Gift of Happiness Foundation Reports on 2018 Christmas Special Aid & Show Giving Project.
Report by Volunteer; Abbie Thompson.
24/12/18
We began our journey on the 24th of December by meeting at around 8.30am, at the Gift of Happiness foundation. Introductions were had and a briefing where we discussed the itinerary and we set off shortly after on the 8 hour journey to Mae Sot. It was a lovely drive with Eckie, Yan and I in the 4x4 and the mini bus packed with everyone else but Bob, who was in the van not far behind. Many good conversations were had between old friends and new acquaintances. We hit the jungle before dark which meant beautiful views of mountains and trees to see us into Mae Sot. A quick dinner was had by all, during which a game plan and shopping list was compiled for the next day, and a good rest to see us into Christmas day.
25/12/18
24/12/18
We began our journey on the 24th of December by meeting at around 8.30am, at the Gift of Happiness foundation. Introductions were had and a briefing where we discussed the itinerary and we set off shortly after on the 8 hour journey to Mae Sot. It was a lovely drive with Eckie, Yan and I in the 4x4 and the mini bus packed with everyone else but Bob, who was in the van not far behind. Many good conversations were had between old friends and new acquaintances. We hit the jungle before dark which meant beautiful views of mountains and trees to see us into Mae Sot. A quick dinner was had by all, during which a game plan and shopping list was compiled for the next day, and a good rest to see us into Christmas day.
25/12/18
We awoke to greetings of a Merry Christmas by all the crew and set off to our first destination of the trip, SAW safe house and orphanage. All of the volunteers but Eckie, Sally and I were dropped off to set up decorations, Christmas trees, donations and presents, while we headed to the whole sales to pick up copious amounts of food, juice, santa hats, sweeties, and anything else the kids could want. We returned to the orphanage, dropped off the supplies and picked up the rest of the volunteers, and headed for a quick lunch.
When we returned, I began prepping vegetables, while Eckie began cooking the meal, a very yummy pasta dish. This was very different to the standard rice dishes the kids would usually have, a nice treat for them. The place was looking beautiful as everyone who did not come to the whole sales has worked very hard and efficiently to decorate throughout the day. Now they would set up the place settings with lollipops, santa hats, biscuits, crisps and juice boxes. Luxuries that many take for granted, but these kids are rarely allowed. Finally everything was coming together, the decorations were complete, the food was reducing down and the first kids began trickling in from school (they still had to go to school even though it was Christmas). Some recognized Eddie and came joyfully to say hello, others came to check out the food cooking away with happy faces.
At last, Christmas time was here! The music began on the speakers, which was a nice change from Callie and I singing Christmas songs to no music as we had been doing all day. The food was ready now and so were the kids - rumbling with excitement in the food hall. We brought through the food and the kids started coming up with their bowls while eckie and I dished it out to them. It wasn’t long before we started seeing the same faces up again, 2 or even 3 times. It was a rousing success. And was very tasty indeed! The volunteers all had a small bowl while the kids enjoyed their pasta, and their crisps and all the other goodies available.
After dinner we got the kids organised to hand out more supplies. Underwear was first, we got them to line up in an organized manner, girls in one line, boys in the other, and handed out some underwear to each of the children. As always its so lovely seeing their happiness at such a simple act of having some dignity!! Then it was time to move on to the presents! We made sure that they were age and gender appropriate and that everyone had one each, and then the merry carnage began. All at the same time the kids ripped open their presents in excitement, wrapping paper everywhere! New shoes, toys, paints, clothes, teddy bears, badminton rackets, too many things to name. And lots of very happy kids indeed.
The day was beginning to wind down and after a few more memorable moments (like a young girl who noticed her friends happy photo on the 4x4 from a visit years prior), we finished our very long day and headed back. Ready for another busy day on Boxing Day.
