Donation of Playground Equipment to the Father Ray Children’s Village

Chris Gibbins

On Saturday, March 21, members of the Rotary Club Jomtien-Pattaya handed over several pieces of playground equipment to the children at the Fr Ray Children’s Village.

Youngsters peddle for fun and good health.

The village is located just beyond the Mabprachan reservoir, off the Siam Country Club Road on the way to the Thai Polo Club. It is operated by the Fr Ray Foundation. It opened in September 2008 with 4 houses and will expand to 20. The purpose is to provide homes for children who have no home. These are children who have been orphaned, abused or neglected by their parents.

Each house has a mother and an auntie who give the children love and care. For many of these children it is the first time in their short lives that they are part of a family with loving brothers and sisters. The children will not only learn to live as a family but also as part of a community. All visitors are welcome to visit and spend time with the children.

The Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya has been very generous in donating 150,000 baht to the Fr Ray Foundation, 75,000 baht of which was used to purchase playground equipment, such as swings, slides, and climbing frames for the children at the village. The children spend all their play time swinging, climbing, sliding and having lots of fun.

The Fr Ray Foundation has been working for the poor and underprivileged for more than 35 years. It now cares for more than 850 children and young adults with disabilities. It is very grateful for the support that the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya continues to give to the poor and underprivileged in Pattaya.

Members of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, led by their president, Brendan Kelly (3rd right) have donated playground equipment to the Father Ray Children’s Village.

Faster, faster! Boys will be boys.