It is the weak and poor who are hurt the most by the economic crisis. Individuals and organisations dedicated to helping the unprivileged are struggling as funds dry up. In the season's spirit of giving, we hope this year-end roundup of the charities Outlook has covered in 1997 will help you choose a project or two to support - to help make a difference in someone's life.

Compiled by Outlook reporters

EDUCATION and CHILDREN:

BOAT SCHOOL: A simple houseboat serves as a school for children at Ban Ko Chad San, a remote village in Li district, Lamphun. To go to school, children must take a 35-minute trip by boat. They need financial help. Address: Ban Ko Chad San School, Moo 4, Tambon Ko, Li district, Lamphun. Or the Office of the National Primary Education, Lamphun. Tel (053) 599-222.

RURAL SCHOOL: Thatched-roofed Ban Huay Sai Kao School in Nan is bursting at the seams with 120 children supervised by only two teachers. They need a bigger school, better equipment, and volunteer teachers. Address: The Duangkaew Foundation, Institute of Medical Research, Somdej Phra Pin Klao Royal Thai Naval Hospital, 504 Somdej Phra Chao Taksin Road, Bukkhalo, Thon Buri. Tel/Fax: 867-5399. For donations: "Scholarships for Underprivileged Children in Rural Areas", savings account number 040-2-26886-6, Thai Military Bank's Somdej Phra Pin Klao Hospital branch.

TOO SMALL TO GET HELP: The remote Baan Had Thaeng village school by the Sri Nakarin Dam is not qualified for funding from the Education Ministry because it has only 33 students. Amphai Suwanasilp, the school's only teacher, struggles to save her students from illiteracy. Address: Amphai Suwanasilp, 3/6 Moo 9, Tambon Park Praek, Muang district, Kanchanaburi, 71000. Tel: (034) 515-572.

DEVOTED TEACHERS: Sunthorn and Chuleemart Pannon, a teacher couple in Khon Kaen, ran up a huge debt helping 200 poor students in the Northeast get an education. They need help for the children. Address: 139 Moo 5, Bann Ya Kha, Tambon Muang Phon, Phon district, Khon Kaen 40120. Tel (043) 339-056. For donations: "Programme for Supporting Children's Education" savings account no. 167-25035-4, Thai Farmers Bank, Phon district branch in Khon Kaen.

SINGING PRINCIPAL: Sompong Muenjit, a rural school principal, sings and records his songs to raise funds for poor students in Tak. Tel (055) 561-026.

HOLY MERCY HOME: The loss of their only daughter led a missionary couple in Ayutthaya to become substitute parents to 47 hilltribe children who receive free lodging, food, clothes, and education under their care. Address: Holy Mercy Home (Ban Phra Metta), 23/1 Moo 6, Pratuchai, Muang district, Ayutthaya. Tel (035) 244-627. For donations: No: 243-2-45927-9, Thai Farmer's Bank, Ayutthaya branch.

FREE SCHOOL: The Jedee Luang Temple in Chiang Mai has been giving free education to over 2,000 poor boys in its Mettasuksa School for over three decades. More donations can support more needy students. Address: Mettasuksa School, 103 Prapokklao Road, Muang district, Chiang Mai. Tel (053) 277-783.

SHOES: Many poor rural pupils in Chai Nat walk barefooted to school. They need shoes. Address: Mr Kasem Nienpak, Office of Provincial Primary Education, Chai Nat. Tel (056) 412-251. Or contact the Bangkok Post's editorial manager Mrs Kusuma Mintakhin at the Post's headoffice, Tel 240-3700.

DAY-CARE FOR SLUM CHILDREN: To give poor slum children pre-school education, Nuannoi "Khru Noi" Timkul uses her home as a free day-care centre which constantly needs food, books and learning tools. Address: No. 319, Moo 1, Soi Rat Burana 26, Bangkok 10140. Tel 871-3040. For donations: "The Fund for Khru Noi's Home," account number 117-2-15788-2, Bangkok Bank of Commerce, Rat Burana branch.

SPARROW HOME FOR BABIES OF PRISONERS: The New Light Group, a group of expatriate women, has set up "Sparrow Home" for the children of female prisoners so that they can receive proper attention and care while waiting to be reunited with their mothers. Donations and volunteers are needed. Contact the group's chairperson on 711-2962 or fax 711-2936.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS LIBRARIES: The Jintana-Eaksakdi Daengdej Library Foundation has filled 300 libraries in rural schools with quality children's books. The foundation aims to equip 30,000 libraries nationwide. Address: Jintana-Eaksakdi Daengdej Library Foundation, 36/9 Soi Sirimitr, Ramkhamhaeng 24, Hua Mark, Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10240. Tel 319-5151. Or contact the Foundation for Children, 169/175 Soi Charan Sanitwong 12 (Wat Dee Duad), Klong San, Bangkok 10600. Tel 438-0353-4 or 438-9331-2.

