John Blanch (far left), Paul Harris (second left), Panuphol Pittayarat (second right) and Timothy Loke.
Bangkok, Thailand: The Asian Tour and Thai Country Club have donated 250,000 Baht (about US$8,000) to Habitat for Humanity Thailand to support the mission of working with low-income families in Thailand to build safe and affordable housing.
New Thailand Open champion
Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand and American
Paul Harris presented a cheque to the non-profit housing organisation at the Thai Country Club.
Thai Country Club led the way when they matched the funds raised from selling Pro-Am spots at the Thailand Open while the Asian Tour also showed their support to Habitat for Humanity – the Tour’s Sustainable Development Partner – by topping up the donation.
“As Asian Tour golfers, we travel around the world to play golf and not many people are as fortunate as us. When we learnt that the Asian Tour has partnered with Habitat for Humanity, many of the players wanted to help,” said Panuphol.
“I’m pleased to play a small role and I hope that this small gesture by the Asian Tour and Thai Country Club can help a family in Thailand to build a decent home,” he added.
During the week of the Thailand Open, Habitat for Humanity Thailand raised awareness of the need for decent housing and sold merchandise to raise funds for a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Timothy Loke, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Thailand, welcomed the strong support. He said: “Golf is a good platform for Habitat for Humanity Thailand to raise awareness and funds for our cause. A big thank you goes out to the Thai Country Club and the Asian Tour for sharing our vision and mission to build more affordable homes in Thailand.
“We look forward to working together with the Asian Tour and other strong advocates such as Thai Country Club, to spread our message and support Thai families who want to improve their lives through decent housing.”
John Blanch, General Manager of Thai Country Club, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, saluted the efforts of Habitat.
He said: “On behalf of the staff of Thai Country Club, we are humbled by Habitat for Humanity’s dedication to improve and provide decent housing to people in Thailand. We hope that this contribution will have long-term impact beyond helping a family have a good roof over their head.”
Josh Burack, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, said more activities to support Habitat for Humanity will be organised at future Asian Tour events.
He said: “The Asian Tour tournaments and our global media reach are the ideal platforms to help Habitat for Humanity spread international awareness to raise funds and attract more volunteers. Our players are very excited to lend their support and push the Habitat for Humanity mission. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes out to the Thai Country Club for their gracious effort to drive this charity initiative.”