Official Opening Ceremony
6 March 2007

Some years ago Khun Wasan Saenwian, CCD Executive Director, had seen in the UK ‘Thrift Shops’.  He thought at the time it would be good way to support CCD’s projects in Thailand.  It was many years later that this idea was finally made real. With the construction of the new Rainbow Rehabilitation Centre a space was designed to house such a project.  At first the shop was opened sporadically due to children and staff not able to know how to organize such an undertaking.  Gradually things have taken shape and children and staff have more experience on how to manage. In one day of sales the Sharing Shop generated about 14,000 Thai Baht (US$411).The goal is to open at least one day a week with more days added when there are more items to sell and staff to supervise the children working. CCD receives many items from expatriates moving away and wanting to give away things they do not want to pack.  There are many clothes, books, household articles and toys that the CCD children are not able to use.  If you are interested in donating please call 02 584-6966 or 02 582-0620-3

Community Based Rehabilitation(CBR)

CBR is CCD's fastest growing project. The goal for CBR is to provide poor families with equipment, knowledge about available resources, form parent support groups and provide access to medical care and therapy for their disabled children. It is hoped that this emphasis will not only provide better quality life for the disabled child but also lessen abandonment. CCD now has three provinces in which they offer outreach; Nakhom Pathom, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi. On 20 January the parents of Don Thum District organized and funded a Children's Day. On this day families from all of CCD's provinces joined together provide fun activities and special awards. Also joining this day were children from the Pakkred Government Home and Rainbow Rehabilitation Centre

CCD's New CBR Led by Khun Pung
12 March 2007

Khun Pung brought together ten families with eight children to receive special training on how to work with their disabled children. One family has twins that are both disabled. The group shared their knowledge and experiences. The children also participated in music therapy and water therapy in CCD’s hydro therapy pool.

Khun Pung’s research last year provided information about disabled children living at home In Sai Noi District, Nonthaburi. 73 children were identified and out of those 29 were interviewed. In Pathum Thani Province 21 children have been identified. In 2007 more research will be done in Tawee Wattana and Thai Yai Districts.

There is a lot to be done and not enough resources to meet the needs. Each child that is reached and given opportunities to develop their fullest potential is a blessing. Everyone Benefits.

Opening 9 March 2007
Refurbished Nong Gratoom Clinic
The government gave 12,600 TB for furniture and paint to refurbish an old clinic. Many people helped to bring this project to completion especially the parents of disabled children.

Songkran Blessing & Water Festival April 2007

Thanksgivings

• Sharing Shop
• Three adoptions have been completed and children have gone to their new families
• New Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
• To Sarah and Val for giving an outing to the Pattaya & Marine Museum in Bang Saen
• To Gordon Montgomery and Harrow School for bringing the children to their pool to swim
• Six new CBR families, one with twins
• Staff in local clinics that help CCD-CBR and come to join in CCD-CBR activities
• Marriage of Khun Put and Khun Ning
• Special performance of like, a dance/play of Thai myths with beautiful costumes
• To Thai Oilmen for supporting Rainbow children education fund

CCD & Bridge Communications Presents Lena Maria from Sweden October 26-28, 2007

Than has a job at Harrow School

'I have been working at Harrow School for about three weeks. Before I started Khun Gordon Montgomery came every Tuesday to teach me and Khun Chit English. Gordon asked if I would like to work at Harrow School. On March 4th I went to the school to fill out an application for the job starting March 8th. On our first day we left Rainbow House at 6 AM. We had to take a motorcycle, then a van and then a songtao (two-seater truck) to reach the school. We had to learn how to do this and not fall asleep and miss our getting off places. We waited for Mike to show us what to do. Chit went to the repair shop and I went to the copy room. My job is to cut paper for a book. I work every Monday and Wednesday. I enjoy my work very much. I leave to go home at 4 PM. I am having good experiences in the Harrow School job. God gave me a small job to do and some day He will give me a big job to do. I will do my best for a good future.'
Than Vongtasri (Nickname – Than)Than came to CCD when he was seven. Until that time he lived in the local Pakkred Government Home. His disability is low vision. Several years ago, thanks to a CCD volunteer, he was able to have an eye operation that restored some of his sight. He was so very pleased and thankful. He has always been curious about many things.  For many years his ambition has been to learn English very well and become a tour guide in Thailand.