Demonstrating the power of Rotary International’s network, the Rotary Club of Salt Spring Island (RCSSI), working with the Rotary Club of Bang Rak Thailand (RCBR), has launched a project to help single mothers in Thailand provide for their families. With monies provided by a District 5020 Grant, a Rotary Mid Island Group Grant, and RCSSI club funds, an initial set of 10 food carts were purchased, and support for a training program was provided.
Background
The poor living in Bangkok slums have been seriously impacted by COVID-19’s economic fallout. Many of them lost their jobs and continue to have difficulty supporting their families. Currently, numerous single mothers are forced to survive by collecting garbage and selling recycled plastic bottles or aluminum cans. They struggle to provide food for their family, and most cannot afford to send their children to school.
Project Summary
RCSSI and RCBR are working with iCare Thailand Foundation to provide food carts to women with small children. The woman will be trained to cook a variety of dishes that lend themselves to food carts, and they will be taught to control costs and manage a budget. Experienced food merchants will supervise them for six months until they can operate their small food cart business on their own.
Rotarians from RCBR will visit the recipients to monitor progress and address any issues that arise.
Next Steps
RCSSI is planning new fund-raising activities to allow additional participants to be enrolled in the program. RCBR has already identified another 20 mothers who would benefit from project participation.