YOUTHS AND DRUGS: A former drug addict has set up a rehabilitation centre in Yasothon to help youngsters kick the dangerous habit and restore their self-esteem. Address: Suthasinee Klui-ngern, Children and Youth for Development Centre and Rehabilitation Programme, 113 Moo 12, Bann Prachasan, Tambon Tardthong, Muang district, Yasothon 35000. Tel (045) 722-240-1. Pager (152) 370-017. For donations: Chook Chern: Krong Karn Puea Dek Lae Yoawachon (Emergency: Children and Youth for Development), number 166-1-23679-0, Bank of Ayudhya's Yasothon branch.

MOTHER'S MILK:To make a donation to the Powdered Milk Fund, contact the Holt Sahathai Foundation at 850/33 Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok 10110. Call 381-8834-6 or fax 381-8837. You can deposit money into saving account number 063-2-07716-5 at Thai Farmers Bank, North Nana branch.

Other organisations providing powdered milk for needy mothers and babies include:

Foundation for Slum Child Care, 100/771-775, Klong Toey Block 6, At-narong Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Call 249-4589 or fax 249-5956.

Foundation for Children (Baan Taan Tawan), 666 Charoen Nakhon Road, Klong San, Bangkok 10600. Call 438-9331-2 or 438-0353-4.

Dulnimit Foundation. Call 381-7595.

GLASSES: Many of Thailand's underprivileged children with poor eyesight can only dream of owning a pair of glasses. Mettapracharak Hospital's Eyeglasses Bank in Nakhon Prathom province is trying to make these dreams a reality. Those who want to donate money or old eyeglasses to support the Mettapracharak (Wat Raikhing) Hospital's Eyeglasses Bank can contact Dr Pannet Pangputhipong at (034) 321-983-5, 321-244, 225-417-20 or fax (034) 321-243. The Mettapracharak (Wat Raikhing) Hospital is located at 52 Moo 2, tambon Raiking, Sam Phran district, Nakhon Prathom province, 73210.


BICYCLE: Old, unwanted bikes can provide poor rural children with both a cheap way of getting to school and the chance of simple adventures. Thailand Cycling Club (TCC) is launching a "Recycled Bicycle Project." The project aims to breathe new life into time-worn bicycles and hand them to underprivileged children in rural areas.
Note : Those who want to donate old or new bicycles, or receive more details about the Thailand Cycling Club, can contact Dr Thongchai directly on 218-6669 or 252-7511.


HEARING IMPAIRMENT: and difficulties in speaking. Needs a hearing aid. If you want to help Um and her two little friends, please contact the Holt Sahathai Foundation on 381-8834-6.

Donations can be deposited into savings account number 1970123558 at Bangkok Bank, North Nana branch, or savings account number 063-2-07716-5 at Thai Farmers Bank, North Nana branch.


DRINKING WATER: The pupils and teachers of Ban Kao Kret School in a remote, mountainous area of Chai Nat province are in dire need of water tanks and filters to help them get through the dry months.

Anyone wanting to help these youngsters can transfer money to the Clean Drinking Water for Kids savings account at the Krung Thai Bank's Chai Nat Branch. The account number is 106-1-62117-0. Anyone who can support the project by donating water filters can contact Panom Chongyuwattana directly on (056) 412251.


CHILDREN UNDER-THE-BRIDGE SLUMS: Children who grow up in under-the-bridge slums live very stressful lives. Sleepless nights, cramped living conditions, nowhere to play, the fear of eviction and often having to quit school to help their families make ends meet, their future looks bleak. But a YMCA project offers them a little relief and a look at the outside world
Information for donations :

Name of organisation : YMCA Address : 27 South Sathorn Road, Yanawa district, Bangkok, 10120 Contact person : Sudjai Daoruang and Jittakorn Pilukna. Tel : 287-1900 ext Development Department Fax: 287-1996. Savings Bank account name: Gongtun Pattana Pua Dek Tai Saphan (The Fund for the Development of Children Living Under Bridges. Bank account number: 117-4-20228-1 Bank name and branch : Bangkok Bank, Kluay Nam Thai branch Please send or fax a copy of the deposit slip to the above address so the oundation can issue every donor a receipt.


