As in previous years, the tables at the SOS Christmas lunch held at The Tongsai Bay were decorated with Christmas crackers. Throughout the year the ladies of the British Women’s “Cracker” Group in Bangkok meet weekly to make these festive decorations.
The Bt.100,000 raised from the sale of these goods will be donated to a school in Bangkok which suffered from this year’s floods.
By purchasing 100 crackers through the BWG the SOS have donated Bt. 4,500 - a win win situation.
On Saturday, 25th June 2011 the SOS donated Bt. 18,400 to Wat Jeang School in Nathon for the purchase of 8 desks for the school's teaching staff. The torrential rain in March of this year caused horrendous flooding at the school - the garden and the children's play area were ruined, the kindergarten room was devastated and the teacher's desks were destroyed. Wat Jeang School is Samui's oldest school and has 567 pupils and 30 staff.
Lorraine Clark, on behalf of the SOS, liaised with Khun Bee (full name Piyawon Arpatharo), the assistant headmistress of the school, and it was decided that replacement desks for the staff was of high priority.
As you can see from the photographs there is a huge difference between the new and the old!
Khun Bee was also a winner of this year's Women's Day Award which she received for her outstanding service to the community and her tireless work for the teachers and children of the school.
On Friday, 24th May Sue Holehouse donated Bt. 110,000 on behalf of the members of the Sisters on Samui.
The equipment purchased was 1 x syringe pump and 2 x continuous and intermittent suction pumps.
Syringe pumps are used for the infusion of fluids, medication or nutrients into premature babies. The cost was Bt. 50,000.
Continuous and intermittent suction pumps are used for the removal of obstructions from the intestine by decompressing the stomach. The cost was Bt. 60,000 - Bt. 30,000 each.
Sue handing over the donation to the Director, Dr. Chalermpong Sukontapon, and the lady Deputy Director, Dr. Jirawan.
The Director and Sue holding the 2 suction pumps with Dr. Jirawan and some of the Hospital staff.
All equipment donated by our organization is labeled "Sisters on Samui".
The SOS has supported the Government Hospital over the years by purchasing 2 pulse oximeters (Bt. 100,000), fitting out a Mothers and Babies Room (Bt. 70,000) and purchasing an Infant Radiant Warmer (Bt. 70,000).
In 2010 we supported:
The SOS Christmas lunch was celebrated at The Tongsai Bay on the 15th December with the added bonus of beautiful Christmas crackers decorating the tables. Shirley Kennedy, a British lady who has lived in Bangkok for the last 30 years, opens up her house every Tuesday for the making of Christmas crackers. The ladies, who are members of the British Women's Group and are dedicated cracker makers, gather once a week from March onwards.
The money that is raised from the sale of these crackers always goes towards supporting projects for schools in need. Money raised from Christmas 2009 was spent providing a synthetic grass covering for a gravel playground, which enabled small children to have a safe play area.
The school for the sea gypsies on Koh Lao is in great need so the donation of 2010's money will help to provide some essential equipment which will benefit these children.
By purchasing 90 crackers through the BWG the SOS have donated Bt. 4,050 to their chosen charity - a win win situation.
On Sunday, 22nd August, in keeping with the Chinese custom, food packages were distributed to the island's poor and needy by Samui Rescue at their headquarters in Nathon. The SOS donation of Bt. 15,000 enabled Samui Rescue to purchase 1,000 pounds of rice, noodles, fish & oyster sauce, sugar, salt, boxed milk, canned food and other basic requirements.
With gifts from hotels and individuals, over 1,100 care packages were assembled and distributed after sunset to almost 600 families. Those who arrived earlier were treated to a free meal and a chance to find suitable clothing.
Representatives of Bangkok Hospital, Thai International Hospital, Bandon Hospital also attended along with officials from Samui Rescue and Tessaban - all offered their support and blessing for this yearly program.
