For more than two decades, the turmoil in the southern border provinces has persisted, significantly impacting the mental well-being of numerous children and young people. In an effort to bring back joy and happiness during the upcoming New Year and National Children's Day 2025, Central Group, in partnership with the Royal Thai Army and various allied organizations, is proud to continue the initiative “Million Gifts, Million Smiles - From the hearts to the smiles” for its 15th consecutive year. They warmly invite the Thai community to participate by sending gifts or educational support to children and youth in the southern border provinces and beyond through multiple channels provided by Central Group.
Pichai Chirathivat, Executive Director of Central Group, emphasized the organization's dedication over the past 15 years through the Million Gifts Million Smiles initiative. This project aims to foster joy and love by enhancing the quality of life and supporting education for youth in the southern border provinces. “In alignment with the Central Group's sustainability initiative, Central Tham-Better Together, we have been distributing gifts for New Year's and Children's Day, as well as educational scholarships, made possible through the generous support of our customers, partners, associates, and Central Group subsidiaries. These gifts, which encompass bicycles, school supplies, sports equipment, and toys, are thoughtfully curated to foster learning and emotional growth at various developmental stages. Our aim is to bring joy and encouragement to children and youth in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and specific districts of Songkhla (Chana, Na Thawi, Thepha), especially considering the difficulties they encounter in their communities. Central Group takes pride in being the first retail organization to celebrate the spirit of giving to children in these areas during New Year's and Children's Day, in partnership with the Royal Thai Army.”
Over 48,000 youth households in the southern border provinces are currently experiencing financial hardships, with some children left orphaned. This situation has led to significant barriers in accessing education for these young individuals. In response, the Million Gifts Million Smiles initiative, launched by Central Group in partnership with the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), encourages contributions to educational funds aimed at alleviating the financial strain on parents. This effort seeks to address educational disparities for youth in the southern border provinces and Tak province, while also fostering sustainable career and income opportunities for families in the long term. The Royal Thai Army will facilitate the transportation of gifts and educational funds, which will be distributed to children during the upcoming Children's Day celebrations.
Individuals who wish to make a positive impact can engage with the youth in the southern border provinces through 3 primary avenues :
- Pay it Forward : Help create a brighter future by funding scholarships for underprivileged children via the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) at a contribution of 2,500 Baht per scholarship. Donations can be made at www.tham-dee.com/projects/mgms2024 from now until 11 January 2025, with tax benefits of up to 200%.
- Gift it Forward : Spread smiles by donating new and unused gifts at specified drop-off locations, including :
- Gift Drop-off Point : CentralWorld Shopping Center, 2nd Floor, Rest Area near the entrance to Central Department Store, from now until 11 January 2025.
- Gift Delivery : Bangna Distribution Center (New DC), Liap Khlong Song Nam Suvarnabhumi Road, Bangna-Trad Km. 19, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, from 25 November to 23 December 2024.
- Share it Forward : Assist in acquiring sports equipment and educational materials for children in the southern border provinces and beyond through various methods :
- E-donation : Scan the QR Code to make a payment and CenPay counter from now until 11 January 2025.
- Redeem The1 Points : Start with 100 points for donations, with no limit on contributions, available from now until 11 January 2025.
- Bank Transfer : Donate to the Tiang Chirathivat Foundation at Bangkok Bank, Silom Branch, Savings Account No. 1180582031 (tax-deductible up to 100%), available from now until 11 January 2025.
- Donation Boxes : Contribute through donation boxes located at information desks, payment points, and redemption areas across 225 Central Department Stores nationwide from 15 November 2024 to 11 January 2025.
Major General Kittiwat Jaamjiraruks, Director of the office of Psychological Operations, Directorate of Civil Affairs expressed gratitude on behalf of the Royal Thai Army to the Central Group for ongoing support of the 'Million Gifts Million Smiles' initiative, now in its 15th year. “This commitment illustrates the solidarity within Thai society and a collective aspiration for peace across the nation. Beyond the tangible gifts, it is the invaluable love and support that fosters a joyful environment. Additionally, by offering educational opportunities to the youth in the southern border provinces, we empower them to enhance their skills and knowledge, preparing them to become responsible adults who can contribute positively to their families and the country.”
The Million Gifts Million Smiles initiative aims to be a catalyst for positive transformation, promoting a community rich in love and compassion across the southern border provinces. This project will deliver meaningful gifts designed to spread joy to all. For further information, please visit CENTRALGROUP on Facebook or Instagram.
