Retailers and suppliers from the appliance industry have attended a special dinner to support the 20th anniversary for Hands Across The Water – the largest Australian charity operating in Thailand.
The charity was founded by Peter Baines OAM in 2005 to help children orphaned by the Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand.
Over the last 20 years, $40 million has been raised to build orphanages in Thailand as well as provide education and support that has helped over 1000 children.
The connection with the appliance industry was created in 2007 at the Narta conference in San Francisco when the industry came together to raise $245,000 for the charity. The links to the industry remain with Narta chair Kay Spencer also performing the role of chair for Hands Across The Water and numerous appliance industry brands continuing to support the organisation through donations and fundraising from over 70 separate charity bike rides in Thailand with industry executives including Panasonic MD Paul Reid completing several journeys.
Several retailers supported the recent 20th anniversary dinner held at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney including Camera House, Retravision, Betta, JB Hi-Fi and David Jones. They were joined by suppliers including Panasonic, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Smeg, Nespresso and Shark Ninja to raise another $130,000 in just a few hours.
Spencer delivered a passionate speech at the dinner.
“It’s an honour to be here tonight as we celebrate 20 incredible years of Hands Across The Water,” she said.
“What a journey it has been and what a community you have been. Without your generosity, belief and compassion – none of this would exist. Take a moment to think about the lives you’ve changed, the futures re-written and dreams fulfilled.
“As Chair, I see first-hand the challenges we face. We’re a charity that doesn’t fit neatly into any box. We practice the highest standards of governance to build trust and attract quality sponsors. We hold tax-deductible status in three countries our message is compelling — yet we still struggle for recognition.
“The Australian government sees us as a Thai Charity. While in Thailand we are seen as Australian resulting in no recognition from either side. The question we ask after 20 years – what does it take to be recognised?
“We have much to be proud of with your support. We’ve contributed over $40 million to the Thai community over the past 20 years – helping to educate, and change lives with 99% of that funding from within Australia, through our sponsors and community. Your generosity has built something lasting, and we’re truly grateful. We humbly ask for your ongoing support – it is essential to our long-term growth and together can continue to drive real change.
“Peter this is your night of celebration – 20 years of success achieved through hard work passion sacrifice and endurance. Working with Peter for 18 of those years has required, a certain amount of endurance. It’s been stimulating, rewarding and never predictable. Peter – you’ve inspired me, challenged me and frustrated me – sometimes you can do that all in the same day. But never once have I doubted your courage, tenacity and ethics. Or your commitment to creating better lives and opportunities for the children in our care. Tonight we celebrate show gratitude and look to the future. To every donor every supporter who’s carried the Hands spirit forward – this is your night too.”