To mark the New Year and National Children's Day, Central Group, the Royal Thai Army and the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) continued their collaborations with the "12th Million Gifts Million Smiles" project, which aims to express love to children in the three southernmost provinces.
To send happiness and support children during the Covid-19 pandemic, the initiative has created three primary channels to fund scholarships for underprivileged children, send gifts at donation points, and purchase Warbie Yama dolls and keychains designed by artist Arut Tantasirin. Proceeds after expenses will be donated to the Tiang Chirathivat Foundation.
According to research by the fund, the Covid-19 crisis has resulted in 10% of children leaving the education system during this school year as informal debts are rising as many families took out loans to enable their children to learn online.
Over the past years, many children have fallen into poverty and their household income has fallen to 1,094 baht per person per month. The number of orphans has also increased, especially in Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala. Scholarships will ensure that children stay in the education system and help relieve the financial burdens of their families.
"While the Covid-19 situation seems to be getting better, the economic and mental challenges still remain as many are unable to return to their pre-Covid-19 lives, especially children whose parents have been affected by the pandemic. Central Group is committed to continuing its mission to spread happiness through gifts during the New Year and Children's Day," said Busaba Chirathivat, executive vice-president of corporate communications at Central Group.
"This year, the 12th edition of the Million Gifts Million Smiles project comes with the concept of 'From The Hearts To The Smiles'. There are three themes of giving: Pay it Forward, Give it Forward and Share it Forward, to add options for those who want to spread their love, warm wishes and care to children, so that they grow up to be high quality adults who appreciate the beauty of giving."
Shoppers can join the project by making e-donations via Cenpay or donate The 1 card points as a gift starting at 10 points, from today until Dec 28. This year, the gifts include bicycles, school supplies, sports equipment, stationery items and educational toys, all of which will be given to children residing in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat as well as Tak. Alternatively, you can contribute 2,500 baht to the fund at tham-dee.com/projects/scholarship.