SUMMER CAMP WITH A DIFFERENCE: Wat Suan Kaew offers summer jobs to poor students so they can earn money to continue their education
Name of organisation: Suan Kaew Foundation Address: Wat Suan Kaew, Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi 11140 Contact person: Duangjai Thitiyaruck Tel: 595-1444, 595-1945-7 Fax: 595-1222 Savings account name: Phra Payom Kalayano Savings account number: 269-2-24072-6 Bank name and branch: Thai Farmers Bank, Bang Yai branch Please send or fax a copy of the deposit to the above address so the foundation can issue every donor a receipt.

Other interesting projects run by the Suan Kaew Foundation:
Rom Bho Kaew Shelter Starting in 1987, the shelter aims to help underprivileged, unskilled people get occupational training. Participants also receive free food and accommodation.
Good Will Project (Sharing Society) The project, which started in 1993, welcomes all kinds of donations including used clothing, books, old furniture and household goods. These items will be distributed to the needy.
Poor People's Supermarket Starting in 1994, the store sells donated items cheaply to help the poor. The revenue goes to Suan Kaew Foundation. If the buyers do not have money, they can work for the temple and will receive a coupon which can be traded for the items they want in the supermarket.
Herb Garden The garden was started last year with the aim of helping poor patients who cannot afford to go to hospital by providing them with medicinal herbs.

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Despite attempts to ban child labour, young faces continue to be part of the Thai labour market. The Child Labour Project aims to help children avoid exploitation

Info for donations Foundation for Child Development (Child Labour Project)
344 Rong Muang Road, Rong Muang,
Pathumwan,
Bangkok 10330
Contact : Ms Khemporn Wiroonrapan
Tel/ Fax: 215-6544
Savings account name: Foundation for Child Development
Account number: 047-2-61241-7
Bank name and branch: Thai Farmers Bank,
Bang Yeekhan Branch



SAENG THIEN GROUP FOUNDATION: which means candlelight in English, the centre has been a guiding light in the lives of nearly 1,000 children from Thon Buri slums throughout the past 12 years. Buddhist temples can be more than a spiritual shelter. Wat Bang Sai Kai in Thon Buri is also a safe haven for needy children and the heart of the local community.
INFO FOR DONATIONS:
-Name of organisation: Saeng Thien Group Foundation
-Address: 547 Wat Bang Sai Kai, Itsaraphap Road, Soi 15 (Soi Witthayalai Kru Ban Somdej), Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
-Contact person: Phra Samai Jintakhosako
-Tel: 465-6165, 472-4212
-Savings account name: Saeng Thien Group Foundation
-Savings account number: 126-036-1512
-Bank name and branch: Bangkok Bank, Charoen Paas branch
Note: Apart from money donations, children's books and toys are also welcome. You can also visit the day care centre to play with the kids or treat them to lunch and snacks.



THE BANGKOK POST NEWSPAPER FOUNDATION: rebuilt a school for the children of Ban Sapli in the South after it was destroyed in a typhoon in 1988. Now, the economic crisis and a drought is devasting the area and the children need support if they are to continue their studies. You can help
Infor for donations:
Those who wish to join the Bangkok Post Newspaper Foundation in helping needy children may do so by contributing to the foundation. Contact Post staffers: Kliew Aksornsuwan (Accounting Department) at tel 240-3700 ext 1217, or Kusuma Minthakin (Editorial Department) at tel 240-3700 ext 3224. "We Care" is a weekly series honouring people who believe in giving. You can show you care by supporting the projects featured here each week. You can also let us know about people who unselfishly help others so we can honour them in these pages. Fax "We Care" on 240-3666 or call 240-3700 ext 3208 or 3212. Alternatively, e-mail <sanitsuda@bangkokpost.net>.


ELEPHANT"S TRUNK CHILDREN: Many children suffered from "Frontoethmoidal Encephalomeningocele", or FEEM. In Thai, it is called Nguang Chang, or elephant's trunk, because the tumour grows on the nose. Those children are too poor to afford surgery. Apart from the pain of being a social outcast, if untreated the disease can also cause blindness and brain damage
Info for donations:
Name of organisation: The World Vision Foundation of Thailand
Contact person: Valaiporn Piriyakovint
Address:582/18-22 Soi Ekamai (Sukhumvit 63) near Tai Ping Condominium, Prakanong, Bangkok
Tel: 381-8863-5 Or you can send your cheque payable to Post Publishing Public Company Limited (For World Vision's Surgery Project for Children). Send it to Mrs Kusuma Mintakhin, Editorial Manager, 136 Na Ranong Road, off Sunthorn Kosa, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Tel 240-3700 ext 3224-5.
Please also attach your name and address with your cheque so that we can send you the receipt.