When we returned, I began prepping vegetables, while Eckie began cooking the meal, a very yummy pasta dish. This was very different to the standard rice dishes the kids would usually have, a nice treat for them. The place was looking beautiful as everyone who did not come to the whole sales has worked very hard and efficiently to decorate throughout the day. Now they would set up the place settings with lollipops, santa hats, biscuits, crisps and juice boxes. Luxuries that many take for granted, but these kids are rarely allowed. Finally everything was coming together, the decorations were complete, the food was reducing down and the first kids began trickling in from school (they still had to go to school even though it was Christmas). Some recognized Eddie and came joyfully to say hello, others came to check out the food cooking away with happy faces.
At last, Christmas time was here! The music began on the speakers, which was a nice change from Callie and I singing Christmas songs to no music as we had been doing all day. The food was ready now and so were the kids - rumbling with excitement in the food hall. We brought through the food and the kids started coming up with their bowls while eckie and I dished it out to them. It wasn’t long before we started seeing the same faces up again, 2 or even 3 times. It was a rousing success. And was very tasty indeed! The volunteers all had a small bowl while the kids enjoyed their pasta, and their crisps and all the other goodies available.
After dinner we got the kids organised to hand out more supplies. Underwear was first, we got them to line up in an organized manner, girls in one line, boys in the other, and handed out some underwear to each of the children. As always its so lovely seeing their happiness at such a simple act of having some dignity!! Then it was time to move on to the presents! We made sure that they were age and gender appropriate and that everyone had one each, and then the merry carnage began. All at the same time the kids ripped open their presents in excitement, wrapping paper everywhere! New shoes, toys, paints, clothes, teddy bears, badminton rackets, too many things to name. And lots of very happy kids indeed.
The day was beginning to wind down and after a few more memorable moments (like a young girl who noticed her friends happy photo on the 4x4 from a visit years prior), we finished our very long day and headed back. Ready for another busy day on Boxing Day.
26/12/18
On our second day of aid giving we headed to our first of two locations at around 9am, Mae Tao clinic – a free clinic serving largely Burmese refugees. It delivers 90 babies a week on average, as well as having a small centre for kids whos parents are either ill or dead, and so there were loads of young kids there eager for a show from Clown Eckie. We began by setting up tables full of aid, bedding, toys and clothing mainly. Then the show began with a good old fashioned Grandad dance! It’s always so fulfilling seeing the laughter brought to the kids faces by such a simple yet heartfelt, universal performance. A young boy in the audience was very eager to get up and help whenever the opportunity was given; whenever something was “accidentally” dropped, or an instrument was needing played. During the big balloon trick, it was lost and wound up flying into the sun. But with the help of Nic and Bob it was retrieved, and not lost forever. After a sufficient amount of laughs were had, and the kids came to finish the show with a big musical collaboration led by Eckie, a group of Sally, Bronwin, Karen and I headed to the wards to hand out underwear and some thoughtfully knitted dolls and hats (knitted by Sally and Bronwin and David’s late mother, who hoped to join us on the trip before she sadly passed away last month). We then rejoined the group to head to Sky Blue School.
When we arrived at Sky Blue I think the new volunteers were all a bit shocked to find the condition the school and people were in. It was situated right next to a massive Garbage dump that went on for miles. The smell was not pleasant, and the kids were covered with dirty clothes. This was to be the biggest project of the trip, and for good reason. The people there are very poor, live in squalid conditions and do not get a lot of help from other charities or organisations. We were graciously welcomed and began unloading bags full of bedding, clothes, toys, shoes, presents, educational supplies and underwear. Bob and Eckie set up for the show while the rest of us organized aid. After a while Clown Eckie was ready to begin once more. The school was packed full of kids and adults alike. All so excited for some hilarity and entertainment. There must have been hundred of folk in there. The show was once again a big success, with laughter and smiles on everyone’s faces. Even Nic impersonated Clown Eckie half way through by falling dramatically off a chair while trying to take photos. The kids found it hilarious, though I’m not sure Nic did. The kids were eager to get up and participate in the show and by the end there must have been at least 20 kids playing up on the stage with Clown Eckie; armed with rubber chickens, whistles, a tuba, drums, xylophones and much more. After the show we tried to get the kids organized to hand out new underwear. This was my, Sally, Bronwin and Karen’s job. After many, many children came through we were sure we had everyone, but left some underwear behind just in case we’d missed anyone. We then handed out some presents and had to start thinking about leaving. But not before we came across a girl who was walking around barefoot as she had no shoes, we found her a lovely pair of well-fitting sandals and it filled me with joy to be able to present them to her and see her put them on and look more like a normal girl just with one simple act. I then came across some hula hoops, and tried to see if the people knew how to use them… but it didn’t seem so. So I showed a group of people what to do and we had lots of fun trying to keep the hula hoop going for as long as possible. Overall a very successful and hard hitting day. And it was now time to finish up and rest for the day ahead.
