Another year has passed ever so quickly it seems, and it is time again to report on the activities of the Charity section of our club. This year our donations totaled almost 3,000,000.00 Baht and would have exceeded that amount had building works finished on schedule and payments not carried over into the next financial year. PSC continues to make a significant contribution to the needy in our community each year and is held in high regard by all institutions that it assists.

This year as in the past our focus has been mainly on the children in our community and in particular on their education. Our Scholarship Scheme for Secondary School students has moved into the 3 rd year and we now support 60 students with a 10,000.00 baht annual Scholarship. It is still too early to judge the value of the scheme but indications are promising. At the end of this year we plan to decide which students are worthy of continued support to a higher level, this will affect the intake of new students entering the scheme but the overall number will remain at 60 students. Our support of the YWCA Happy Families Scholarships remains unchanged at 130 students and PSC is still the major sponsor of this project. I would to thank the ladies of the YWCA for helping in the selection of the children involved in both schemes and their work in monitoring their progress. Without their efforts it would not be possible, in addition to the Scholarships PSC also support the School Lunch Programme administered by the YWCA ladies. This project identifies needy schools in our area and arranges to supply a nutritious and healthy meal to all the children and supply various items that are needed. It is during these monthly visits that I am able to identify major works that are urgently required to ensure a safe environment for the children. This year those projects included the following; 2 new canteen buildings [Pinjam and Nongprue] a new toilet block [Bangklongbangpai] an ablution centre [Baan Banglamung] renovation of kindergardens [Boon Sampan and Baan Nok] upgrade of water systems [Baan Tung Klom and Khao Phor Tong] also the renovation of classrooms [Baan Tung Klom]. Because of restrictions of expenditure on projects unless sanctioned by an AGM resolution some of these projects were undertaken with the financial support of the Jesters for that I would like to thank Lewis [Woody] Underwood and his committee for their cooperation.

Other activities included the continued support of the Baan Jing Gai Orphanage where we pay the annual rent on their buildings, the supply of bed linen to the Camillian Centre and a substantial cash donation to them via the Jackalope Golf Tournament, we continue to support the Jesters Care 4 Kids with a 100,000 baht sponsorship plus financing prizes for their Monster Raffle at the Jester's Fair. This year we became involved in the Sight First Programme which identifies children with damaged vision and supplies corrective lenses to them a scheme of infinite value to assist their learning capabilities, over 300 children were assisted this year in the Pattaya area and next year we will shift the focus to the Sattahip community. The Plataluang Community Hospital distributes food supplies to the Aged and infirm in their area on our behalf and I would like to thank Bjarne Nielsen for his continue good work in looking after this project for me.

There have been a number of other smaller donations to various other groups Rotary PILC etc. and we have had a sponsorship role in many local Golf Tournaments as well as supporting school sports events. Our sponsorship of the national Junior Badminton Championships is valued by the competitors and has been for some years.

Sadly we have had to say farewell to several valued members in this period including two of our Past Presidents Carl Engel and Gerry Carpenter they made valuable contributions to the welfare of our club and will be missed by all.

On a brighter note I have been able to enlist to my committee the support of Khun Nittaya Patimasongkroh who as a member of our Board of Directors as well as being Pres. Of the YWCA Bangkok Pattaya will bring a wealth of experience and community knowledge. In welcoming Khun Nittaya I would like also to thank Nut Couch for her help in the past and wish her every success in her new business.

Next year promises to be just as eventful and I have tabled two issues for your consideration at this AGM that I hope you will give a favourable response. I have enjoyed the past year and am offering my services for the coming year and hope to have the support of this meeting to continue as Charity Chairman.

Bernard Tuppin