In 2020 when Covid-19 spread worldwide, it resulted in a global pandemic that disconnected people as cities were placed under lockdown. Atsada Israpanich, a 16-year-old boy, and his family would annually go to the foundations in Thailand to support and do charity work with them. With the lockdown policy implemented in Thailand, not only Atsada, but others could no longer visit these foundations as well. This experience make Atsada spark the idea of BoonforLife.
In 2021, Atsada Israpanich utilized a digital platform to help the underprivileged in the foundations sell their products in online format. A student from the International School Bangkok (ISB) founded a social enterprise called BoonforLife in 2020, which was later launched in 2021. “Boonforlifethailand.com” platform is a bridge to connect the underprivileged with benefactors no matter where they are.
Atsada explained, “The foundations have designed and set up daily activities to allow the underprivileged to exercise both physically and mentally through making several kinds of Thai Traditional crafts, using authentic Thai silk and other Thai Cultural products.”
BoonforLife was created through Atsada’s passion, IT skills (internship at the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), and E-commerce skills (attending in Silicon Valley Entrepreneur Program).
Currently, the platform is an online marketplace that sells handmade products from three foundations: the Promotion and Development Center for People with Multiple Disabilities Nakhon Nayok (Baan Ruen Suek Foundation), the For Oldy Project, and the Santisuk Foundation.
“The underprivileged want to be loved, understood, and warmth and receive moral support from benefactors. Each baht given is equal to the boon and blessing you are providing to someone’s life,” Atsada added.
Atsada hopes that Boon for Life will act as a platform to reach a wider range of benefactors and a medium between benefactors and and underprivileged.
To learn more about BoonforLife and support handmade products, please visit boonforlifethailand.com