March 2020 will be remembered as the month where everything changed. Well, not quite everything. The air quality in Chiang Mai is still horrid, the worst in the world with forest fires raging unchecked in the nearby National Parks as locals burn the underbrush to make it easier to pick mushrooms in a few months -- mushrooms that fetch a high price both locally and in China. While this activity is illegal, it persists and becomes worse each year. For this reason, normally late March and April are quiet times for the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club, as many of us leave to escape the heat and bad air.
Fortunately, the Thai government and people have proven to be much better at controlling the spread of Covid-19, at least here in Chiang Mai. People seem to be honoring the curfew and social distancing restrictions and requirements to wear face-coverings when out in public. The number of cases is low and there are more than adequate hospital beds available. Our club members are becoming familiar with online meeting technology and spending time with family and pets.
We did have some activity in March and are trying to help the local community in this time of need. Pour your favorite beverage and relax to read what we've been up to, below. You can better view each story by clicking on the story's title where you'll be taken to the story on our website, displayed in a full-page, easy-to-view format.
Since we all have some extra time available, here is the link to the English language version of the Nov-Dec 2019 edition of the Rotary Thailandmagazine: http://www.rotarythailand.org/mag/file/2019-20_03Nov-Dec_en.pdfIt takes a few months for Rotary Thailand to translate the magazine, but they eventually do.
There is no other way to start this message. The disease and the efforts to slow its progress have dominated life here in Thailand for the past month. All signs point to continued restrictions on travel, meetings, and everyday life for the foreseeable future. The socio-economic impact on our community is disastrous.
So far, we know that strict restrictions will be in place for April, even Songkran (the Thai New Year) celebrations have been canceled. As a result, CMIRC has canceled all face-to-face business and social meetings of the club, Board, and committees until further notice.
The motto of Rotary International is “Service Above Self,” so we are responding in this time of great need. Rotary District 3360, District Governor Kamolsak and CMIRC are working together to directly help affected communities. District 3360 has donated an oxygenator machine to every club in the district and the District Governor has donated a therapeutic air mattress to prevent bedsores and skin ulcers.
CMIRC PE Clarence and his wife Rtn. Aree did research on where to donate the equipment allocated to CMIRC and it was decided that the special COVID-19 Response Center at Sankhampaeng Hospital was the place with the greatest need.
CMIRC has also planned a Club Assembly for members and invited guests on Tuesday, April 14 to discuss and plan how our club can be of continued service to the children of northern Thailand focusing on their safety, health, and education. We will hear a report from our Service Projects Committee which meets on April 7 and then open the discussion. I am sure we will find ways to use our talents and resources to improve lives during this pandemic. The Club Assembly is for CMIRC Members, visiting Rotarians and invited guests, but if you are not a member and have ideas about how we can help children and their families get through this crisis, please write to me at johnkschorr@gmail.com.
By the way, the meetings referred to above will all be conducted using Zoom. CMIRC has subscribed to the Zoom Pro package, so we are now able to conduct meetings using this excellent internet conferencing application. We will be using this tool for our Board, committee, projects, and possibly member meetings until the social distancing restrictions are lifted. Go to www.zoom.us to learn more.
More COVID-19 Bad News:
As I wrote in the March Bulletin, Avis Rideout, the founder of Agape Home/Nikki’s Place for children who are victims of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been selected as one of the three finalists for the Rotary District 3450 The One 2020 International Humanitarian Award. The individual chosen as the International Humanitarian of the Year will receive US$ 100,000, 2nd and 3rd place receive US$ 50,000.
We have now learned that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this prize will not be awarded this year. The winner from the 2020 finalists will be selected, and the award presented in May/June of 2021. While we are very happy our nominee has been selected as a finalist and will be awarded at least US$50,000, we are very disappointed that many of the Agape Home/Nikki’s Place children’s needs may have to be deferred for another year.
Some Good News:
Our club prides itself on its increasing number of members and on the high quality and service orientation of our members. At our meeting on March 3, we inducted new CMIRC Rtn. Kim White. Kim grew up in India and is a teacher by profession. Since 2000, he has run his own international service organization for college students wanting to experience, first-hand, life in low-income countries. He and his students have built schools, libraries, and facilities for people with handicaps in Nepal, Sri Lanka (after the tsunami), Cambodia, Vietnam, Egypt, Belize, and Thailand (Karen and Lisu Communities). Kim is now founding his own foundation: Road to a Better Life. Welcome, Kim!
