Ms. Kay Spencer, President of Hands Group together with Mr. Peter Baines OAM, Founder and Director of International Operations, Hands Group, met with H.E. Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia

On 20 April 2021, Ms. Kay Spencer, President of Hands Group together with Mr. Peter Baines OAM, Founder and Director of International Operations, Hands Group, met with H.E. Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, to introduce Hands Across the Water Foundation, Hands Group and its current projects in Thailand. The Ambassador learnt about the group’s activities to support the better quality of life of Thai children in Thailand.

Hands Across the Water was created in 2005 at Khao Lak District in Phang Nga province in response to the Tsunami disaster which left 34 children in Khao Lak area without family, food and shelter. The first home for abandoned children was built and food was provided. Later on, Hands Across the water registered as a foundation and it has greatly expanded its work to include supporting the needs especially providing children’s education, welfare and healthcare. The group has also supported children suffering from HIV which led to creating a center in Yasothorn, a place where life – saving medicine is offered. In addition, the Foundation’s focus is on ensuring that the children gain an education that will earn them a living, such as ensuring they have an education, digital and hospitality skillls as well as proficiency in English so that they are groomed for employment.

Currently, the Foundation runs 7 projects in 6 provinces in Thailand with the donations received from partners, supporters both in Australia and beyond including fund – raising activities. More than 350 Thai children are under the care of the Foundation.

Ambassador Busadee appreciated the briefing and inspirational story which should be better known and important for Thai-Australian people-to-people ties. Mr.Baines also presented a book which he wrote called “Hands Across The Water.”