HILLTRIBES

SAVE TWINS: Many twins have been killed because the Akha believe they were evil. The Akha Education and Culture Centre in Chiang Mai wants to change that through education and support for twins' families. Its milk scheme for Akha twin babies need donations. Address: 370 Moo 4 Tambon Rim Kok, Muang district, Chiang Rai 57000. Tel (053) 714-250. Fax (053) 751-079.

KAREN CHILDREN: Businessman Ralf Oberg has set up day-care centres for Karen children and supports the education of Karen youths so that they can cope with modern change. Address: PO Box 954, Phra Khanong 10110, Bangkok. Tel 942-1145. Or call Bill Timmons on 391-5671.

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE: To preserve their culture, the Karen Culture Education Fund is undertaking a project to integrate their indigenous culture and ancestral knowledge with formal education in Karen schools. For donations: "POWS EDU&CUL FUNDS", account no. 679-2-05052-9, Thai Commercial Bank's Sangkla Buri branch, Kanchanaburi. For details contact Wildlife Fund of Thailand on 521-3435 or 552-6083.

STREET CHILDREN: Huen Nam Jai Home in Chiang Mai gives free shelter and education to street children, mostly hilltribe children, to prevent them from falling into drugs, prostitution and Aids. Address: Pastor Kunakorn Kunasawat, Chang Kham Church, Hang Dong district, Chiang Mai. Tel (053) 433-571. For donations: Chang Kham Church's Street Children Project, account number 4590321396, Bangkok Bank, Hang Dong branch.

AN UPHILL EDUCATION: Karen children in Kanchanaburi find simply getting to school is their biggest stumbling block.
Info for donations:
The Lower Klity village is located deep in the forest and it is not accessible by post or phone.
The nearest education office is the Hilltribe Centre at Kanchanaburi province. To help the children, call teacher Pantip Charoenwai at (034) 51-8694 and (034) 51-2452. He leaves his forest post in Lower Klity at the end of month every month when he can be found in the Hilltribe Centre.
If you cannot contact him, send your cheque payable to Post Publishing Public Company Limited (for Lower Klity children). Send it to Mrs Kusuma Mintakhin, Editorial Manager, 136 Na Ranong Road, off Sunthorn Kosa, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Tel 2403700 ext 3224-5.
Please include your name and address with your cheque so that we can send you a receipt.

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT: Exploited as a tourist attraction, the hilltribe villagers are now being blamed for forest encroachment and arson. Amazing Thailand indeed

Info for donations: Those who want to make donations to help families of the 56 hilltribe men can deposit money into a new account titled "Fund For the Innocents" (Kong thun chuai lua phoo borisut) at the Thai Farmers Bank, Suthep Road branch, Muang district, Chiang Mai. Account number is 471-2-03332-6.

Other organisations are collecting contributions to pass on to the villagers on May 31.

In Bangkok, contact the Thai Volunteer Service. Address: 409 Soi Rohitasuk, Pracharat Bamphen Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok. Tel (02) 691-0437-8. Fax (02) 691-1217.

In Chiang Mai, there are three places you can contact:

* Centre for the Coordination of Non-governmental Tribal Development Organisation (CONTO). Address: 252 Moo 2, Sansai Noi Sub-District, Sansai district, Chiang Mai 50120. Tel (053) 39-8591. Fax (053) 39-8592.

* NGO Coordinating Committee on Rural Development (NGO-CORD NORTH). Address: 77/1 Moo 5, Suthep sub-district, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel/Fax (053) 81-0623-4.

* Ethnic Studies Network (Ethnet), Regional Centre for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), Chiang Mai University. Address: 78 Moo 10, Suthep Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel. (053) 27-8334. Fax (053) 28-3609.

On May 31, a group of human rights organisations and Chiang Mai University academics will visit Pang Daeng village to present food to the families of the arrested men. There will also be a field trip and panel discussion on "Violations of Constitutioanal Rights: A Case of Newin's Order of Indiscriminate Arrest of the Powerless." A bus will leave the Chiang Mai University at 7 a.m. that day. More information can be obtained from the organisations above.







