Local Matters: Community Support in June & July 2025

Over the months of June and July, our Community outreach initiative has continued to offer practical, meaningful support to those in need across Koh Samui. Whether it’s helping children stay in school or ensuring a young infant has access to milk and diapers, Sisters on Samui is proud to play a part in easing everyday struggles for local families. These contributions are made possible through the generosity of our members and supporters—thank you for being part of this caring community.

Investing in Education: A Hand Up for Local Kids

In May and June, Sisters on Samui provided THB 113,677 in May and THB 154,985 in June for school uniforms, helping children from low-income families start the school year with pride and confidence. This support ensures that every child feels prepared and included, no matter their circumstances.

As part of our Education program, Sisters on Samui contributed THB 47,860 to sponsor one semester for four children attending SermSook School. These children come from vulnerable backgrounds, including migrant and local families, facing challenges such as the loss of parents or being raised by grandparents with little income. This support gives them a vital “hand up,” preparing them to enter the local government school system next year and offering the chance of a brighter, more stable future. We’d like to find sponsors for Semester 2 starting in November 2025.

Essentials for Infant Care

Through our Local Matters fund, we provided THB 6,000 worth of diapers and milk to support a single father caring for his infant. This small but essential contribution helps ease the daily pressures of parenthood and ensures this young family has what they need to get through a challenging time. We’re proud to be part of a community that shows up with kindness when it matters most.

Supporting a Family in Grief

We also provided THB 6,000 to assist a local family with urgent funeral costs. In times of loss, even small acts of kindness can help ease the burden—and thanks to your continued support, we’re able to be there when it matters most.

Partnering with the Red Cross to Support Samui’s Most Vulnerable

In June and July, we continued our partnership with the Red Cross Koh Samui. With your support, Sisters on Samui was able to contribute:

  • THB 11,156 for rice cookers and rice
  • THB 5,194 for a fridge
  • THB 7,990 for a washing machine, donated as part of the Red Cross fundraiser

Working with the Red Cross helps us reach those most in need—quietly, respectfully, and with real impact.

For over 30 years, the Red Cross has been a vital part of the Koh Samui community. While they are best known for leading the island’s weekly mobile blood donation drives and coordinating with hospitals, their work extends far beyond this. Each week, they visit over 75 bedbound and housebound residents, providing food staples, medical equipment such as walking frames and wheelchairs, and essentials like adult diapers. Sisters on Samui is proud to support their incredible work in our community.

To see more of what they do, follow Red Cross Samui on Facebook.

Scholarships at SermSook School

A heartfelt thank you to Linda Brett for her generous THB 5,000 donation towards scholarships for five children at SermSook School. These funds help cover school fees and essential supplies, easing the burden on families and helping children stay in school.

Would you like to help us continue this support next semester? Get in touch—we’d love to hear from you.

Emergency Help for Family Affected by Devastating House Fire

Earlier this month, a local family in the Namuang district lost their home in a devastating fire. The household includes a mother, her three children, her elderly parents, and two cousins—all of whom relied on her as the sole breadwinner. In the face of such loss, this is not something she can rebuild alone.

Sisters on Samui provided an emergency donation of THB 6,000, along with household items from our Marketplace to help the family with essential needs.

We would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Lynne and John Lathbury for their generous donation. This support has been passed along via a member of the community who is helping ensure aid reaches the family directly.

If you’d like to contribute to emergency assistance efforts like this, please don’t hesitate to reach out.