CMIRC was informed at the District 3360 Annual Conference in Lampang that our club was one of 17 District 3360 clubs that had already met the requirements for a Rotary International Citation. We were also publicly informed at the Plenary Session that our club was one of two clubs in the district that had already recruited ten or more new members in Rotary Year 2019-2020.
Get involved:
Dear Bulletin readers, if you are excited about supporting meaningful service in a part of the world and at a time when children still have many unmet basic needs, contact me and I will tell you how you can join us and/or support us in our efforts to improve Child Safety, Health, and Education in Northern Thailand: johnkschorr@gmail.com.
March was month that no one could predict, filled with all types of emotions, doubts, concerns for everyone at BEAM Education Foundation, in fact for all of us, but first let's recap.
What is GED?
The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of four subject tests which, when passed, provide certification that the test taker has United States or Canadian high school-level academic skills. It is an alternative to the US High school diploma, HiSET and TASC test.
Thailand
A GED is one of the accepted documents individuals can submit with their application to study in universities in Thailand. It is equivalent to a high school diploma.
All Thai Universities accept the GED diploma as part of their entrance requirements including Bangkok's big players: Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, and Mahidol University to name a few.
Successful Students
Will go to universities whose educational program is in the English language, however if the student is fluent in Thai, they are accepted by universities whose program is in Thai language.
GED Exams
The challenge was to give the opportunity to seventeen students to write their GED exams, starting in March through to April, the cost per exam is $75.00, there are four exams for a total of $300.00. per student. BEAM found that they did not have the funds, so put out to one and all their challenge in funding.
It was a big challenge for CMIRC, but never the less the word spread through to all members and out of the mist a noble challenger arrived, who like Knight in shining armour, with Excalibur in hand laid before us the challenge “for every donation you make to GED exams I will match/donate the same amount”. This came from one of our new members, Moshe Mandelman, who possesses a naturally warm enduring smile.
In total, there are seventeen nervous, anxious students who want to write exams at a total cost of 170,000.00 baht, not a small number financially. Thanks to the challenge of Moshe the target was achieved. A very big Thank You goes to all donors.Not only did we receive monetary donations but inspirational words of encouragement and support at the 10th Anniversary of BEAM Education Foundation held on 29 February 2020.
Exam:
To write exams, students have a choice of where to go after it was announced that the exam centre in Chiang Mai was closed due to the current Covid-19 situation, they could go to Bangkok or Mae Sot. The latter is preferable as most students are from there or close by. However, this is not as simple as it sounds. There are the logistics of travel, accommodation and food to be resolved, in addition the BEAM purse is a little thread bare. Fear not, all is not lost, the situation was brought to the attention of CMIRC. Out of nowhere came a voice not unlike that of Baldrick (from Black Adder: a famous TV show for the UK), “I have a cunning plan” fortunately a sensible plan, as Baldrick’s plans were often a little too, cunning. CMIRC is able to rally and support the costs of transport and accommodation.
We all wait for the exam results. Now the writing of exams has been delayed till May – June, as all centres are closed because of Covid-19. Thankfully the centres have not changed, only the timeline.
We all wish students good luck in writing their exams and wait with bated breath for the results and their stories of the future.
Below are photos of the anxious students in more relaxed times.
CMIRC members made two visits to the Burma Children Medical Fund's B.K. Kee Patient House early in March before Covid-19 restrictions went into effect later in the month. On March 1, a small group of us visited and enjoyed some arts and crafts painting with the residents. It was also our first opportunity to see the wonderful gardening work that was accomplished by some local volunteers.
On our second outing the following Sunday, we were privileged to have former Project Champion Rtn. Maliwan join us (pictured kneeling, center of photo). We were excited to show her a new activity that volunteer Mwe Kham developed that involves passing a ball while music is playing, selecting a prize and sharing talent. We were also joined by several familiar patients who had stayed recently and were back to resume treatments at local facilities.
The last item to report is that the CMIRC board approved funds from the B.K. Kee Patient House account to help offset costs incurred on a large undertaking by Kanchana Thornton and several volunteers. The project involved traveling to three separate areas -- Khon Kaen, Kalasin and Surin -- to fit and distribute 100 wheelchairs to needy children. Kanchana and a team of ten staff members left on March 14 and completed their extensive project four days later.