On our second day of aid giving we headed to our first of two locations at around 9am, Mae Tao clinic – a free clinic serving largely Burmese refugees. It delivers 90 babies a week on average, as well as having a small centre for kids whos parents are either ill or dead, and so there were loads of young kids there eager for a show from Clown Eckie. We began by setting up tables full of aid, bedding, toys and clothing mainly. Then the show began with a good old fashioned Grandad dance! It’s always so fulfilling seeing the laughter brought to the kids faces by such a simple yet heartfelt, universal performance. A young boy in the audience was very eager to get up and help whenever the opportunity was given; whenever something was “accidentally” dropped, or an instrument was needing played. During the big balloon trick, it was lost and wound up flying into the sun. But with the help of Nic and Bob it was retrieved, and not lost forever. After a sufficient amount of laughs were had, and the kids came to finish the show with a big musical collaboration led by Eckie, a group of Sally, Bronwin, Karen and I headed to the wards to hand out underwear and some thoughtfully knitted dolls and hats (knitted by Sally and Bronwin and David’s late mother, who hoped to join us on the trip before she sadly passed away last month). We then rejoined the group to head to Sky Blue School.
When we arrived at Sky Blue I think the new volunteers were all a bit shocked to find the condition the school and people were in. It was situated right next to a massive Garbage dump that went on for miles. The smell was not pleasant, and the kids were covered with dirty clothes. This was to be the biggest project of the trip, and for good reason. The people there are very poor, live in squalid conditions and do not get a lot of help from other charities or organisations. We were graciously welcomed and began unloading bags full of bedding, clothes, toys, shoes, presents, educational supplies and underwear. Bob and Eckie set up for the show while the rest of us organized aid. After a while Clown Eckie was ready to begin once more. The school was packed full of kids and adults alike. All so excited for some hilarity and entertainment. There must have been hundred of folk in there. The show was once again a big success, with laughter and smiles on everyone’s faces. Even Nic impersonated Clown Eckie half way through by falling dramatically off a chair while trying to take photos. The kids found it hilarious, though I’m not sure Nic did. The kids were eager to get up and participate in the show and by the end there must have been at least 20 kids playing up on the stage with Clown Eckie; armed with rubber chickens, whistles, a tuba, drums, xylophones and much more. After the show we tried to get the kids organized to hand out new underwear. This was my, Sally, Bronwin and Karen’s job. After many, many children came through we were sure we had everyone, but left some underwear behind just in case we’d missed anyone. We then handed out some presents and had to start thinking about leaving. But not before we came across a girl who was walking around barefoot as she had no shoes, we found her a lovely pair of well-fitting sandals and it filled me with joy to be able to present them to her and see her put them on and look more like a normal girl just with one simple act. I then came across some hula hoops, and tried to see if the people knew how to use them… but it didn’t seem so. So I showed a group of people what to do and we had lots of fun trying to keep the hula hoop going for as long as possible. Overall a very successful and hard hitting day. And it was now time to finish up and rest for the day ahead.
27/12/18
After a busy few days I was not feeling too great, all I wanted to do was sleep. So I accompanied all the volunteers to the first location of the day, Theknik ASA Border Patrol police school. It was a long journey through the jungle, a beautiful ride. We drove by the biggest refugee camp in (South East Asia?/Thailand?) and it was quite astonishing. As well as this many mountains and trees, and the odd wild boar. We arrived at the destination and I couldn’t do anything more than rest, but the others made sure I was ok, set up for the show and brought out presents and donations. I could hear the show going on from my location not too far away where I was resting. I heard many laughs, cheers and a couple of popped balloons as well! I was feeling very sad to be missing it, but I still felt a part of it in a way. The atmosphere was contagious even from afar. Lots of Christmas presents, clothes, new underwear, bedding and toys were handed out and the group returned to where I was recovering. The school had handmade a selection of Karen bags and presented it to us as a thank you, it was very lovely of them and I’m happy to say I use mine every day now, they are very beautiful indeed. We had a short lunch and prepared to head to the next school, which was a long drive, led by the guide from the first school.