THE DISABLED

SELF-HELP GROUP: A crippled man, Sanom Letaisong, set up a self-help group for the handicapped in Buri Ram. Among the work skills his centre offers are weaving, bag-making, and radio repair. Address: The Handicapped People's Group, Baan Song Daeng Temple, Baan Song Daeng, Na Pho district, Buri Ram. Tel (044) 629-243. Bank account: Handicapped People's Fund of Na Pho District, savings account number 240-2-30025-4, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives, Phut Thai Song branch.

TRAINING FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED: The Punyawuthikorn School gives the mentally handicapped vocational training in cooking, gardening and cleaning. It needs funding and jobs for its students. Address: Punyawuthikorn School, No. 4, Soi 7 Prachasongkroa Road, Prachaniveth 1, Bangkok 10900. Tel 589-5762.

COMPUTER TRAINING: The Redemptorist Vocational School in Pattaya gives intensive computer training to young disabled persons. Address: Suporntum Mongkolsawadi, headmaster, the Redemptorist Vocational, PO Box 1, Pattaya, Chon Buri 20260. Tel (038) 716-248-9. Fax (038) 420-340.

SIGN LANGUAGE VOLUNTEERS: A shortage of sign language interpreters has robbed the deaf of educational and employment opportunities. They need volunteers to work as interpreters or some other capacity. Address: The National Association of the Deaf in Thailand. Tel 717-1902-3. Fax 717-1904. For donations: account number 168-1-13783-9, Bank of Ayudhya, Pattanakarn branch.

ARTIFICIAL LIMBS: A retired American doctor has established a foundation which gives amputees free artificial limbs and the chance to live a normal life again. Address: The Buddha Khun Medical Foundation, No. 26, Baan Tha Sila, Moo 4, Mae Kha, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230. Or call 053-368-667. Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


HANDICAPPED BLIND YOUNGSTERS: achieving more in life thanks to the patient training, care and love of their teachers - who also believe no matter how disabled all the kids deserve to fully develop their skills.

Info for donations:
-Name of organisation:Home of Multiple Handicapped Blind Children
-Address: 21/13 Soi Ram Intra 34 (Soi Yu Yen), Ram Intra Road, Lad Prao district, Bangkok 10230
-Founder: Prayat Phunongong
Tel: 510-4895 and 510-3625 Fax: 943-6235
Savings bank account name: The Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand
Bank account number: 187-0-50438-6
Bangk name and branch: Bangkok Bank's Ram Intra Branch


TURNING A BLIND EYE: Due to the economic slump and a decline in donations, 50 children under the care of the Christian Foundation for the Blind will lose their chance to get an education.

Info for donations: Name of organisation: The Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand Address: 214 Moo 10, Pracharak Road, Muang, Khon Kaen 40000 Tel: (043) 242-098 or 239-499 Fax: (043) 243-448 Bangkok office tel: 510-3625 or 510-4895.

Savings bank account name: The Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand Bank account number: 187-0-50438-6 Bank name and branch: Bangkok Bank, Ram Intra branch Khon Kaen account number: 109-2-004-01-1 Bank name and branch: Thai Farmers Bank, Nah Muang Branch, Muang, Khon Kaen

WOMEN

VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION: The Friends of Women Foundation runs a home for rape victims, gives legal help to beaten wives and abused workers, supports a self-help group for women with family problems, and campaigns for women's rights. Address: 1379/30 Soi Praditchai, Samsen Nai, Phya Thai, Bangkok 10400. Tel 270-0928, 279-7158, 618-2707-8. Fax 270-0929.

BAR GIRLS: The Rahab Beauty Shop in Patpong offers bargirls both emotional support and vocational training opportunities to get out of prostitution. Address: The Rahab Ministries, PO Box 57, Patpong Post Office, Bangkok 10506. Tel/fax 236-9270.

BAR GIRLS: Empower, a women's rights organisation, provides non-formal education for bar girls and other entertainment workers.Address: 57/60 Tiwanon Road, Tambon Taladkwan, Nonthaburi 11000. Tel 526-8311 or 236-9272 in Bangkok, or (053) 282-504 in Chiang Mai.

WORKERS

CHILD WORKERS: The Foundation for Children's Development runs the Second Home for Child Labour near Hua Lamphong railway station. Apart from providing recreational activities and counselling, the foundation also campaigns for educational opportunities and better working conditions for child workers. Address: 143/109-111 Pin Klao Pattana Housing Estate, Soi Wat Suwannakiri, Borom Ratchachonanee Road, Bangkok 10700. Tel 433-6292. Fax 435-5281. Call the Second Home for child workers on 613-7933.

