the roof fan. It didn’t seem to make any difference to the kids they still enjoyed it. Not too sure if Eckie did but I’m sure his 'big' balloon supplier will be a happy chap.
In the afternoon we entertained more kindergarten pupils and infants at Awaban Padthong School just outside of Nakhon Sawan. All of the children, despite being so young, were very attentive and keen. The school had a lovely vibe and the teachers were as keen to see the show as the kids.
As mentioned in the morning even with well-practised routines some things can go wrong and Gingernutt, not to be outdone by Clown Eckie in the balloon popping stakes had a similar unexplained bursting (though a much cheaper balloon at only $20 USD each). The show was set outside so maybe that had an effect! Just as well great clowns laugh it off and are able to improvise so that would-be disasters are averted. Sometimes it’s even funnier when things go wrong! They can read their audience instantly and pitch things perfectly. So many of these little ones wanted to volunteer and it’s a wonderful thing to see.
Another successful day by all involved...
In the afternoon we entertained more kindergarten pupils and infants at Awaban Padthong School just outside of Nakhon Sawan. All of the children, despite being so young, were very attentive and keen. The school had a lovely vibe and the teachers were as keen to see the show as the kids.
As mentioned in the morning even with well-practised routines some things can go wrong and Gingernutt, not to be outdone by Clown Eckie in the balloon popping stakes had a similar unexplained bursting (though a much cheaper balloon at only $20 USD each). The show was set outside so maybe that had an effect! Just as well great clowns laugh it off and are able to improvise so that would-be disasters are averted. Sometimes it’s even funnier when things go wrong! They can read their audience instantly and pitch things perfectly. So many of these little ones wanted to volunteer and it’s a wonderful thing to see.
Another successful day by all involved...
Slideshow of afternoon visit to Awaban Padthong School. Day 2
DAY 3 One more school and then on to Mae Sot
More little ones aged 3-5 at Anubanpranee School outside Nakhon Sawan on the way to Mae Sot.
The kids had a really nice play park area outside the classrooms where they played whilst the shows were being set up. There were lots of photo opportunities. The kids were fully engaged in the shows and luckily there were no balloon incidences. A few parents arrived and they enjoyed the fun too. I really don’t think they had seen anything like this before.
The school gave extremely good feedback about the shows with the teacher finding phrases in English on her computer to describe it. There were comments like “well made” and “like very much” that lovely to hear. We got the impression the children were very happy at this school.
More little ones aged 3-5 at Anubanpranee School outside Nakhon Sawan on the way to Mae Sot.
The kids had a really nice play park area outside the classrooms where they played whilst the shows were being set up. There were lots of photo opportunities. The kids were fully engaged in the shows and luckily there were no balloon incidences. A few parents arrived and they enjoyed the fun too. I really don’t think they had seen anything like this before.
The school gave extremely good feedback about the shows with the teacher finding phrases in English on her computer to describe it. There were comments like “well made” and “like very much” that lovely to hear. We got the impression the children were very happy at this school.
Slideshow of morning visit to Anubanpranee School. Day 3 (Some pictures lost due to computer glitch!)
As soon as the show was over we packed-up and set off on the 4/5 hour drive to the Thai Burma border City of Mae Sot, arriving in good time to freshen-up and enjoy a lovely dinner in one of the great restaraunts in the "City of NGO's", as Eddie calls it. This city has a very large population of migrant families and is close to many of the big refugee camps in northern Thailand, hence the term "City of NGO's". There are NGO offices all over the place in Mae Sot and the small city is teeming with Western NGO staff. Eddie and his Go Happiness volunteers regularly enhance the number of aid workers during his almost monthly visits to the region that he's been doing since around 2005.
Gift of Happiness Foundation travels to deliver the goods from Bangkok to Mae Sot nearly every month sine 2005
DAY 4 Mae Sot
On Thursday morning we headed to the new Mae Sot Clinic on the outskirts of Mae Sot. What a difference from last year and the comparison was amazing. This one has clean buildings and drains with restricted vehicular access and no dogs roaming about. Everything was very organised and friendly with Eddie a well-known face so the people were excited to see him. There was a great deal of donations for the clinic including bedding, towels, crutches as well as clothing and toys. It was the first time for them to see the shows so there was much anticipation. Some of the kids recognised the pictures of their friends on Eckie’s car and had good fun pointing them out.
The audience was a mix of babies, infants, older children and adults all of whom really enjoyed the antics of the clowns. One young boy melted our hearts when he was jumping for joy at Eckie’s show and was delighted when he was chosen as Eckie’s final volunteer. The parents and grandparents loved the shows as much as the kids, even the babies enjoyed the fun.
One of the Clinic Volunteers, Winnie, then took Ian AKA Gingernutt and I (camera person) to the new baby wards where we saw the mothers with their new babies whose older siblings stay in the ward too. There were ten new born babies in the wards. Ian went round making balloons animals and swords for these older kids who were fascinated watching him create these as if by magic. They proudly ran off to show mum what they had.
On Thursday morning we headed to the new Mae Sot Clinic on the outskirts of Mae Sot. What a difference from last year and the comparison was amazing. This one has clean buildings and drains with restricted vehicular access and no dogs roaming about. Everything was very organised and friendly with Eddie a well-known face so the people were excited to see him. There was a great deal of donations for the clinic including bedding, towels, crutches as well as clothing and toys. It was the first time for them to see the shows so there was much anticipation. Some of the kids recognised the pictures of their friends on Eckie’s car and had good fun pointing them out.
