DawnHRD wrote:Some interesting posts.
Just my twopenn'orth, but when we had the charity shop and were selling Mercy House's crafts, we had a donation box for them on the counter, as well as one for ourselves. I may not have the right impression, but I seemed to understand from them that, while they would happily accept the money from the box, they were far more interested in selling their crafts. They try to get the kids doing something worthwhile to help themselves and gain pride in themselves. And, as I said before, their little cards, corsages, notepads and other things are really lovely. Rather than try & get Lotus et al to have donation boxes for Mercy House, wouldn't it be better to see if, as a charitable endeavour, they'd sell the crafts for them?
Mercy House helps give the kids the skills they'll need for adult life by getting them helping with chores, getting them involved in these crafts and helping them get jobskills as they get older. IMO, selling the crafts would give the kids far more self-worth than getting money from donation boxes.
Also, those large perspex boxes in Lotus are not typical of what you actually get left in boxes. Some venues are great, but in others you're lucky to get 100bt in 3 months, never mind in a night.
And BB was right about the BGs. They get little enough tip-wise as it is. They'll quite gladly take a box, but you'll likely find it relegated to behind the bar or a dark, unused corner within a week. Completely understandable - they want to feed their families first.
Good idea about Tesco selling the goods, But Tesco and other big stores are so computerised, Buying and selling ordering, For them to even think about it the whole crafts range would need to be in a proper catalogue Everything coded for easy stock control, Tesco would have to give up room in their well organised displays, Even the smallest amount of work and effort by Tesco would still need to profitable for them. (They didnt get into Thailand through goodwill! and this will probably be beyond the disgression of a manager). Product placement is finely tuned for maximum sales of their own items.
This would make the craft range more of a business than a fun thing to do for the kids, Making things to sell to order rather than making things to distribute around local family run shops. They are orphans afterall not employees.
Quality control and mass production needs a certain amount of regulation, In a charity shop if something happens to an bought item no more is thought of it, From a huge retailer expect comebacks and problems.
Ok, So the donation box may not be the best idea, But it is self sufficent, Doesnt require effort from any Thai store manager, And is a way to generate money with minimal pressure put on anybody. Plus it works in Pattaya according to the link.
I have estimated it will cost approx £50 for Strong clear acrylic to make the box+ Padlock and postage to someone in the uk who's going to take it over. I have no problem with paying for it.
All it needs is someone local to sort the rest out. If it doesnt work then is doesnt work. Better to try and not succseed than not try and wonder what if.
Ps.. Barry i look forward to meeting you
, I appreciate your time to come with us when we plan to visit.