The next school was in a very remote location indeed, it was called Ka Ma Pa Do Border Patrol police school, and it took hours of driving on a very narrow, quite scary road. Lots of hill cliff edges to drive along, it was just a dirt track. It took us so long to navigate the narrow roads that we were afraid there would not be enough time to give the kids a show, we thought they would have to go home or go to work (as school kids often work after and sometimes instead of school if they are required to do so). But we arrived ready to go, I had recovered a wee bit though still wasn’t feeling great. When we arrived we were informed the kids that go to school there also sleep there, so time wasn’t as much of an issue. The teachers there welcomed us graciously and we set up tables with underwear, educational supplies, presents, second hand toys, clothes and set up for the show as well. The show was ready to begin and the kids were ready too. Clown Eckie was back. The red nose and rosy cheeks were painted on and he brought a kid up to do the same to. Laughter erupted as always happens when he puts some red paint on the kids nose and cheeks and then brings the mirror up, he screams in shock at the wee boys face and the kids find it hilarious. Balloons are inflated, this time they did not pop but the kids were chasing and passing them around trying to hit them up into the air, until they eventually deflate and get returned to Eckie. Many laughs are shared once again by children and teachers alike, and for the final time on the trip Eckie ended the show with a big musical performance involving many kids with funny wigs and ears on, a large variety of instruments, and many happy kids and teachers. It was now time to hand out underwear, it was a relatively small school so it didn’t take too long to organize this, and when all the kids raised theirs hands saying that they had underwear, we moved onto handing out presents. We were aware that it was almost dark now and we had a long journey back on a very rocky road, so we did not stay for the opening of the presents. When we were sure that all the children had at least one appropriate present we started to pack up and leave. There was a big table full of presents for the teachers to hand out at their convenience. And we were sure we were leaving some very happy kids with a lovely Christmas, possibly the first Christmas in their lives. And they were all so grateful, the teachers as well. And of course we were thankful also to be able to give these kids this opportunity once again, thanks to everyone involved; whether it be those who donate, the schools that provided the Christmas presents, the teachers that accommodated us, the volunteers who helped dish it all out and put a smile on the kids faces, and of course the hard work of Eckie, who has spent years providing such an amazing service to kids all over Thailand, trying to bring a smile to their faces, and some dignity to their lives.
After a busy few days I was not feeling too great, all I wanted to do was sleep. So I accompanied all the volunteers to the first location of the day, Theknik ASA Border Patrol police school. It was a long journey through the jungle, a beautiful ride. We drove by the biggest refugee camp in (South East Asia?/Thailand?) and it was quite astonishing. As well as this many mountains and trees, and the odd wild boar. We arrived at the destination and I couldn’t do anything more than rest, but the others made sure I was ok, set up for the show and brought out presents and donations. I could hear the show going on from my location not too far away where I was resting. I heard many laughs, cheers and a couple of popped balloons as well! I was feeling very sad to be missing it, but I still felt a part of it in a way. The atmosphere was contagious even from afar. Lots of Christmas presents, clothes, new underwear, bedding and toys were handed out and the group returned to where I was recovering. The school had handmade a selection of Karen bags and presented it to us as a thank you, it was very lovely of them and I’m happy to say I use mine every day now, they are very beautiful indeed. We had a short lunch and prepared to head to the next school, which was a long drive, led by the guide from the first school.