The audience was a mix of babies, infants, older children and adults all of whom really enjoyed the antics of the clowns. One young boy melted our hearts when he was jumping for joy at Eckie’s show and was delighted when he was chosen as Eckie’s final volunteer. The parents and grandparents loved the shows as much as the kids, even the babies enjoyed the fun.
One of the Clinic Volunteers, Winnie, then took Ian AKA Gingernutt and I (camera person) to the new baby wards where we saw the mothers with their new babies whose older siblings stay in the ward too. There were ten new born babies in the wards. Ian went round making balloons animals and swords for these older kids who were fascinated watching him create these as if by magic. They proudly ran off to show mum what they had.
Slideshow of morning visit to Mae Tao Clinic. Day 4 (a lot of great pictures worth seeing!)
Last but not least we went to Dr Htin Zaw’s Orphanage in Mae Sot.
He is the Clinical Director of Social Action for Women (SAW).
This was an absolutely amazing and emotional experience. It was just the little ones that were there when we arrived and they immediately latched on to us with Ian spending time walking around with a young boy standing on his feet like we used to do as children with our own fathers.
When the older children arrived home from school their excitement was overwhelming having spotted the van, as they know Clown Eckie well and look forward to him bringing lots of much needed donations. The wrapped Christmas presents went down particularly well as they would open them after we left. Each present was labelled boy or girl and a suitable age. The older children got stuck in unloading the bags of goodies with the older girls being trusted to organise things. The massive pile of toys, wrapped presents and clothes brought a lump to our throats.
Some of the girls had some fun holding the clothes up to Ian, Terry and I; a great connecting moment. They were definitely up for lots of photos and many were happy to pose on Eddie’s beloved motorbike.Although there were no shows here because Eckie has already gave them lots of shows before, we spent time with these kids who have so little but are happy to laugh and joke with us.We also brought some medical supplies for Dr Zaw’s clinic. He is truly inspirational and provides essential services for so many impoverished women and children.
So the end of our trip came on the next day when we drove all the way back to Bangkok, leaving me with another experience I will never forget...
Laura Leonard, (retired Chemistry Teacher, Aberdeen)
He is the Clinical Director of Social Action for Women (SAW).
This was an absolutely amazing and emotional experience. It was just the little ones that were there when we arrived and they immediately latched on to us with Ian spending time walking around with a young boy standing on his feet like we used to do as children with our own fathers.
When the older children arrived home from school their excitement was overwhelming having spotted the van, as they know Clown Eckie well and look forward to him bringing lots of much needed donations. The wrapped Christmas presents went down particularly well as they would open them after we left. Each present was labelled boy or girl and a suitable age. The older children got stuck in unloading the bags of goodies with the older girls being trusted to organise things. The massive pile of toys, wrapped presents and clothes brought a lump to our throats.
Some of the girls had some fun holding the clothes up to Ian, Terry and I; a great connecting moment. They were definitely up for lots of photos and many were happy to pose on Eddie’s beloved motorbike.Although there were no shows here because Eckie has already gave them lots of shows before, we spent time with these kids who have so little but are happy to laugh and joke with us.We also brought some medical supplies for Dr Zaw’s clinic. He is truly inspirational and provides essential services for so many impoverished women and children.
So the end of our trip came on the next day when we drove all the way back to Bangkok, leaving me with another experience I will never forget...
Laura Leonard, (retired Chemistry Teacher, Aberdeen)
Slideshow of afternoon visit to Social Action for Women and Dr. Zaw's Orphans. Day 4.
This is where we gave every child at least one or two fantastic Christmas presents given by the amazingly generous children at St Stephen's International School in Bangkok and loads of bedding, towels etc from Park Plaza Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok!
During the short time we had in Mae Sot, Eddie Haworth managed to slip in a visit to inspect the water pump and toilets that Gift of Happiness Foundation installed via funding from BCTFN Bangkok and built at a jungle bamboo hut village about 20 kilometres from the city, called Bo Den Village. All this equipment plus a new power supply was installed in 2014 and the whole project has been, and continues to be a great success for the poor people who live in the village!
See what we did for them here: GOOD NEWS
See what we did for them here: GOOD NEWS
The children at SAW need to know they are loved...Please share via this web page or our Facebook page;
https://www.facebook.com/gohappiness/
There have been so many fantastic people giving us so many wonderful goods in the last few weeks of 2016 and the first part of 2017. We cannot possibly name everyone, but here's just a few links to some of the most recent contributors; Charter International School, BKK - Allied Pickfords BKK - St. Stephen's International School BKK - Santa Fe Relocations BKK - Amnuay Silpa School BKK - Park Plaza Sukhumvit Hotel BKK - Len Penn Music Academy BKK - (Khun Miki) Regents International School BKK - Go Happiness Centre BKK - Gift of Happiness Foundation, Donation Drop-Off Points BKK, Planet of the Crepes
HELP US MAKE EVEN MORE PEOPLE HAPPY!
We are a small but very effective organisation struggling to keep the happiness flowing in Thailand.
If you are one of those who believes in what we are doing to support the poor children.
This is where YOU can really make a difference!
We are a small but very effective organisation struggling to keep the happiness flowing in Thailand.
If you are one of those who believes in what we are doing to support the poor children.
This is where YOU can really make a difference!
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*Clothing - Adult and Children’s / New or Used.
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