The Jesters ‘Care for Kids’ Charity Drive has successfully raised a lot of money over the past few years and enabled many projects to be initiated to improve the lives of needy children. Some of the most enthusiastic responses to the Charity Drive have been from the local international schools and this year three have been able to join the growing list of sponsors, thanks to enormous efforts by students, staff and parents.

Going for Gold at GIS Garden International School proudly presented 37,917 Baht to Lewis Underwood, Jesters Chairman, on April 1 this year. Miss Ruth Grant, Head of Primary said that with still more events planned the total would soon reach an amazing 50,000 Baht, the Gold sponsorship level. “The whole school has been united behind this goal since the idea was suggested to the GIS Parent-Teacher Association, “ explained teacher representative, Mrs. Norma Sutcliffe. “There is not one child at school who is not aware of

From left: Bill Freeman, Lewis 'Woody' Underwood, May, Helle Rantsen, Brooke Robbins, Mrs. Norma Sutcliffe, Ruth Grant

why we have been collecting money, namely to help other children.”

Brooke, President of the Student Council, explained how such a large amount of money was raised by the school community, “We had a variety of events, including two bake sales, a raffle, book and toy sale, two discos, mufti-day, ice cream sale, pancake day and a barbecue. It has been a lot of fun and we already have a lot of ideas for next year.”

Mrs. Helle Rantsen, Chairperson of the Parent Teacher Association, was enthusiastic about the activities and congratulated everyone involved: “I am very proud of the big effort all the wonderful children and teachers have put into this attempt. I am so happy that my children are part of a school that is so charity conscious.” The extra money was duly raised and handed over to Lewis Underwood in May, confirming Gold status for GIS and a brighter future for disadvantaged children.

Operation Snowstorm reaches Bronze at the Regent’s

At the International School of the Regent’s an enterprising group of students decided to aim for Bronze sponsorship. As part of their 6th Form Business Studies the group had to form their own business and directed all their energies to making it work - a valuable introduction to the skills necessary in management - teamwork, administration, marketing and creativity. The students decided that the proceeds of their industry should benefit the ‘Care for Kids’ charity drive.

Quincy Tanner has been the CEO of the group and described the project as ‘hard work but a lot of fun’. The young entrepreneurs hatched a plan to capitalize on the hot weather and decided to offer their fellow students a very desirable product – ice drinks! Operation Snowstorm came into being and queues of students regularly formed to take advantage of the cooling icy concoctions. The team of 10 reached their target of 10,000 Baht after organising 20 sales days throughout the year and selling more than 2,000 snow cones! Quincy and his team were delighted that their venture had been such a success and that ultimately, their hard work might help to provide other children with the opportunity for an education.

The Jesters, represented here by Serge Lefreniere (left) and Woody Underwood (right) helped the Regent’s School 6th Form Business Studies group by providing a stall from which to launch business activities.

ISE makes Bronze

The High School Student Council at the International School of the Eastern Seaboard has been very busy fundraising during the past few months. The ‘Care for Kids’ activities have provided lots of opportunities to become involved – particularly mouthwatering ones! The Council organised weekly brownie and popcorn sales at school that proved very popular with the hungry Middle School students! At the end of the school year everyone was very happy to know that their buying and selling activities had resulted in a wonderful 10,000 Baht being raised, thus meeting the Bronze sponsorship level.

Time as well as money

While the schools have been a hive of activity recently raising money for the Charity Drive, one of the campaign’s greatest benefits is becoming apparent. In addition to fund-raising, many of the schools have organised activities so their students can spend time with the children from the Fountain of Life. The extremely enthusiastic FOL football teams have enjoyed several away matches, including games at ISE, the Regent’s and St Andrews. And, as part of their annual activities week, groups of forty students from the Regent’s recently spent several mornings at the Fountain of Life Center, involving everyone in a range of fun art and craft and games. These activities are soundly enjoyed by everyone!   Fancy footwork on the pitch when the Fountain of Life teams played the Int. School of the Regent’s

And from the Jesters ‘Care for Kids’ Committee - A huge thank you to everyone for their support this year!