ILLEGAL WORKERS: A group of expatriates is giving spiritual support and basic necessities to illegal immigrants during their detention at the Bangkok Immigration Detention Centre. Volunteers are needed. Address: IDCCC, Christ Church, Convent Road. Tel 234-3634.

LYDIA HOUSE FOR MIGRANT WORKERS: The Lydia House helps job-seekers from the provinces by giving them temporary accommodation and evening meals. Address: Ulla Fewster or Silla Cha-lair, Lydia House, 196/41-42 Soi Pracharat 4, Krungthep-Non Road, Saam Yaek Taopun, Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800. Tel/fax 911-5684. For donations: Savings account number 027-2-38487-4, Siam Commercial Bank, Bang Pho branch.

LABOUR PAINS: Unskilled women workers suffer many occupational health hazards without proper medical care and compensation. Together with other groups, they are working on a new law which would ensure unprecedented safety and labour protection measures

Info for Donations:Name of organisation: The Council of Work- and Environment-Related Patients' Network of Thailand (WEPT) Address: 70/53 Moo 2, Tha Sai, Amphur Muang, Nonthaburi 11000 Contact person: Ms Somboon Sikhamdokkae Tel: 951-3037 Fax: 951-3037 Savings account name: Fund for Work- and Environment-Related Patients Saving account number: 241-1-08283-6 Bank name and branch: Sri Ayudya Bank, Tiwanont Branch
Apart from donations, you can be a part of change by supporting WEPT's push for a work safety bill. WEPT is seeking the signatures of 50,000 eligible voters in order to initiate the legislation, according to the Constitution's Article 170.





HIV/AIDS

HIV CHILDREN: The Agape Home in Chiang Mai provides a home for HIV-positive babies. Donations and volunteers are needed. Address: The Agape Home, 101/22 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, Tambon Nonghoy, Muang district, Chiang Mai 50000. Or P.O. Box 95, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand. Tel/fax (053) 800-946.

ADVOCACY: Ittirak Smithsuwan has gone public about being HIV-positive to dispel discrimination against people with HIV and Aids. He has also set up a self-help group called Life and Hope Club. Address: Life and Hope Club, No. 5 Soi 2 Seree 1, Seree 2 Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250. Tel 318-5600. Pager 152 call 472-925.


WELCOME HOUSE: People with HIV and Aids generally arrive at Welcome House feeling rejected and emotionally battered. But at the shelter they find a place at the table free from alienation and discrimination.
Information for donations: - Name of organisation: Welcome House - Address: G.P.O. Box 2878, Bangkok 10501 (The specific location of the house has been withheld to protect the privacy of the residents) - Contact person: Ms Komkai Hamamool, Welcome House director - Tel: 234-2381, 234-8258 - Fax: 635-0334 - Savings account name: Catholic Mission AIDS (Welcome House) - Account number: savings account number 031-3-07241-7 - Bank name and branch: Thai Danu Bank, St Louis Hospital Branch Please send or fax a copy of the deposit to the above address so the foundation can issue every donor a receipt.

MEDICAL SERVICES

LEPROSY: The McKean Rehabilitatin Centre in Chiang Mai helps victims of leprosy, giving them treatment, shelter, vocational training and a spiritual life. Address: P.O. Box 53, Chiang Mai, 50000. Tel (053) 277-049, 817-170-1, 817-267.

SURGERY FOR THE POOR: The Duangkaew Foundation gives free surgery to poor rural patients with cleft lips, cleft palates and scars from burns. Address: The Duangkaew Foundation, Institute of Medical Research at Somdej Phra Pin Klao Royal Thai Naval Hospital. Tel/fax 876-5399 or 475-2572. For donations: "Operation for Handicapped Persons in Rural Areas", savings account number 040-2-25022-9, Thai Military Bank's Somdej Phra Pin Klao Hospital branch.

MOBILE CLINICS: Volunteers of the Compassion of Christ Mission (CCM) Clinic provide rural poor with much-needed medical services once a month. Volunteers, medical staff and doctors are needed. Address: Dusadee Borrirakpattanakul, CCM co-ordinator, P.O. Box 222, Phrakanong Post Office, Bangkok 10110. Tel/fax 375-1304 or mobile phone tel (01) 813-9141.

