MAJOR PROJECT COMPLETED

Although completed in December 2005 the dedication of the new Shelter took place on the 28th January 2006. The official opening of the new facility was attended by representatives of the Welfare Ministry, local institutional directors , office bearers of the sponsors [Jesters, PILC and Pattaya Sports Club]. In addition there was a strong press and TV coverage recognizing the importance of this contribution to the community. The total cost of the project which also included the construction of a kitchen and canteen was B 1,560,000 of which PSC contributed B 1,200,000.

The Shelter which would ideally house 10-12 occupants and their carer is already full and undoubtedly will accommodate many more in the future. The building comes complete with full ablution facilities and its occupants are extremely happy in their new surroundings. As mentioned earlier this is the largest project undertaken by the PSC in its history and the success of the venture could see similar projects in the future.

Some time back one of our club members rang me to ask to whom he and friends could donate a few bicycles. As PSC had previously been involved with Mercy Ministry’s Scholarship Programme where disadvantaged children were awarded bikes as a reward for helping in their community I had them sent to Pastor Fred Doell of the Mercy ministries.

More recently the same member contacted me to say he had more bicycles, so I thought he should deal directly with the recipients and I put him in touch with Fred and Dianne Doell who run Mercy Ministry. The seed was planted and when the member involved Ric Bevington saw the work that the Ministry was doing he became most enthusiastic. Ric soon had others enthused and the few bikes became ten in number and in collaboration with the Ministry Bikes for Tykes was born.

On March 8, 2006 the ten bikes were presented to students at School Number 7 all of these kids are from poor families and have been selected for showing a willingness to help in their community. Ric leads by example as from day one of meeting the Ministry Family he has been a volunteer helping them to relocate into new premises. This volunteer work has not subdued his enthusiasm for the Bikes for Tikes Programme as he has been button holing all manner of people and businesses to pledge support for his brainchild, to date he has pledges for a further 50 bikes and claims that this is only the beginning. Pattaya Sports Club will be right behind him with this project and will be pleased to put other members in touch with him.