Two Bhuddist ceremonies took place - one to open the event and one to close it during which all the bad spirits associated with hunger were burnt.
These are the words of one of our sisters who attended:
"What an experience - there must have been over 600 people waiting patiently for their turn. The bags were ready and the distributors were constantly supplied. No-one pushed or shoved and everyone got a bag - adult and children. I was so overwhelmed. It makes our decision to help absolutely the right one"
August 2010
At the August lunch the SOS donated Bt. 15,000 to the Dog Rescue Centre Samui. Brigitte Gomm, one of our "sisters", is responsible for the centre's continuing good work. Up until April 1999 there was no vet on the island and medical treatment for animals was impossible therefore small bite wounds could prove fatal. At the DRCS in Ban Taling Ngam nearly 160 sterilisation operations are undertaken each month. As puppies are produced twice a year neutering plays a major role in the control of the island's dogs.
From left to right is Lynn Gregory, Samui Rescue representatives, Sabrina Grimwood and Sue Holehouse
On Sunday, 8th August, Sue Holehouse, accompanied by Sabrina Grimwood, attended a meeting in Nathon with over a 150 members of the Samui Rescue Foundation. On behalf of the SOS she presented 2 much needed emergency medical bags, and other safety equipment, to a representative from each of the 8 standby stations on the island - 16 medical bags in all.
Each medical bag was filled with: Gauzes, bandages, tape and cutters, Saline, Betadine and alcohol. Whistles, raincoats and torches. Cotton balls and swabs. Latex gloves and CPR masks.
The total of supplying these items to all the Samui Rescue standby stations on the island was Bt. 50,000. Normally, these items are paid for by the volunteers. Their thanks and gratitude to the ladies of the SOS is HUGE.
Message from Alan Brewis of Samui Rescue
Thank you, thank you, thank you. The "Sisters on Samui" have - almost single-handedly - helped Samui Rescue become much more effective and professional in its operations. I simply can't begin to tell you how important your contributions have been. Somehow, saying that "you have, quite literally, saved lives" seems so dramatic and almost inane. The words themselves just do not convey the difference that you and your sisters have made to the day-to-day operations of the Samui Rescue Foundation.
In June of last year the SOS donated money to Samui Rescue in support of their invaluable work. As always this voluntary organisation is forever in need of emergency equipment in order to deal with the increasing number of accidents and incidences on the island.
On the 19th March 2010, Sue Holehouse donated - on behalf of the SOS - Bt. 60,000 to Lynn Gregory, a farang representative of Samui Rescue and fellow SOS member.
This money was handed over on receipt of the invoices for the below items purchased.
- 2 Sets inflatable splints (two for arms and two for legs) - 2 x Oxygen tanks - 1 x Spare oxygen tank - 2 x Body boards - 2 x Ambu bags - 1 x Radio control - Repair of ambulance
2009 we supported:
Samui Rescue has been in operation for 17 years providing assistance to those in need. It is manned by 70 Thai volunteers who are all trained by the police, hospitals and fire department as "First Responders". They provide FREE paramedic and ambulance transport services for ANY kind of emergency e.g. road accidents, deaths, suicides, scene clearing, body recovery from land and sea, injury at home, illness requiring transport to hospital, problems with animals, snakes and even saving dolphins! Their headquarters is located in Nathon but teams are based in Maenam, Plai Leam, Lamai and Saket. In order to provide a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year cover, all volunteers monitor the radio frequencies of the emergency services.
Their services are free to everyone - whatever their nationality or situation - and they rely solely on donations.
On the 17th June the SOS donated Bt. 45,000 to this worth cause. Items that were bought with the money were:-
3 portable oxygen respirators, 5 fire extinguishers, 10 wands, 14 reflective cones, 1 KED (brace), contents for medical kits and 2 flood lights with stands.
During the SOS lunch, representatives from Samui Rescue brought along the items purchased to show our members.
The picture on the left shows some of our donations 'at work'!
