(MissionNewswire) The number of those infected by COVID-19 is decreasing in Thailand, especially this past last week when there were less than 10 new cases. The Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Sisters of the Queenship of Mary, the Institute of the Daughters of the Queenship of Mary, the Association of Salesian Cooperators, the ADMA and Salesian alumni are all part of an anti-COVID-19 alliance in the country.

From the last week of April into May, many Salesian organizations came together in support of local people in need. The Alumni Association of Huahin Vitthayalai School, together with My Garden Food Raft, distributed 800 packages of food, beverages and desserts to the people affected by the pandemic.

Salesians and the teaching staff of Sarasit Phithayalai School collaborated with the Salesian Sisters of Narivooth School Banpong to provide 215 food packages to the residents of Rong Thoop and the others badly affected by COVID-19 in the area of Banpong town.

Food relief continued in May when the “In the Same Boat” project, along with Salesian aspirantate alumni, brought 130 packs of food items to the poor and those who have lost work, Burmese laborers, the aged, and those left alone in the Bangkapi and Phattanakarn areas of  Bangkok.

In addition, Provincial Father John Bosco Dheparat Pitisant led members of the Salesian family to donate food items to 500 families at Salesianum House in Sampran. Another 500 food packages were provided to people living around the area of the Phra Mae Marie School. This school is located in the middle of Bangkok, and the people around the area have been greatly affected by the pandemic.

“To all the participating members, I would like to express our gratitude for helping alleviate the hardships of the people,” said Fr. Pitisant. “All of us in the Salesian family cannot stay inactive and not empathize. Let us be the first to participate in extending help, and may we have the heart sensitive to this situation we are presently facing.”

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Thailand – Salesian Family United in Fight Against Covid-19

World Bank – Thailand

Salesian Missions – Thailand