Chiang Mai International Rotary Club’s Winter Clothing Appeal 2021 Ends: Winter Clothing Donations Reach 17 Remote Villages in 8 Northern Thai Provinces

By | Mon 7 Mar 2022

The Chiang Mai International Rotary Club has concluded their 2021 Children’s Winter Clothing & School Supplies Appeal. The response from the public has exceeded their greatest expectations and wildest imagination. They recorded 10,173.2 km (6321.33 miles) distributing the generous donations made by our incredible community. They collected and delivered 9,993.13 kgs (22,031.08 lbs) of warm clothing, blankets, shoes, jackets, school supplies, and toys.

Their last delivery destination was the Ban Posor School in Mae Sariang District of Mae Hong Son Province. President Dylan Thomason knew it was the right choice when soldiers at a military checkpoint shook their heads in disbelief when he told them he was heading there with his fully loaded truck. The school boards more than 200 students who are from out-of-the-way villages where the daily commute would be lengthy and dangerous.

This year, they have distributed donations to seventeen remote, hard-to-access locations (marked with red hearts) in eight Northern provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Tak, Nan, Phayao, Mae Hong Son, and Uttaradit. Amongst the beneficiaries are refugees, hill tribes, migrants, and local villagers – people of Lua, Palong, Lahu, Lisu, Karen, Shan, Thai, Burmese, Kayan, and Mien origin. In addition, the Burma Children Medical Fund transported donations on our behalf to newly displaced refugees in Mae Sot, Tak.

Donations were delivered to locations shown in hearts

The Chiang Mai International Rotary Club greatly appreciate the contributions. Special thanks to the Rimping Supermarket chain, Makro, the Interact Club of Chiang Mai International School, the Interact Club of Unity Concord International School, and Lanna International School for making it possible to place  donation boxes on their premises. Extra credit goes to Jarus Print, C. T. S. Packaging, and Pern’s Foods for their impeccable service assisting the project. Additional assistance was provided by Philanthropy Connections and the Burma Children Medical Fund.

If you still have clothes to donate, you can take them to the Free Bird Pre-Loved Charity Shop and Donation Center that aids Burmese refugees and internally displaced persons along the Myanmar border.

Donation boxes will go out again on October 15, 2022. See you again then!