Traffic cones are simple and relatively inexpensive but literally a 'life-saver' for those staff on-scene at an accident who put themselves at risk.
On the left is a picture of Lynn Gregory, a Samui Rescue and SOS member, handing out light-wands and medical bags to Samui Rescue staff and volunteers.
On the 1st April 2009 the DRCS celebrated their 10th anniversary at their big shelter in Baan Taling Ngam. It was a good opportunity for guests and supporters to inspect the facilities and meet the inmates.
Over the years there have been many improvements to the shelter such as the addition of a cat house, a puppy house, separate cells for sick and injured animals and a programme to cater for the welfare of the temple dogs. The most recent addition is the construction of their own water well. As the DRCS will no longer have to purchase water, they will save up to Bt. 8,000 per month.
Some of the money raised goes to support the DRCS sterilization programme. During the month of March 154 animals were operated on as well as all 300 dogs undergoing a three week preventive antibiotic and vitamin treatment against ticks. Ticks are a big problem in a hot climate as they cause blood poisoning.
In recognition of the enormous difference the DRCS has made to the welfare of Samui’s animals, the SOS donated Bt. 25,000.
2008 we supported:
On the 30th December 2008 the Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 100,000 to Dr. Jirawan Arayaphong, Deputy Director of Koh Samui Public Hospital for the purchase of two Pulse Oximeters. Over the last year, the number of premature babies born on Samui has increased so these machines are now imperative. Due to the simplicity and speed of this equipment, pulse oximeters are of critical importance in emergency situations as they detect the fall of oxygen in the baby's blood. These machines were put into use immediately as can be viewed below.
Dr. Jirawan applying the monitor to the baby's hand.
A premature baby, born that day, complete with Santa hat!
All the equipment we have donated over the last few years has the SOS name on it.
In March, Sue Holehouse donated Bt. 10,000 to Brigitte Gomm of the Dog Rescue Centre Samui on behalf of the SOS. Brigitte is one of our "Sisters" and over the last 9 years has made an amazing difference to the welfare of Samui's dogs and cats.
The aims of the DRCS are as follows:
To inject all dogs and cats against rabies.
To sterilise all dogs and cats by castration or spaying.
To treat dogs suffering from mange by injecting them with Ivomec or by washing them with Amitraz.
To deworm all dogs and cats.
To treat all stray dogs and cats in the event of injury or sickness and give them somewhere to rest.
To educate the people of Koh Samui concerning the keeping of their animals.
All the above treatments are done free of charge to any street dog or owner who cannot afford to pay. For further information log onto the DRCS website www.samuidog.org
Below is Hobo when he entered the
DRCS and Hobo two months later
On Monday, 21st January the Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 86,700 to Ban Angthong School in Nathon.This money has bought a much needed photocopying machine, an A3 Epson printer, table and four chairs.
Ban Angthong School was established in 1959 and has approximately 800 students with 30 teachers and 20 classes which range from Nursery to 15 years old. The director of the school is Khun Jaroen Jaisawang.
The government allowance for this school is one million baht.
2007 we supported:
100 colourful baskets were pur-chased on behalf of the SOS for our 2007 Christmas lunch. The baskets are made from recycled plastic by the women of Khao Lak. When the tsunami struck in 2004 Khao Lak was one of Thailand's worst affected areas.
These small communities are still struggling to survive but the production of these baskets and the Bt. 10,000 paid, has helped to make their situation a little easier.
By purchasing 100 Christmas crackers for the SOS 2007 Christmas lunch, we have given Bt. 4,500 to a slum school in Bang na, Bangkok. The money goes towards paying the teacher's salaries and providing daily fruit for the children.
These Christmas crackers have been made, by hand, by the British Women's Group in Bangkok for over 30 years. The costs of the supplies are paid for by one committed lady, Shirley Kennedy, and therefore ALL the proceeds go directly to the school.
