Second Passing on the Gift in Thai Village

07 April 2009

DOI LAEM, Thailand—Rain the night before left a nice, cool breeze the morning of the Passing on the Gift ceremony. Local government officials were on hand, as well as people who had traveled from other villages just to witness the event.

This was the second Passing on the Gift ceremony in Doi Laem, a village in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The Livelihood Improvement Project for Highlanders passed on 32 cows and five water buffalo, as well as sows and more than $2,500 for the project’s revolving fund. These benefited 20 new families and three self-help groups.  

Those receiving animals were grateful, hoping to raise the animal as best as they can. “Some self-help group members have never raised livestock before,” said Amao Pongpanawan, a Heifer Thailand project partner, “but I am so happy to see them raising animals received from Heifer like a member of their family.”

Also at the Passing on the Gift ceremony, Heifer’s annual Golden Talent Award was presented to Wasana Laba for her good example in improving her livelihood, managing community resources and caring for her neighbors. Wasana has been a leader in the self-help groups and has already passed on offspring from the livestock she received from Heifer Thailand.