The next school was in a very remote location indeed, it was called Ka Ma Pa Do Border Patrol police school, and it took hours of driving on a very narrow, quite scary road. Lots of hill cliff edges to drive along, it was just a dirt track. It took us so long to navigate the narrow roads that we were afraid there would not be enough time to give the kids a show, we thought they would have to go home or go to work (as school kids often work after and sometimes instead of school if they are required to do so). But we arrived ready to go, I had recovered a wee bit though still wasn’t feeling great. When we arrived we were informed the kids that go to school there also sleep there, so time wasn’t as much of an issue. The teachers there welcomed us graciously and we set up tables with underwear, educational supplies, presents, second hand toys, clothes and set up for the show as well. The show was ready to begin and the kids were ready too. Clown Eckie was back. The red nose and rosy cheeks were painted on and he brought a kid up to do the same to. Laughter erupted as always happens when he puts some red paint on the kids nose and cheeks and then brings the mirror up, he screams in shock at the wee boys face and the kids find it hilarious. Balloons are inflated, this time they did not pop but the kids were chasing and passing them around trying to hit them up into the air, until they eventually deflate and get returned to Eckie. Many laughs are shared once again by children and teachers alike, and for the final time on the trip Eckie ended the show with a big musical performance involving many kids with funny wigs and ears on, a large variety of instruments, and many happy kids and teachers. It was now time to hand out underwear, it was a relatively small school so it didn’t take too long to organize this, and when all the kids raised theirs hands saying that they had underwear, we moved onto handing out presents. We were aware that it was almost dark now and we had a long journey back on a very rocky road, so we did not stay for the opening of the presents. When we were sure that all the children had at least one appropriate present we started to pack up and leave. There was a big table full of presents for the teachers to hand out at their convenience. And we were sure we were leaving some very happy kids with a lovely Christmas, possibly the first Christmas in their lives. And they were all so grateful, the teachers as well. And of course we were thankful also to be able to give these kids this opportunity once again, thanks to everyone involved; whether it be those who donate, the schools that provided the Christmas presents, the teachers that accommodated us, the volunteers who helped dish it all out and put a smile on the kids faces, and of course the hard work of Eckie, who has spent years providing such an amazing service to kids all over Thailand, trying to bring a smile to their faces, and some dignity to their lives.
Report by Volunteers Bronwyn and David Fisher;
24DEC2018, Drive to Mae Sot
We (Bronwyn and David Fisher) decided a few weeks ago to join this trip in memory of our mother, Wendy Rankine nee Fisher, who passed away not long before. She had always wanted to partake in one of these, having donated both money and dolls to the organisation, and this was the least we could do. We arrived at Eckie’s with Sally Voravan and Karen, and met up with other volunteers Jan, Nicol and his daughter Cali. Introduced to Eckie and his recently arrived grand daughter, Abby. We also met our driver, Od, and Bob, who would drive the third, support vehicle, as well as assist Eckie with the performances over the next couple of days.
After a quick briefing, at 0930 Eckie, Abby and Jan led the way to Mae Sot with the 4WD and trailer, followed by Bob in the support vehicle and then by Od in the people mover, filled with the rest of the volunteers.
After a few stops on the way for the obligatory Thai food stops, and equally obligatory liquid dispensing and replacements, both for vehicles and occupants, we crossed the mountains and descended into Mae Sot around 1800. A quick check in at the Poonagunn Hotel, and we were off again to devour more food. Honestly, one word of advice for future trips, is to starve yourselves for a week prior to departure!
Around 2130, we arrived back at the hotel, and most of us collapsed into bed in anticipation of the next day’s adventure. A few die-hards remained awake to re-hydrate.
25DEC2018, Christmas Day, Mae Sot to SAW [Social Action for Children and Women]
After a great breakfast, off on the road again, this time the convoy heading for an orphanage that provided for 160 orphans, as well as some special needs kids. Although it was Christmas day, all the children were at school, so we had a good 6 hours to prepare for dinner and presents. This involved setting up tables and benches, Christmas decorations, assisting Eckie [now wearing his cordon blur chef’s hat] with the food preparation, which also catered for a few Muslim children, and laying out the presents and gifts from many organisations and people from Bangkok and abroad. Water, a few snacks and pieces of fruit were also put out for each kid, as well as a kaleidoscope of cordial supplies.