The Mae Tao Clinic/Child Protection Department/Child Development Center is the oldest project of Chiang Mai International Rotary Club. Those interested in the history are invited to read past bulletins and our running story on our website. Also, please visit Mae Tao Clinic’s website www.maetaoclinic.org
March Activity
We recently discovered the wonderful child protection card game which is produced by Human Help Foundation Network Thailand. Everyone who has seen the game agrees it is a perfect tool for child protection training, especially regarding child human trafficking. We purchased ten sets of the game and sent them to the Child Protection Department at Mae Tao Clinic.
The game instruction and cards are being translated to Burmese.
Over the past few years, the Mae Tao Clinic has endured many challenges around funding, mostly due to major donors changing their focus from the border to inside Myanmar. Now with the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinic must spend more money and at the same time finds the majority of their key donors occupied and coping with their own domestic situations around the virus. In most of the region and across most of the globe, the spread of the novel coronavirus continues to accelerate, posing a disproportionate risk on displaced and marginalized populations. Recently both the Thai and Burmese governments have taken stringent measures to control the spread of infection. These measures involve more strict travel restrictions, which greatly hamper our essential services provided by Mae Tao Clinic, effecting both staff and beneficiaries.
We have decided to write a two part plan:
For the time being, CMIRC believes that the best help we can provide at this time is to actively support and promote their new fundraising campaign, aimed at offsetting costs necessitated by their work to combat COVID-19.
Our post COVID-19 plan will feature the re-establishment of our awareness tours, working with other Rotarians and Rotary Clubs around the world to support the ever changing needs of the clinic and a possible project for the Child Protection Department which would be supported by a Rotary Global Grant.
No CMIRC tours are scheduled at this time. We have, on the calendar, a tentative tour in early June, but it appears that cannot happen. Hopefully, we will be back on track soon. In the meantime, I will continue to work with the MTC staff, and all others interested in helping this amazing organization. These are exciting and challenging times. Let’s talk soon!
Thai schools remain on summer break for March and April (the hot season here) and since all of our programs rely heavily on full cooperation from the schools, our program is on break too. So, this is a good opportunity to recognize the people and organizations behind our swim projects. The logos you see below are the organizations that have recently supported our programs at the Chiang Mai Municipal Schools, municipal schools in Phrao, municipal schools in Phetchabun Province, the BanYa Migrant Learning Center in Phucket, and at the Warm Heart Foundation in Phrao.
We are also supported by the Thai Thaim Foundation of Park Rapids, Minnesota, USA and Rotarian Bob Ashley and of course all the generous donors to the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club.
We started this program in 2015 and we are still going strong and serving more children every year thanks to our wonderful sponsors and CMIRC volunteers! We’ll be in the water again soon!!
The onset of COVID-19 in Thailand coincided with the March/April hot season holidays of most schools in Thailand. It is also the time of year when I, the Youth Programs Director for CMIRC, chose to return to the United States.
The Rotaract Club of Payap University (RCPYU) is scheduled to reconvene in August 2020 when the new school year starts. Their long break is due, in large part, to a change in their academic schedule.
The teacher advisers for the two Interact Clubs, at Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) and Unity Concord International School (UCIS) report that the clubs are subject to closed campuses and cannot meet or perform any services or activities until further notice.
An oxygen generating machine and a special mattress to prevent skin lesions for patients with respiratory difficulties who have to spend long periods in bed was given to Chiang Mai International Rotary Club District by Governor Kamolsak Visitsakulchai and Rotary International District 3360.
Our club decided to pass on this equipment to Sankhampaeng Hospital where it will be well used by patients in need. This is one of three hospitals with facilities to deal with Covid-19 patients in Chiang Mai province.
Currently, San Kamphaeng Hospital in Chiang Mai has stopped treatment for general patients in order to be a hospital specifically supporting patients with Covid-19.
But now San Kamphaeng Hospital is still lacking equipment, such as
Paper hats
Glasses to prevent infection
pm 2.5 mask
Plastic aprons
PPE protective clothing
Boots
Here President John Schorr is passing over the equipment to the Director of Sankhampaeng Hospital Khun Narongdej Phiphatthanawong accompanied by President Elect Clarence Shettlesworth and Rotarian Aree Suksiri.
Thank you District 3360 and District Governor Kamolsak Visitsakulchai!
We held our first online meeting with the support of the ChivaCare Medical Centerusing the Zoom platform on Tuesday, 31 March on the subject of Covid-19. Dr. Martin Venzky-Stalling, Senior Advisor to the Chiang Mai University Science Park, and Dr. Surat Tanprawate, Medical Director at ChivaCare Medical Clinic and Lecturer in Neurology at Chiang Mai University, hosted the meeting. Ten CMIRC members along with Tim and Diana Schaffter participated in the meeting. Tim is a former UNICEF Representative.
