2020: COVID, The world is in lockdown, nobody can work, and foodbank queues start to appear in Thailand.
In the Pattaya one of the first was Blue Marlin Bar in Naklua, Pattaya. Unfortunately Michael and Sunny Werner, SOS members and supporters of SSAFA, were reprimanded by the police for blocking the street.
More food queues appeared, this time under the supervision of the police, two in Jomtien, two SOS related bars, which the club also supported, – Eddie Mooney’s Escobar and Mark Reid’s Hemingways.
Mark’s project expanded beyond expected, and the Pattaya Foodbank Programme evolved. Working with various charities, needy villages and locations were helped, and individual cases adopted.
One needy case was brought to the attention of the SOS Club and Friends – Koi.
Koi caught the imagination of many of our members and numerous donations were made, kick started by Steve Paddy Reilly and Paul French – thank you chaps.
Koi worked in a hotel which was closed, had she no income and no means of support. One of our members stepped in and donated enough for 6 months support. This has continued since, four years now, and will continue indefinitely. Many of pour members have taken the opportunity to meet Koi personally.
Three street parties later and a couple of Christmas parties added, each time we ask our members should we continue the answer is unanimous – carry on!
Koi has become a member of the SOS Cub and Friends, indeed part of the family. Many of our resident and visiting members have met her and read every month of our visits to her.
Sponsors of the street parties are Mark Reid himself at the Pantry expat shop in Jomtien, Michael and Sunny Werner at Blue Marlin Bar in Naklua, and Karl and Nuch at Sevens Restaurant in Jomtien, and, most recently, Pattaya member Steve Kerr.
Thank you all.
And the Pattaya Foodbank Programme? Although virtually dormant Mark Reid is still active on individual cases where he steps in with any assistance he can give.
The SOS Club and Friends are gifted to have him as a long time member, Michael and Sunny, Karl and Nuch, and Steve Kerr too.
