Phuket FUN-draising dinner.

A group of expats in Phuket who are participants on several travel forums decided to organise a regular fundraising event to support the local community's charity needs. This event is in response to frequent enquiries from visitors to Thailand who wish to give something back to the local people. The dinners are a great way to do this, whilst providing a great way for visitors to Phuket to meet other travellers, share travel experiences and make new friendships at a family-friendly event.

The Thai people are very proud and rarely ask for help, but Thailand is a developing country and as such, there are some needs not addressed by the government or community at large. Visitors to Phuket are aware of this, but often don't know the best way to make a meaningful contribution to the community. Furthermore, people get little satisfaction from dropping money into collection boxes, without knowing exactly how the money is being spent. It is not so much that they don't trust the collection agent, but rather that the donors want a more personal experience.

Who are we helping?

At present the charity we are focusing on supporting is the Life Home Project. This is a local initiative to provide support to women and children living with HIV/AIDS. The program also works with children at risk, and from underpriviledged backgrounds. We intend to support several charities on a rotational basis. Any suggestions of worthwhile causes will be considered by the organising members.

Each week a representative of the focus charity is invited to give a short talk about their organisation. As Life Home project is the current charity we're supporting, a representative will be attending the Sunday dinners to address the group and present some craft items for sale, which the women are taught to create at the Project. The LHP are keen to develop the skills of their members and to make them as independent as possible, enabling them to get jobs with their new-found skills and to revitalise their flagging self esteem. These craft items also serve as income to support the centre, so they will be available for sale at the dinner. Visit their website to find out more. www.lifehomeproject.org

A substantial amount of the cost of the dinner and drinks is donated to the Life Home Project. There are no hidden costs or commissions taken out of the funds raised at the dinner. The organisers will pay for their meals at all events and will not have anything to do with the money, other than to pay the costs for the evening, then hand the proceeds over to the representative of the project. Our account books will be available at the check-in desk at each event for your perusal. Later, this information will also be posted on this web page.

What happens at the events?

The evening is a family friendly event, which includes transfers from certain points in Patong, Kata and Karon. People in other areas are also welcome to attend, but will have to arrange their own transport to either one of the pick up points or to the venue. The cost of pick up is included in the dinner at present. Uncle Eric of the Pacific Club Spa Resort has kindly offered to do the transfers for no extra cost to support our cause.

Where?

The event is at the Pacific Club Resort and Spa in Karon. There is a rooftop pool, pre-dinner snacks and a gym which attendees are welcome to use. Guests will commence gathering at the pool at around 5.30pm. At 7pm dinner is announced and we move to the dining area where a sumptuous buffet meal is provided, including Thai and Western food, along with the live entertainment. Our muso is Glen (aka Fiddledude on the Trip Advisor Phuket Forum). His style is easy listening and blues.

So, to sum it all up;

Pickup Locations will be confirmed by email.

How to book: Please click here to be transfered to Pacific Club booking form

So, now you have even better reasons to eat, drink, shop, and be merry. It is all for a good cause!

We look forward to seeing you.

Thank you,
Chantal, Steven, Tina, Mark, Eric, Jamie, Kung and Joe.