Bangkok--21 Jan--Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Groupon Thailand partners with the Foundation for Slum Child Care Under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra
Groupon Thailand, the global pioneer and leader in local e-commerce, has joined in a partnership with the Foundation for Slum Child Care (FSCC) Under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, the leader in improving quality of life for babies and young children in slums by generating awareness and involvement among family, community and society members.
From 23 January to 6 February, Groupon offers the special deal called “Groupon for Children.” This initiative invites everyone to donate 49, 99 or 199 baht through www.mygroupon.co.th to support the FSCC in providing children in need with meals, milk and education. All proceeds will be donated to the FSCC for supporting activities that enhance quality of life for children living in slums. To join the campaign, please visit http://gr.pn/fscc (Thai) or http://gr.pn.fscc/en (English) or via www.mygroupon.co.th from 23 January 2013 onwards.
The foundation operates through many projects including:
Daycare houses in the slum communities
The foundation runs 4 daycare centers in slum areas to provide child care for newborn babies to children aged 5 to “low-income and troubled families lacking in money and support for the children.” These daycare centers are: Baan Somwai (Klong Toey community), Baan Srinakarin (the Nong Kham Waste Management Center community), Baan Hang Kwam Wung (the On-Nut waste area community) and Baan Suea Yai (Suea Yai, Prachauthit community). The centers accommodate 250 children a day.
The centers help infants and young children from families with problems such as low income, drugs, child abuse, health issues, etc. Children from these families do not receive proper care, and they do not reach child development milestones by the expected age. Many suffer from malnutrition, sickness and abuse.
The foundation takes care of these children during daytime hours to assist and at the same time heal and improve these families’ well being.
The children are taken care with love and tenderness. They get to play, sing, listen to stories and engage in a variety of activities that instill them with kindness, manners and disciplines. The foundation also educates families on how to raise children. When these children grow a little bit older, they will go to a development center for young children or a kindergarten. Their parents and families are encouraged to support their children’s education. In addition, the Daycare houses are learning centers for caregivers, students, college students and people involved. They are also homes that welcome generous adults who come to share love and compassion with the children.
Background and history of the Foundation for Slum Child Care
The FSCC was established in 1981 by five dedicated founders: Mrs. Prateep Ungsongtham, Mrs. Nongyao Narumitrekakarn, Mr. Narrat Tungprakorn, Mr. Shuzuki Iwazgi and Mrs. Tongsuk Ungsongtham. Its objective was to operate a daycare center for children aged 0 — 3 in the area of Lot 12 at Klong Toey slum community. The foundation provides child care during daytime. The children are nurtured with love and care. They are encouraged to learn and develop their abilities according to their age. Currently, the support is extended to provide care to children aged 0 — 5.
In 1983, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra graciously accepted the Foundation under royal patronage. With the princess’ compassion and kindness toward children in need in the slums, the foundation is registered under the name “The Foundation for Slum Child Care Under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra.” It has been registered as a legal entity with the Office of National Culture Commission, Ministry of Interior since 18 January 1984. It is the 208th philanthropic foundation. Thus, donations are tax deductible.
Since 2008, Her Royal Highness Princess has been an Honorary Chairman of the foundation.
Mr. Trip Wagoner, President and Managing Director of Groupon Thailand, said, “We are very delighted to be part of the campaign that provides good opportunities in terms of better nutrition, living conditions and education to Thai children who will become the nation’s future. The children in the Foundation for Slum Child Care program will enjoy such opportunities through Groupon’s deal offering a variety of donation choices to match donors’ desires, starting from 49, 99 and 199 baht. All proceeds, without any deductions, will go to the foundation. We would like to invite everyone to donate to help bring better opportunities to children in need. Groupon will certainly continue to support charitable campaigns in the future.”
Starting from 23 January, for those who are interested in supporting the campaign, please visit http://gr.pn/fscc (Thai) or http://gr.pn/fscc/en (English).
Caption: Groupon offers the special deal “Groupon for Children” for the campaign “helping children grow up properly with milk and education”