Once the children arrived, they quickly prepared for dinner [having briefly seen the presents!] and lined up, ready to be individually served with Eckie’s culinary delight. After they all had carried their fully laden plates to the table, they then commenced what we thought was a rather long “grace” or “thanks to Buddha” chant: very moving experience. All formalities aside, food was rapidly devoured and seconds were offered, and graciously accepted.
The large number of presents were then handed out, and the kids were asked to sit down before opening them. There was always going to be mis-matches between presents and kids, so a swap session was then undertaken. A few emergency supplies of presents were used to help satisfy everyone. Following this, the gifts of new clothing were then handed out to everyone [and they were really needed].
Goodbyes were lavishly laid onto us, and we left with smiles not only on the kid’s faces, but also ours.
When we got back to the hotel, most went off to recuperate, but some were too overcome with joy and appreciation, and crashed out!
26DEC2018, Mae Sot to Mae Tao Clinic and Sky Blue School [next to huge garbage dump]
Again another breakfast, and then a little earlier to depart, to travel off to a medical clinic [manned by one doctor] a few hours away. Once we arrived, we then set up for Eckie’s famous show, with some props and signs. Again, there was a lot of presents and clothes, this time ranging across a larger ranger of ages, babies to late teenagers.
Once the crowd had gathered [babies being held by mother’s, and parents attending the clinic with their kids], Eckie arrived resplendent in clown gear. The mere sight of him put huge smiles on the faces of kids and parents alike. Clearly they had never seen anything like this.
His routine took about 45 minutes, and involved both wandering into the crowd and also bringing some of the kids up on stage and having them the focus of attention using musical instruments they most likely had never seen, let alone heard. Even the most timid of them gleefully participated.
It must be said there wasn’t a lot of props for this show, as Eckie’s show relies on his talents to make people laugh through expressions rather than relying on a lot of equipment: we certainly appreciated that side of his show, as it made setting and packing up a lot easier!
Following the show, second hand clothing and toys were handed out, as well as more gifts. Everyone was so genuinely appreciative, it was almost heartbreaking, except for the joy we could see in their faces.
There were some newborn babies and bed-bound infants and toddlers in the neonatal and children’s wards that were then presented with some special hand knitted soft comfort dolls, some made by our mother Wendy [who were we representing] and Sally who had also knitted comfort dolls and a lot of gorgeous hand knitted babies’ tops and hats.
A quick pack up of Eckie’s show, and we were off to the next stop, about half an hour away.
We arrived at Sky Blue around early afternoon. The school had a large dusty playfield, where there were kids playing. The school itself was one long room with partitions to separate the different years during classes. We relocated the partitions, and set up again for Eckie’s show, which certainly created a lot of interest. We also had to set up the clothing donations, both new and second hand, as well as some boxes of donated soap bars. Given the smell which we were having trouble adjusting to, and which the kids were oblivious to, it was perhaps the best gift of all.
Then the show began, with around 100 kids, most with parents, and some being orphans. The show went on for over an hour, and again, it was hugely successful. During the show, some of the kids discovered some bubble wands that were donated. A small distraction that didn’t distract from the show, it was great to see kids playing with something kids from all around the world enjoy.
Volunteers were re-positioned for distributing the clothing [which included new singlets and underwear]. This was logistically challenging: small, large, boy, girl, large numbers! A large amount of donated gifts were donated and left to be given out under supervision of the in charge teachers.
During the packing up, a Frisbee was discovered and put to use, entertaining the kids with the concept, on the large dusty playground. At one point, there would have been 20 kids racing around, trying to intercept it as it flew between two experienced Frisbee-ites. Great fun.
27DEC2018 Theknik School and Kamapado School
An early start as we has a long way to go, some through jungle on dirt roads, definitely off the tourist trails. Upon arrival, we saw the giant pencils that formed a fence at the main entrance. After the 3 hr drive, the stairs looked daunting, but, luckily, a side road was found and we drove up and around to the main school room where we could unload.
After we set up Eckie's show up on the platform at one end of the hall, we set up trestles to lay out enough gifts and soap for the 268 kids that lived there. Lucky the open air hall was large enough to fit the kids and their presents.
And then the show went on as previously, except there must have been at least 20 kids on stage for the musical number that Eckie led. No matter how many times you see this part of the show, it always makes you laugh, and be filled with joy at the astonishment on the kid’s faces.
A pity we had another school to visit, because we had to pack everything up and head off, but not before the school officials presented us on stage with some locally made shoulder bags: a surprise result accepted both for the students and us. And as if that wasn't enough, we were then treated to a lunch of fish stew and vegetables
Next stop was a boarding school about an hour away, up on top of a mountain. We didn't have any time to enjoy the view, so straight into seeing up the show again, this time for about 70 kids. We then laid out tables with new and gifted clothes and presents. These kids weren't orphans but from local tribes, so remote that it was the only way to get an education. During the rice season, many of the older kids were taken out of school to help their families with harvesting, a very manual, but necessary task.
Once the show was underway, the laughter started again, and just as before, both the students and us enjoyed it immensely. We started a short while afterwards, to hand out the underwear and a few of the gifts, but the long drive back in the dark mandated us leaving quickly. With our farewells completed, we drove off into the sunset with the kids waving furiously goodbye.
24DEC2018, Drive to Mae Sot
We (Bronwyn and David Fisher) decided a few weeks ago to join this trip in memory of our mother, Wendy Rankine nee Fisher, who passed away not long before. She had always wanted to partake in one of these, having donated both money and dolls to the organisation, and this was the least we could do. We arrived at Eckie’s with Sally Voravan and Karen, and met up with other volunteers Jan, Nicol and his daughter Cali. Introduced to Eckie and his recently arrived grand daughter, Abby. We also met our driver, Od, and Bob, who would drive the third, support vehicle, as well as assist Eckie with the performances over the next couple of days.
After a quick briefing, at 0930 Eckie, Abby and Jan led the way to Mae Sot with the 4WD and trailer, followed by Bob in the support vehicle and then by Od in the people mover, filled with the rest of the volunteers.
After a few stops on the way for the obligatory Thai food stops, and equally obligatory liquid dispensing and replacements, both for vehicles and occupants, we crossed the mountains and descended into Mae Sot around 1800. A quick check in at the Poonagunn Hotel, and we were off again to devour more food. Honestly, one word of advice for future trips, is to starve yourselves for a week prior to departure!
Around 2130, we arrived back at the hotel, and most of us collapsed into bed in anticipation of the next day’s adventure. A few die-hards remained awake to re-hydrate.
25DEC2018, Christmas Day, Mae Sot to SAW [Social Action for Children and Women]
After a great breakfast, off on the road again, this time the convoy heading for an orphanage that provided for 160 orphans, as well as some special needs kids. Although it was Christmas day, all the children were at school, so we had a good 6 hours to prepare for dinner and presents. This involved setting up tables and benches, Christmas decorations, assisting Eckie [now wearing his cordon blur chef’s hat] with the food preparation, which also catered for a few Muslim children, and laying out the presents and gifts from many organisations and people from Bangkok and abroad. Water, a few snacks and pieces of fruit were also put out for each kid, as well as a kaleidoscope of cordial supplies.
Once the children arrived, they quickly prepared for dinner [having briefly seen the presents!] and lined up, ready to be individually served with Eckie’s culinary delight. After they all had carried their fully laden plates to the table, they then commenced what we thought was a rather long “grace” or “thanks to Buddha” chant: very moving experience. All formalities aside, food was rapidly devoured and seconds were offered, and graciously accepted.
The large number of presents were then handed out, and the kids were asked to sit down before opening them. There was always going to be mis-matches between presents and kids, so a swap session was then undertaken. A few emergency supplies of presents were used to help satisfy everyone. Following this, the gifts of new clothing were then handed out to everyone [and they were really needed].
Goodbyes were lavishly laid onto us, and we left with smiles not only on the kid’s faces, but also ours.
When we got back to the hotel, most went off to recuperate, but some were too overcome with joy and appreciation, and crashed out!
26DEC2018, Mae Sot to Mae Tao Clinic and Sky Blue School [next to huge garbage dump]
Again another breakfast, and then a little earlier to depart, to travel off to a medical clinic [manned by one doctor] a few hours away. Once we arrived, we then set up for Eckie’s famous show, with some props and signs. Again, there was a lot of presents and clothes, this time ranging across a larger ranger of ages, babies to late teenagers.
