Bangkok--16 Apr--Delivering Asia Communications
A heart-warming partnership that is putting an even bigger smile on very special faces has marked its second year as Thai culinary innovator Mango Tree Worldwide and the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. celebrate 'Down for Thai'.
The Corporate Social Responsibility initiative raises awareness for down syndrome and supports the DSAPI's Free Clinic Programme by collecting funds from the sale of the world's leading upscale Thai restaurant operator's acclaimed authentic Thai dishes.
The 'Down for Thai' campaign kicked off on March 28, 2014, a day which saw DSAPI children given the chance to serve customers in Mango Tree in the Philippines under the supervision of Mango Tree's experienced waiters and kitchen hands. The initiative runs until June 1.
"The initiative shines a light on the DSAPI's work while financially supporting this amazing organisation and some of the Philippines' most vulnerable people," Mango Tree managing director Trevor MacKenzie said. "The not-for-profit's Free Clinic Programme provides quality health care for down syndrome sufferers and their families. We are truly honoured to be involved in this partnership."
The DSAPI receives part of the proceeds from the sale of every one of these dishes: Crab Festival comprising of Poo Pad Phong Ka Ree (yellow curry crab), Poo Ob Woon Sen (baked claypot crab with glass noodles), Poo Pad Prik Thai Dum (stir fried crab w/black pepper sauce) and Poo Pad Nam Prik Phao (stirfried crab with red chili paste) and Pad Thai with shrimp and Gai Hor Bai Toey (deep fried chicken wrapped in pandan leaves).
The campaign coincides with the second anniversary of the opening of Mango Tree's flagship restaurant in the Philippines, which was part of a global expansion drive which grew the brand to more than 70 stylish restaurants, cafes and bistrobars in 15 countries – a figure set to rise to over 100 branded restaurants and outlets.
Mango Tree plans to double its existing annual turnover to reach USD100 million within two years as it eyes expanding in Asia Pacific, Middle East, the United States – with a restaurant opening in Washington DC in October – and China on the near horizon .
The chain also operates under Mango Tree Bistro and Mango Tree Café brands and COCA restaurants. It has strengthened it position in many of the world's major cities including Tokyo, London, Dubai, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong.