Good morning Judy!

We had a special Board meeting yesterday to discuss this and are in the process of opening a special account for receipt of donations. Attached is the first draft of a letter that is planned to be sent out explaining what we are doing and the sorts of things being considered. A couple of our members are down there now and we will get further on-the-spot input from them once they return. We are also making contact with the local Rotary Clubs down there as they will be in a far better position to advise the areas of most need (although we suspect it will be along the lines we have set out).

  I stress the letter attached is a first pass - only just finished drafting it actually - and we do not yet have even the account number - although I will have it today hopefully. Any comments on the text gratefully accepted!

  Food and shelter, we believe, are currently catered for here - but we fear that longer term needs will get overlooked and it is in that direction that we wish to direct our efforts.

  You may not be aware but we have a long-running and ongoing programme installing water purification systems in provincial schools (over 120 of them in over 20 provinces around the country). One proposal is that we focus these on affected southern schools - indeed, the employer company of one of our member's has already offered to fund one in full! That would be just one of the things we could use funds for.

  I think the idea of a school pairing situation has appeal - but you are right, the language barrier (on both sides!) would be an issue insofar as pen pals and things go. But they might consider raising funds for books for libraries, and even donating old books and the like (simple English books never go astray). Or pens and pencils and things; or shoes; or all sorts of things. It can be a bit difficult sometimes getting goods like this into Thailand (customs clearance and such), and I'd hesitate to send money directly to schools. But they could perhaps do it through us or maybe better a local club down there. Once again too early for specifics just now, but an idea worth developing, I think.

If you stay at the Montien Hotel on your visit, you will be within walking distance of our Club's home, the Pan Pacific Hotel (just around the corner) - and also in a central tourist, shopping and transportation area. The Siam City Hotel is rather out of the way on all scores. We can no doubt arrange something in any case, but the Montien would be far better for you not just from the point of getting to our meeting but on all points I believe.

  Many, many thanks again for your concern and the efforts of all involved.

  Yours in Rotary,

Gary White