Once the crowd had gathered [babies being held by mother’s, and parents attending the clinic with their kids], Eckie arrived resplendent in clown gear. The mere sight of him put huge smiles on the faces of kids and parents alike. Clearly they had never seen anything like this.
His routine took about 45 minutes, and involved both wandering into the crowd and also bringing some of the kids up on stage and having them the focus of attention using musical instruments they most likely had never seen, let alone heard. Even the most timid of them gleefully participated.
It must be said there wasn’t a lot of props for this show, as Eckie’s show relies on his talents to make people laugh through expressions rather than relying on a lot of equipment: we certainly appreciated that side of his show, as it made setting and packing up a lot easier!
Following the show, second hand clothing and toys were handed out, as well as more gifts. Everyone was so genuinely appreciative, it was almost heartbreaking, except for the joy we could see in their faces.
There were some newborn babies and bed-bound infants and toddlers in the neonatal and children’s wards that were then presented with some special hand knitted soft comfort dolls, some made by our mother Wendy [who were we representing] and Sally who had also knitted comfort dolls and a lot of gorgeous hand knitted babies’ tops and hats.
A quick pack up of Eckie’s show, and we were off to the next stop, about half an hour away.
We arrived at Sky Blue around early afternoon. The school had a large dusty playfield, where there were kids playing. The school itself was one long room with partitions to separate the different years during classes. We relocated the partitions, and set up again for Eckie’s show, which certainly created a lot of interest. We also had to set up the clothing donations, both new and second hand, as well as some boxes of donated soap bars. Given the smell which we were having trouble adjusting to, and which the kids were oblivious to, it was perhaps the best gift of all.
Then the show began, with around 100 kids, most with parents, and some being orphans. The show went on for over an hour, and again, it was hugely successful. During the show, some of the kids discovered some bubble wands that were donated. A small distraction that didn’t distract from the show, it was great to see kids playing with something kids from all around the world enjoy.
Volunteers were re-positioned for distributing the clothing [which included new singlets and underwear]. This was logistically challenging: small, large, boy, girl, large numbers! A large amount of donated gifts were donated and left to be given out under supervision of the in charge teachers.
During the packing up, a Frisbee was discovered and put to use, entertaining the kids with the concept, on the large dusty playground. At one point, there would have been 20 kids racing around, trying to intercept it as it flew between two experienced Frisbee-ites. Great fun.
27DEC2018 Theknik School and Kamapado School
An early start as we has a long way to go, some through jungle on dirt roads, definitely off the tourist trails. Upon arrival, we saw the giant pencils that formed a fence at the main entrance. After the 3 hr drive, the stairs looked daunting, but, luckily, a side road was found and we drove up and around to the main school room where we could unload.
After we set up Eckie's show up on the platform at one end of the hall, we set up trestles to lay out enough gifts and soap for the 268 kids that lived there. Lucky the open air hall was large enough to fit the kids and their presents.
And then the show went on as previously, except there must have been at least 20 kids on stage for the musical number that Eckie led. No matter how many times you see this part of the show, it always makes you laugh, and be filled with joy at the astonishment on the kid’s faces.
A pity we had another school to visit, because we had to pack everything up and head off, but not before the school officials presented us on stage with some locally made shoulder bags: a surprise result accepted both for the students and us. And as if that wasn't enough, we were then treated to a lunch of fish stew and vegetables
Next stop was a boarding school about an hour away, up on top of a mountain. We didn't have any time to enjoy the view, so straight into seeing up the show again, this time for about 70 kids. We then laid out tables with new and gifted clothes and presents. These kids weren't orphans but from local tribes, so remote that it was the only way to get an education. During the rice season, many of the older kids were taken out of school to help their families with harvesting, a very manual, but necessary task.
Once the show was underway, the laughter started again, and just as before, both the students and us enjoyed it immensely. We started a short while afterwards, to hand out the underwear and a few of the gifts, but the long drive back in the dark mandated us leaving quickly. With our farewells completed, we drove off into the sunset with the kids waving furiously goodbye.
