Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand December 2014 / January 2015 | Page 43

Life & Travel THE GOOD SHEPHERD PHUKET The Congregation of the Good Shepherd Sisters and their lay partners was founded in France in the mid 1800’s. The Sisters came to Thailand in 1965 and established their first centre in Bangkok. They now have over seven centres around Thailand. The Sisters set up in Phuket just after the Tsunami, starting with the Vocational Centre in Patong and slowly expanding to more projects around the island. The Good Shepherd works with marginalized and vulnerable communities around Thailand, including women, children, and the victims of human trafficking. They support self-sufficiency and enhance the quality of life to those who have been excluded from the benefits of society. The Good Shepherd’s Craft and Second Hand Shop is located at Plaza del Mar, behind Bake in Cherngtalay. On the first floor you will find educational toys, dolls, puppets, paper art and greetings cards handmade by self-help groups in Thailand, supported by The Good Shepherd. There is a great selection of used books as well. On the second floor you’ll find second-hand clothing. Most of the items are not more expensive than THB 100 and are popular with the local community and Burmese workers who pop by the shop to find themselves a good bargain. All proceeds made in the shop go directly towards the foundation’s charity projects. The Home of Hope provides safe, clean accommodation and medical assistance and pre and postnatal care for Thai and migrant women and girls living in the local camps. Otherwise, many of these women might not be able to pay for a Caesarian or even a normal delivery at the local hospital. This project has reduced the infant mortality among migrant workers in Phuket. The Vocational Training Centre provides proper vocational training in massage, hairdressing, computer skills, and English education for women who have been forced into trades they never would have chosen for themselves. These women are asked to pay a minimal, noncompulsory sum for the classes they attend. (The small fee gives them some commitment to finishing the courses.) There are many other projects set up by The Good Shepherd. To learn more, head over to their website. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THIS FOUNDATION, YOU CAN: 1. Make a cash donation; 2. Donate items in kind from their wish list 3. Support their fundraising events 4. Purchase items from the Good Shepherd Shop or donate items for their second-hand store 5. Become a volunteer 6. Become a sponsor CONTACT DETAILS The Good Shepherd Phuket Plaza Del Mar, Pasak-Koktanod Road, Cherngtalay, Talang, Phuket 83110 Thailand Website: http://www.thegoodshepherd.info Email: [email protected] THAILAND.WANDERLUSTMAG.COMWANDERLUST  43