‘Santa Cause’ is coming to town
How did the idea for “Santa Cause” come about?
During the flood crisis In 2011, a friend suggested we start helping people affected by it. Through social media, we organised activities where we, along with Thai and expat volunteers, went out to clean car windshields at major intersections to raise money. We donated it to different flood-preventing projects. We were so inspired by the overwhelming response and decided to start “Santa Cause” later that year.
Tell us about the warm-up activities you’ll be holding at CentralWorld.
You can show up at our Santa Cause Hut in front of CentralWorld to help us raise funds, on Dec 6-18, from 6-9pm. Celebs such as model Dream Chanokporn and pro basketball player Christien Charles [who plays for Hi-Tech Bangkok City] will join us there, too. We will be accepting donations and gifts during the period, before giving them away on Dec 19.
What do you guys plan for this year?
We aim to support five low-income communities this year. On Dec 19, our team, along with about 100 volunteers, will go to these communities, play games with the children and give them gifts. We’ll be using public transport to get to these places and spreading joy to people along the way. One of our main goals is to donate 60 tables for kindergarten students at a school in Makkasan. Basically, this is your chance to be like Santa. What have you learned from past “Santa Cause” events? It doesn’t take a lot to make someone else happy — a small gift or just dancing with them. Also, giving to someone makes you appreciate the things you already have and count your blessings., instead of wanting more things that you don’t really need.
Do you have a message for people who may be interested in joining your activities?
Search “bangkokvanguards action group” on Facebook and ask to join for updates. You can also make a donation to buy a backpack for the children. Each backpack contains toiletries, stationery and other educational equipment. You can add a personal note wishing your recipient a Merry Christmas, if you want, and we’ll bring them to the children. Please join us to experience the joy of giving. I can promise you’ll have a great time with like-minded people who care about others.