Group raises funds to aid Thai orphans (From Malvern Gazette)

Group raises funds to aid Thai orphans

10:27am Friday 17th November 2006

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A MALVERN group needs funding for a trip to help villagers in Thailand.

The 15-strong group flies out in February to help improve conditions at orphanages and villages in the north of the country.

“It’s amazing how so little money goes such a long way over there,”

Dave Alban

Work is organised through the HANDS project, set up 15 years ago by Malvern couple Dave and Carol Summers.

One of the group, Dave Alban, said building a bridge, setting up a cold water supply, and working with children were among this year's projects.

"We work in hostels for boys and girls that have been rescued from local villages where people can't support them," he said. "There are girls as young as eight who have been rescued from the sex industry."

The group will stay two weeks to help educate and entertain the children, and improve facilities.

Last year, as well as paying travel and accommodation costs, the group raised £3,000 to install a heating system, feed and clothe the children.

This time, members, mostly from Parkside and Beacon Christian fellowship groups, are aiming for £6,000.

"It's amazing how so little money goes such a long way over there," said Mr Alban. "Having been there once and seeing what we can do, I want to take more money this time."

He has organised a "buy a box" scheme, where people buy one of 1,000 boxes on a chart for £1, for the chance of winning £250.

A fundraising bingo night will also take place at the Lyttelton Rooms, on Saturday, November 25, from 7pm to 9pm.

To buy a box or find out more, call Mr Alban on 01684 569281 or 07968 077967.

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