What made you decide to host this event?
Well, John Kealy, the main organizer, really enjoys helping people. It really is all about people helping people.
What other charity projects have you been involved with?
We have already done prison work and lots of programs dealing with people suffering from leprosy—something that people don’t know much about. Actually, it’s really difficult to get people to talk about it because it’s kind of a losing face situation for Thais. It took me a long time to get help but finally, the big hotels started to get involved. They have helped by providing us with things like bedding.
Is everyone/everything welcome?
It’s open to everybody but we will not accept cash. You can bring anything—clothes, eye glasses, etc—and if you insist on cash, we’ll just point you in the direction of Father Joe from the Mercy Center.
Do you think there is enough attention/interest in charity events like these?
What I do know is people can help people. It’s the best thing to do rather than depend upon other sources. People can really help others if they just stopped thinking about themselves a little bit and just clean your closets out! Why not? Stop being so narcissistic. Throw away your clothes and go get some new ones! It’ll be nice to see who’s really got a heart and you’ll get to share really good feelings just by being there. If the truck is full, and it over flows and the police gives us a ticket, then the events been a success!
Have you got any other events in the pipeline?
We want to be able to do this one on a rotating basis. We already have some other restaurants on board for an event later on this year. Sonia Boonchanasukit
Donations from Friends. At Dubliner Pub and Restaurant,
440 Sukumvit Rd near Soi 22 (Washington Square), 02-204-1841. www.donationsfromfriends.org.