On the 7th June 2007 The Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 90,000 to the Govern-ment Hospital in Nathon. This money was presented to Dr Jirawan, Samui Hospital's pediatric doctor, and Khun Wanraya, Secretary to the Director. This follows a dona-tion of Bt. 70,000 in 2006 for the purchase of a radiant warmer for premature babies. This latest donation will be used to create a much needed Mothers and Babies room in the new hospital wing. The room will be used to instruct mothers on how to successfully breast feed their babies and offer them support. The room is furnished with comfortable sofas, stools, table, television and DVD player. It will be decorated to give a happy and relaxed atmosphere for the mothers and is equipped with plenty of toys to amuse the children. Adjacent to the room there is an area set aside where the children can play safely on adventure playroom equipment bought in from Bangkok.
The new hospital wing has taken three years to complete at a cost of Bt. 57000000 and will serve the community of Koh Samui. The Hospital receives over 500 patients a day which is hard work for the nine doctors presently employed there. It is hoped this new facility will be of great benefit to the mothers and staff alike.
Sue and the Team of the Samui Hospitals Pediatric Unit
Assorted playroom equipment
Table with Television and DVD
Children's games
Furniture
no comment...
2006 we supported:
The Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 70,000 to the Pediatric Unit of the Samui Hospital in Nathon as payment of an Infant Radiant Warmer.
What does it do? Radiant warmers are designed to provide quick and effective treatment for newborn infants who suffer from extreme heat loss. It is used to keep the patient’s core tem-perature stable at 37C°.
Physiology The core temperature of the human body needs to be kept at a constant tempera-ture of 37 degrees Celsius. Premature infants need to use as little energy as possible in keeping warm or cool, using it for growth instead. If the temperature goes too high or too low, then the organs can be damaged and illness or death can result. The radiant warmer is used in a number of different situations: to warm a baby di-rectly after birth, to regulate a baby’s temperature during long term care in hospital and to keep the baby warm during or after surgery. How it works The patient lies on a bed with the skin exposed. The radiant warmer element is po-sitioned above the patient. The warmer element emits infrared radiation, which is absorbed by the patient’s skin and warms the patient. The air around the patient does not need to be warm because the radiant energy is absorbed directly by the skin.
Sue and the Team of the Samui Hospitals Pediatric Unit
Infant Radiant Warmer in action
Wat Lamai School was built in the grounds of Lamai Temple in 1932 by “Lai”, the head monk. Over the years the school has gone from strength to strength due to the support of the local community. Lamai School is responsible for the education of 529 children, aged between 5 and 12 years old, who originate from many different parts of Thailand and surrounding countries. The children’s education is the responsibility of the 14 members of permanent staff, plus 6 temporary teachers. The school comprises four buildings, which accommodate 17 classrooms, library, music room, computer room, meeting and canteen room. Unfortunately, Central Government does not provide an adequate budget for the requirements of the school and they are without much basic equipment; the teachers and parents are united in providing more equipment for the school in order that their children may benefit. Due to the school canteen being without sufficient or adequate dining tables and benches, many of the pupils had to eat their food while sitting on the ground. However, on 9th January 2006. The Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 50,000 for the provision of 5 tables and 10 benches for the canteen, which were beautifully made by one of the children’s parents and should last a very long time.
before the kids had to eat on the floor
now they have nice tables
Every year, towards Christmas, the Rotary Club of Koh Samui invite 30 orphans from the Mercy Centre in Bangkok to enjoy a weekend of fun in Koh Samui. The orphan-age, run by Father Joe Maier, takes in hundreds of orphans who have been aban-doned, abused, or sold, or whose parents are in prison or suffering from serious drug habits. The Sisters on Samui are proud to participate in this annual treat for the children, which is only made possible by donations of time and money from people and orga-nisations here on the island. In December 2006 we donated Bt. 5,000 towards this event. As SOS concerns itself mainly with helping children, we feel that this is time and money well spent.
2005 we supported:
On 26th December 2004, an earthquake off the western coast of northern Sumatra, measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale, shook the earth’s crust for a terrifying 8 minutes, triggering an intensely destructive tsunami. The waves unleashed by the quake carried an astonishing amount of force, hitting Sumatra less than 15 minutes later, and crossing the Indian Ocean at nearly 500 miles an hour. They hit the East African coastline seven hours later, 3,100 miles away from the epicentre. The tsunami had an overwhelming human and physical impact affecting 12 countries and devastating the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in South Asia, including some of its poorest citizens. The disaster caused $10 billion in damage in barely 24 hours. These events also triggered a massive humanitarian effort and an unprece-dented outpouring of support from the world. The Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 30,000.
In April 2005 the Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 10,000 to the Dog Rescue Centre Samui. This organisation, which is run by Brigitte Gomm, one of our members, has two locations and cares for over 200 dogs. The Chaweng location is near Laem Din market and the other is near the Elephant Gates in Ban Taling Ngam. Unfortunately, stray and abandoned dogs in varying states of health can be found everywhere on Samui. However, the welfare of the dogs has improved dramatically since April 1999 when the DRCS was founded. The DRCS provides essential medical and surgical care, food and a home for many dogs and cats.
The aims of the DRCS are as follows:
To inject all stray dogs and cats against rabies.
To sterilise all dogs and cats by castration (6 spaying a day).
To treat dogs suffering from mange by injecting them with Ivomec or by washing them with Amitraz.
To de-worm all dogs and cats.
To treat all stray dogs and cats in the event of injury or sickness and give them somewhere to rest and recover.
Father Joe's Mercy Centre in Bangkok has to be one of the worthiest organisations in Thailand. Taking in orphans, looking after them and training those with various skills have been their mission for some 30 years. In 2004, the Rotary Club of Koh Samui was privileged to host a Children's Weekend, entertaining 30 orphans from the Mercy Centre. In 2005, when the event was repeated, the Sisters on Samui were deligh-ted to contribute Bt. 5,000 towards this worthy cause. The children had a wonder-ful time, and we hope to contribute to this outing again later on this year.
As in previous years, the tables at the SOS Christmas lunch held at The Tongsai Bay were decorated with Christmas crackers. Throughout the year the ladies of the British Women’s “Cracker” Group in Bangkok meet weekly to make these festive decorations.
Lorraine Clark, on behalf of the SOS, liaised with Khun Bee (full name Piyawon Arpatharo), the assistant headmistress of the school, and it was decided that replacement desks for the staff was of high priority.
Khun Bee was also a winner of this year's Women's Day Award which she received for her outstanding service to the community and her tireless work for the teachers and children of the school.
Sue handing over the donation to the Director, Dr. Chalermpong Sukontapon, and the lady Deputy Director, Dr. Jirawan.
The Director and Sue holding the 2 suction pumps with Dr. Jirawan and some of the Hospital staff.
The SOS Christmas lunch was celebrated at The Tongsai Bay on the 15th December with the added bonus of beautiful Christmas crackers decorating the tables. Shirley Kennedy, a British lady who has lived in Bangkok for the last 30 years, opens up her house every Tuesday for the making of Christmas crackers. The ladies, who are members of the British Women's Group and are dedicated cracker makers, gather once a week from March onwards.
On Sunday, 22nd August, in keeping with the Chinese custom, food packages were distributed to the island's poor and needy by Samui Rescue at their headquarters in Nathon. The SOS donation of Bt. 15,000 enabled Samui Rescue to purchase 1,000 pounds of rice, noodles, fish & oyster sauce, sugar, salt, boxed milk, canned food and other basic requirements. 
Representatives of Bangkok Hospital, Thai International Hospital, Bandon Hospital also attended along with officials from Samui Rescue and Tessaban - all offered their support and blessing for this yearly program.