THERAPY FOR THE ELDERLY: The Faculty of Nursing, Thai Red Cross Society runs a physical theraphy programme to rehabilitate poor elderly in Klong Toey slum who suffer from paralysis and other physical disorder. Addresses: Care for the Elderly in Klong Toey Project (CES), Sala Prachakhom Community Hall, Block 4-6, Klong Toey Community, Atnarong Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Or contact Ms Wanpen Inkaew, the College of Nursing, Thai Red Cross Society, 1873 Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330. Tel 256-4091-7. Fax 256-4090.

MODEL RURAL DOCTOR: Named Outstanding Rural Doctor by Sirirraj Hospital this year, Dr Krai Dabtham devotes himself to helping the rural sick and poor in the remote northern highlands of Mae Ai, Chiang Mai. Address: The Mae Ai Hospital Fund, Dr Krai Dabtham, Mae Ai Hospital, Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai. Tel: (053) 459-036-7.

THE FIVE-BAHT DOCTOR The clinic is run by Dr Sapha Limphanichakarn, better known as the "five-baht doctor". It has been an oasis of hope for poor patients for over 30 years. For donations, contact Dr Sapha Limphanichakarn at the clinic: 89/2 Soi Ranong 1, Rachawat, Dusit, Bangkok. Or at the School of Medical Illustration and Audiovisual Technology, Siriraj Hospital, Pran Nok Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700. Or call 419-8312.

WITH OPEN ARMS: Medical bills may be skyrocketing elsewhere, but at the Wat Don Clinic patients get free treatment in a friendly and caring atmosphere. The clinic's operation is based solely on donations from the Kalayanavisut Foundation.
Information for donations:
Name of organisation: The Kalayanavisut Foundation.
Address: 23/12 Soi Don Kusol, Charoen Krung Road Soi 57, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120.
Contact person: Waraporn Phongkorn, the foundation's manager.
Tel: 212-3451-3 or 211-0302. Fax: 211-4875.
Savings account name: The Kalayanavisut Foundation.
Account number: savings account number 013-2-46633-5.
Bank name and branch: Thai Farmers Bank, Yan Nawa branch.
Please send or fax a copy of the deposit to the above address so the foundation can issue every donor a receipt.

ANIMALS

TEMPLE DOGS : A homeless man has devoted himself to taking care of 300 stray dogs which have been abandoned or injured in car accidents at a temple in Ayutthaya. Address: Phra Khru Sonnthornwattanakorn, abbot of Wat Klang, Moo 2, Tambon Mahabrahm, Bang Ban district, Ayutthaya. Tel (035) 399-009.

ELEPHANT HOSPITAL: The Elephant Hospital in Lampang is in need of financial assistance to help sick and injured elephants as well as to give old elephants a last refuge. Address: Friends of the Asian Elephant, 36/15 Moo 2, Ramindra, Km. 4, Bangkhen, Bangkok 10220. Tel 552-3824, 971-9221, or 521-2758. For donations: Saving account no. 088-2-20983-0, Thai Farmers Bank's Ram Intra branch. For receipts, please call 521-2758.

SAVE THE WATER BUFFALOES: The Animal Husbandry Foundation campaigns for the public to help save pregnant buffaloes from being killed in slaughter houses. Tel 579-8525, 579-4110 or 251-4280. Fax 579-4351.

HORNBILLS: If you come upon any hornbills in captivity or in the wild, please notify the Hornbill Research Foundation, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400. Tel 246-1358, 246-0063 ext 4606 or 4611.

SAVE BIRD HABITAT: The Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation and Bird Conservation Society of Thailand are campaigning for the revocation of rock blasting concessions that destroy the habitats of endangered bird species. Address: Sueb Nakasathien Foundation, Alumni Association Building, Kasetsart University, 50 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. Tel 561-2469-79. Or the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, 69/12 Rarm Intra 24, Jarakhebua, Lat Phrao, Bangkok 10230. Tel 930-1271, 510-5921.

TEMPLE MONKEYS: Wat Hart Moon Kra Buea has long been a source of food for some 120 monkeys living in the forest adjoining the temple. Due to declining donation, these temple monkeys ransack nearby farms for food, earning the ire of farmers. Address: Phra Khru Pichetdharmakhun, abbot of Wat Hart Moon Kra Buea, Tambon Yan Yao, Muang District, Phichit.

ENVIRONMENT

NATURE SCHOOL: Dek Rak Pah is an alternative school which gives poor rural children the chance to develop artistic creativity through love and keen observation of nature. Address: The Dek Rak Pah Group, P.O. Box 123, Muang district, Surin. Tel (044)513-589.

