How a small amount each month can make an enormous difference

A cancer-stricken woman who's devoted her life to kids has become an overnight celebrity after a television commercial telling her story was aired.

In the commercial, the woman who cares for the underprivileged children is called Mom Toy.

In real life, she's known by the name Mom Tew and she runs the Suthasinee Noiin Foundation for Children and Youth (Ban Home Hug).

Suthasinee Noiin, aka Mom Tew, founded Ban Home Hug 21 years ago to help deprived kids and has managed to keep it going, despite being constantly short of money to support the 300 children who currently call it home.

Expenses are heavy: meal, tuition and medical fees come to at least Bt700,000 a month so money is the most significant problem faced by her foundation.

The supportive family project of Ban Home Hug, created with the aim of maintaining financial stability for the foundation, is managed by Atas Monsereenusorn.

"What we need is a system of permanent donations," says Atas. "If one supportive family takes care of one child by spending Bt790 per month over a long period, it's a permanent way of solving the problem."

"Mom Tew is still alive today but tomorrow she may die, so if this project is up and running, she won't have to worry about Baan Home Hug's expenses anymore," Atas adds.

Kriengsak Tantiphipop, senior managing director of The Emporium Shopping Complex, a major sponsor says he's glad to have an opportunity of publicising the project to the Emporium's customers.

"I believe in the Thai people's capacity for love. If we love our country, we should cooperate with each other to take care of our children, who are our national future. Even though the project may be unsuccessful, at least it makes people more aware of underprivileged children," says Mom Tew.

Baan Home Hug is a house of love and its young residents would welcome a gesture of love from society to help them fulfil their lives. Big-hearted people can show their love by joining the supportive family project at www.BanHomeHug.org.