These are the words of one of our sisters who attended:
At the August lunch the SOS donated Bt. 15,000 to the Dog Rescue Centre Samui. Brigitte Gomm, one of our "sisters", is responsible for the centre's continuing good work. Up until April 1999 there was no vet on the island and medical treatment for animals was impossible therefore small bite wounds could prove fatal. At the DRCS in Ban Taling Ngam nearly 160 sterilisation operations are undertaken each month. As puppies are produced twice a year neutering plays a major role in the control of the island's dogs.
On Sunday, 8th August, Sue Holehouse, accompanied by Sabrina Grimwood, attended a meeting in Nathon with over a 150 members of the Samui Rescue Foundation. On behalf of the SOS she presented 2 much needed emergency medical bags, and other safety equipment, to a representative from each of the 8 standby stations on the island - 16 medical bags in all. 
Each medical bag was filled with:
In June of last year the SOS donated money to Samui Rescue in support of their invaluable work. As always this voluntary organisation is forever in need of emergency equipment in order to deal with the increasing number of accidents and incidences on the island.
This money was handed over on receipt of the invoices for the below items purchased.
During the SOS lunch, representatives from Samui Rescue brought along the items purchased to show our members.
The picture on the left shows some of our donations 'at work'!
On the left is a picture of Lynn Gregory, a Samui Rescue and SOS member, handing out light-wands and medical bags to Samui Rescue staff and volunteers.
On the 1st April 2009 the DRCS celebrated their 10th anniversary at their big shelter in Baan Taling Ngam. It was a good opportunity for guests and supporters to inspect the facilities and meet the inmates. 
Some of the money raised goes to support the DRCS sterilization programme. During the month of March 154 animals were operated on as well as all 300 dogs undergoing a three week preventive antibiotic and vitamin treatment against ticks. Ticks are a big problem in a hot climate as they cause blood poisoning. 
On the 30th December 2008 the Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 100,000 to Dr. Jirawan Arayaphong, Deputy Director of Koh Samui Public Hospital for the purchase of two Pulse Oximeters. Over the last year, the number of premature babies born on Samui has increased so these machines are now imperative. Due to the simplicity and speed of this equipment, pulse oximeters are of critical importance in emergency situations as they detect the fall of oxygen in the baby's blood. These machines were put into use immediately as can be viewed below.
Dr. Jirawan applying the monitor to the baby's hand.
A premature baby, born that day, complete with Santa hat!
All the equipment we have donated over the last few years has the SOS name on it.
In March, Sue Holehouse donated Bt. 10,000 to Brigitte Gomm of the Dog Rescue Centre Samui on behalf of the SOS. Brigitte is one of our "Sisters" and over the last 9 years has made an amazing difference to the welfare of Samui's dogs and cats. 
On Monday, 21st January the Sisters on Samui donated Bt. 86,700 to Ban Angthong School in Nathon.This money has bought a much needed photocopying machine, an A3 Epson printer, table and four chairs.
Ban Angthong School was established in 1959 and has approximately 800 students with 30 teachers and 20 classes which range from Nursery to 15 years old. The director of the school is Khun Jaroen Jaisawang.
100 colourful baskets were pur-chased on behalf of the SOS for our 2007 Christmas lunch. The baskets are made from recycled plastic by the women of Khao Lak. When the tsunami struck in 2004 Khao Lak was one of Thailand's worst affected areas.
These Christmas crackers have been made, by hand, by the British Women's Group in Bangkok for over 30 years. The costs of the supplies are paid for by one committed lady, Shirley Kennedy, and therefore ALL the proceeds go directly to the school. 
Sue and the Team of the Samui Hospitals Pediatric Unit 
Assorted playroom equipment
Table with Television and DVD
Children's games 
Furniture
no comment...
Sue and the Team of the Samui Hospitals Pediatric Unit 
Infant Radiant Warmer in action
before the kids had to eat on the floor
now they have nice tables
BEFORE: This dog was reported to Dog Rescue
AFTER: the same dog eight weeks later