TREE ORDINATION: The Northern Farmers' Network aims to protect 100 community forests covering one million rai in the northern provinces from illegal loggers through tree-ordination ceremonies. The grassroots green movement is in need of support. Address: Northern Farmers' Network, 36/1 Tanin Road, Chang Puek, Muang district, Chiang Mai 50300. Or call Chatchawal Thongdeelert on (053) 212-417, (053) 409-387; or contact Ruangdej Jommuang at 85 Moo 13, Nai Wiang, Muang district, Nan (054) 751-831.

PAPER RECYCLING: Use paper wisely. The Recycle Paper for Trees Programme now offers a box in which you can discard used paper. The organisation will collect the box once a month. Paper will be sold for recycling and money donated to a reforestation programme. Address: Recycle Paper for Trees, 19/6 Soi Aree 4 (Nua), Samsen Nai, Phya Thai, Bangkok 10400. Tel/fax
279-6727 or 279-0552.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

SELF-RELIANCE: No place is better than home. Plan International is supporting rural communities to be self-reliant so that their children do not have to leave home to work. Plan's upcountry office, tel (043) 237-763 and (043) 241-385. Bangkok office, tel 561-2076-7.

WATER FOR FARMERS: Water is life. The Development Cooperation Foundation plans to dig 1,000 ponds to provide irrigation water for rural farmers in drought-stricken areas free of charge. To donate, call 619-0788 or fax to 619-0789.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Rural communities in the poverty-stricken province of Si Sa Ket are overcoming the problem of malnourishment by learning to stand on their own two feet. The Internationaal Christelijk Steundfonds (ICS) is a Christian non-profit organisation based in Hilversum in the Netherlands. Funded by private donations, it has field offices in Asia and Africa located in Si Sa Ket, Thailand and Nairobi, Kenya. ICS focuses on supporting needy children, women and communities affected by poverty, calamities or wars. Apart from relief and welfare aid, ICS also provides rural development assistance focussing on education, water resource development, primary health care and income-generating projects.

Contact Somnuk Chandsoda at

ICS-Asia, Tepa Street, Tambon Muangnua, Muang District, Si Sa Ket province, Thailand, 33000. Tel (045) 633-806-7, fax (045) 622-805.

Or contact ICS-the Netherlands, PO Box 2480, 1200 CL Hilversum, Bussumerstraat 60, Netherlands. Tel 31-35-628-4984, fax 31-35-623-7610.


SEEDS OF HOPE: GRADUATE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME: Young graduates can learn about social and rural problems and be part of the solution by having a stint as development volunteers
Anyone interested in joining or support the Graduate Volunteer Programme can contact the Graduate Volunteer Centre located on the sixth floor of the Anek Prasong Building, Thammasat University, Tha Phra Chan campus, Bangkok 10200. Tel: 221-6004 or 221-6111-20 ext 3604. Fax: 221-0148. Please note that the programme's application forms priced at 150 baht per set are available now at the centre until April 10.



THE SALENG FUND PROJECT: Without them, Bangkok would be suffocating under a thick layer of garbage. But the saleng people receive little recognition for their work

Info for donations:
To volunteer or make a donation to The Saleng Fund project, please contact Dr Jirapol Sinthunawa at the National Energy Policy Organisation (NEPO), 394/14, Samsen Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300. Or call 280-0951-7 ext 145. Alternatively fax 282-4607 or 282-4682.


A CATHOLIC MISSION: Father Joe Maier with children from one of the Human Development Centre's schools. The centre has set up 31 schools in slums around Bangkok which have educated more than 55,000 children.
Father Maier doesn't solicit donations for his projects, but he welcomes all contributions in money and in kind from generous donors. For details please contact the Human Development Centre, 3757/15 Sukhumvit Soi 40, Bangkok 10110, or call 392-7981, 381-1821. The fax number is 391-4968.







ELDERLY

AN AGE OF NEGLECT: There are over 20,000 homeless elderly in Thailand. The Bethany Home and Wat Nhong Hoi Age-Care Centre in Ratchaburi province are just two old folks' homes which try to give the elderly poor a place to call home
Info for donations Name of organisation: Memorial Camillian Sisters Foundation. Address: 4/2 Moo 12, Tambon Suan Kluay, Ban Pong, Ratchaburi 70110. Contact person: Sister Sirirat Sriviroj. Tel: (032) 211-621. Fax: (032) 211-621. Savings account name: Camillian Sisters Group (Bethany Home) Savings account number: 316-2-07529-6. Bank name and branch: Siam City Bank, Ban Pong Branch.