Topics covered included: risk factors, key precautions, the current situation in Chiang Mai, key hospitals involved, likely scenarios and the importance of mental health. A recording of the meeting is available here: https://youtu.be/v841A9JjWJc and contacts for the two experts are: martin@chivacare.com Dr. Surat: info@chivacare.com
One of our long-term project partners, Philanthropy Connections is looking to sponsor 80 free meals a day, provided for the poorest and most vulnerable living in the Chiang Mai area.
Chiang Mai's population is highly dependent on tourism dollars and casual labor. Because of the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the city is experiencing an economic downturn. Unfortunately, the past few months have seen an ever-worsening situation, which has brought many people to the brink of desperation. According to estimates, more than 100,000 people have become unemployed and left without a safety net.
Philanthropy Connections partnered with Monsoon Tea, a social enterprise with a big heart for the local community, to address the immediate needs of some of these people. Led by Sallo Polak, the NGO assists with setting up the framework, promoting the initiative and helping find sponsors willing to support this noble cause, and Monsoon Tea prepares and distributes the food to the people in greatest need.
Monsoon Tea will offer the following:
• 80 food boxes per day;
• each box containing a single dish cooked in their kitchen;
•a menu changing daily; and
• food distribution at their Wat Ket location on a first-come-first-served basis.
The cost of a meal is 30 Bt. Philanthropy Connections is looking to support this initiative for 90 days at 2,400 THB per day.
We would like to appeal to our generous community to help raise funds to sponsor these meals. For more information on how to donate money for this specific cause, please contact Sallo Polak directly at sallo@philanthropyconnections.org.
Rotary International's theme for April is Maternal and Child Health!
Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, Rotary provides immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improves access to essential medical services, and supports trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Rotary’s projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.
Maternal and Child Health Care is also recognized as one of Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus.
From the World Health Organization (WHO)
Maternal and newborn health
Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, whereas perinatal health refers to health from 22 completed weeks of gestation until 7 completed days after birth. Newborn health is the babies’ first month of life. A healthy start during the perinatal period influences infancy, childhood and adulthood.
Maternal, perinatal and newborn health matters to every person, society and country, and should be viewed from both a human rights and wellbeing perspective as highly important topics.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of goals set out in 2015 in order to achieve a new sustainable development agenda for the world by 2030. Out of the 17 development goals, number 3 is the goal directly linked to health. Within goal number 3, target 3.1 aims to decrease the global maternal mortality rate to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
In May 2016, the 69th World Health Assembly (WHA) took place in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHA, which is the highest decision-making organ within the WHO, accepted a resolution related to women’s, children’s and adolescent's health. The resolution strives to ensure that every woman, child and adolescent worldwide are able to survive and thrive by the year of 2030, and is directly aligned with the SDGs and goal number 3.
Health before pregnancy
Parent's overall health and lifestyle choices before pregnancy can affect fertility, maternal health and infant's probability of developing chronic conditions later in life. Such choices include: maintaining a healthy diet, being physically active and avoiding unhealthy behavior (such as smoking, illicit drug use, alcohol consumption and unsafe sexual behavior).
People contemplating pregnancy should be screened for health problems; these need to be diagnosed and managed for optimal maternal and newborn health.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the dynamics of work and home life, as well as physiological and psychological needs, change in preparation for parenthood. A healthy environment and healthy lifestyle during the 40 weeks of pregnancy are important to optimize health in a woman’s changing body.
In the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region, particular groups of women have a higher risk of adverse outcomes of pregnancy and birth, including: adolescents, migrants, Roma and women with low socioeconomic status or education level. (Poverty is strongly associated with poor reproductive health.) These groups often do not seek antenatal care (ANC), and experience violence during pregnancy. To address these issues, SDG 3- “ Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages” strives further to improve quality of care and decrease inequality in the social determinants of sexual and reproductive health. These are all important factors for reducing the maternal mortality rate.
High-quality ANC (professional health care throughout pregnancy) is essential to monitor maternal, perinatal and newborn health, along with providing education and basic, easily understood information on health care to expectant parents. While most pregnancies are uneventful, high-quality ANC is needed to detect and manage the minority that have complications. Evidence shows that timely prevention, intervention and management reduce maternal, perinatal and newborn morbidity and mortality.
Childbirth
Delivery complications may require immediate professional care. That is why high-quality, evidenced-based emergency obstetric and neonatal care is one of WHO’s highest priorities to reduce illness and death in mothers and their newborn babies.
Postpartum care
Monitoring maternal and newborn health during the postpartum period is critical. The risk of death is highest for newborn babies: 75% of all neonatal deaths occur during the first week of life. Timely detection and management of symptoms have been shown to reduce mortality and complications.
Breastfeeding is optimal for both maternal and child health, and crucial for a healthy start in life. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months provides just the nutrients that newborn babies need and promotes bonding with their mothers. For women, the benefits include a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight than with formula feeding.
Women who remain healthy during pregnancy and after birth are more likely to stay healthy later in life. The continuum of newborn, infant, child, adolescent, reproductive, maternal and perinatal health is part of a woman’s life-course. All these stages are interrelated.
Rotary has been conducting conventions every year since 1910. This has been through World War I, the Spanish influenza and World War II. Refer to: http://www.conventiongoers.org/conventions.htm
Leading up to World War II, the international structure had to be modified due to hostilities. The 1937 convention in Nice, France was the last one held outside North America until after WWII. The 1940 convention which had been scheduled to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was moved to Havana, Cuba due to travel concerns.
The recently announced cancellation of the RI convention, scheduled for June 2020 in Honolulu, Hawaii USA is the first time a convention has been cancelled.
At a Rotary International convention you may have a chance meeting at the House of Friendship that leads to a new project partner, or hear a speaker who inspires you to take action, and you’ll find plenty of excitement around you. You can explore new cultures and fresh perspectives by taking part in pre-convention meetings, unofficial affiliated events, and Rotary and host-ticketed activities.
You can interact with people whose ideas are transforming lives. You will discover insightful perspectives from world-renowned speakers, engage in stimulating breakout sessions, and explore innovative solutions to community problems at the House of Friendship.
Whether you’ve just joined Rotary or you’re an experienced member, the annual convention is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and develop rich relationships. You can connect with influential peers from across the globe and deepen your friendships with members who share your desire for meaningful action.
The opportunities for learning are endless. You’ll hear about new approaches and strategies for successful projects, uncover ways to attract and engage members in your area, and bring home a renewed passion that will inspire your club members.
The regular every Sunday morning visits by club members to the patients and their families at the BCMF B.K. Kee Patient House here in Chiang Mai have been put on hold due to Covid-19. We were able to have a couple of visits early in March.
The weekly Monday, Tuesday and Friday English Language Cultural Club sessions at the BEAM Educational Foundationhave come to an end due to the end of the academic year at BEAM and concerns about Covid-19.
On the first and third Fridays of the month, club members normally attend the Chiang Mai Expats Club meetings where full Owl Banks were exchanged for empty Change for Children Owl Banks. We were able to participate in the first Friday of the month CEC Breakfast club where a Change for Children Owl Bank was returned to us, stuffed with coins. After that CEC stopped all meetings because of Covid-19.
Tuesday, March 3, we had our regular club meeting at the Royal Peninsula Hotel, where Janet Kirwin presented on the topic "Hairaid - Supporting women's employment by hairdressing training".
Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15, President John attended the D3360 Conference in Lampang.
Tuesday, March 17, we had our regular club meeting at the Royal Peninsula Hotel, where Greg Tyrosvoutis presented on the topic "Building Bridges for Out of School Migrant Children in Thailand". Click Here to watch Greg's presentation on YouTube
Friday, March 27, we had our last Friday in the month “Let’s Talk Rotary” lunch was cancelled due to concerns about Covid-19.
Tuesday, March 31, our regularly scheduled fifth Tuesday of the month Social Meeting was replaced with a Zoom video conference meeting presentation by Dr. Surat Tanprawate and Dr. Martin Venzky-Stalling on the topic "A Practical Look at Health Issues and the Latest Insights".
The needed protection measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of many events. Others are being conducted online and others have been postponed. Below is a list of events and their status, as we currently understand them. Please remember the situation is extremely fluid and things change daily. Some of our scheduled speakers may be willing to participate in online meetings. The latest news for CMIRC events is at: https://cmirotary.org/events/calendar
Here are just a few of the important dates for members of Chiang Mai International Rotary Club (CMIRC). These are opportunities to meet some of us and to meet other Rotarians from around the world!
Every Sunday visits by club members to Burma Children Medical Fund's (BCMF) B. K. Kee Patient House are temporarily on hold. Interested for the future? Contact Rotarian Bill Pierce.
All planned tours of Mae Tao Clinic are temporarily on hold. Interested for the future? Contact PP. Jerry Nelson.
7 April 2020 CMIRC Service Project Committee meeting will be conducted online via Zoom, 4 - 6 pm. Contact Rtn. Dylan Thomason.
14 April 2020 CMIRC Club Assembly will be conducted online via Zoom, 7 - 9 pm. Contact P. John Schorr.
28 April 2020 CMIRC Board meeting will be conducted online via Zoon, 6 - 8 pm. Contact P. John Schorr.
6 – 10 June 2020 - Rotary International Convention,Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Has been cancelled.
27 June 2020 - District Governor's Salute, Chiang Rai.
30 June 2020 - CMIRC Social Meeting/Changing of the Guard Party 7 pm, contact P. John Schorr (may be an online party)
Posted by Jerry Nelson and Nancy Lindley on Apr 06, 2020
Rotary is not free; we give our hearts, we give our time and to some extent we give our money. Most of our heart, most of our time and most of our money goes to support our children’s projects. Yet we have operational expenses, for example, our website with its powerful tools such as this bulletin. We ask that you consider our sponsors for your needs.
Pern's Restaurant, has re-branded (still called Pern's, at the same location) and is now selling a great selection of takeaway and delivery burgers, hot dogs, chili, Philly cheesesteaks, Aussie steaks, pasta and, of course, the Wednesday and Sunday specials and half price wine! Open Tuesday - Sunday, 11 am - 2 pm and 5 pm - 8 pm. Details here: www.pernsfood.com Tel: 0861117766
Fashion King is the best tailor in Chiang Mai. They have been in the same shop for over 12 years and receive the highest ratings from Trip Advisor and others. They feature authentic craftsmanship, superior materials and a great value! Their success is measured in customer satisfaction. The owners, Frank and Vanita will personally guide you through the entire process: design, material selection, fitting and delivery. CMIRC members -- this is the place to order a custom-made CMIRC dress-shirt or have a CMIRC emblem embroidered on your casual polo shirt. Frank and Vanita are the sponsors of the famous Chiang Mai fundraising event called “Bollywood Night”. They do a lot to give back to their community, helping the underprivileged in and around Chiang Mai.
The Lila Thai Massage Ex-Inmate Employment and Skill Development Center was established in 2014 by "Naowarat Thanasrisutharat" to help and support women being released from prison. The ladies receive a massage training course from certified massage instructors (ex-inmates who work for Lila Thai Massage); these programs are endorsed by and meet the requirements of the Chiang Mai Public Health Department. This project reduces the women conviction rates in Chiang Mai and helps to solve the societal problems that perpetuate the situation, bringing about our long-cherished dream for a better community. The quality of massage at Lila Thai Massage is consistently superb.
Royal Peninsula Hotel is an excellent international standard hotel located in the heart of Chiang Mai. They have 150 guest rooms with all amenities including free wi-fi. There is ample onsite, covered parking. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi are available to guests. There is both an indoor restaurant, featuring Thai cuisine and outdoor beer garden next to the swimming pool. The Royal Peninsula Hotel has two conference and banquet rooms, well decorated, with good acoustics. The staff at Royal Peninsula are very accommodating. The Chiang Mai International Rotary Club meets at the Royal Peninsula at 7:00 PM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, with many members and guests gathering about an hour before the meeting in the hotel's restaurant for fellowship and an optional meal, ordering from the restaurant's menu of reasonably-priced Thai food.
Our sponsors donate money that supports our operational expenses, freeing funds for the projects we love. Please give them your support.
At our meeting on March 3, we inducted new CMIRC Rtn. Kim White. Kim grew up in India and is a teacher by profession. Since 2000, he has run his own international service organization for college students wanting to experience, first-hand, life in low-income countries. He and his students have built schools, libraries, and facilities for people with handicaps in Nepal, Sri Lanka (after the tsunami), Cambodia, Vietnam, Egypt, Belize, and Thailand (Karen and Lisu Communities). Kim is now founding his own foundation: Road to a Better Life. Welcome, Kim!
We recently discovered the wonderful child protection card game which is produced by 
We have decided to write a two part plan:
Philanthropy Connections partnered with 
The cost of a meal is 30 Bt. Philanthropy Connections is looking to support this initiative for 90 days at 2,400 THB per day.
The recently announced cancellation of the RI convention, scheduled for June 2020 in Honolulu, Hawaii USA is the first time a convention has been cancelled.
On the first and third Fridays of the month, club members normally attend the 
Tuesday, March 17, we had our regular club meeting at the 
