Beyond Giving : My Journey with ME GOODY to Bamboo School
Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
Written by Evgeniia Shakirova, ME GOODY Intern & Event Assistant Organizer
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Over three days and two nights, our ME GOODY team set out on a journey that beautifully blended adventure, connection, and compassion. The Bamboo School Charity Expedition was more than just a weekend escape – it was a chance to grow, give, and see firsthand the impact of our community spirit in action. As ME GOODY’s intern and one of the assistant organizers, I had the privilege of being involved from the very beginning – planning, preparing, and finally experiencing the event alongside our volunteers and partners. From the moment we left Bangkok until our arrival in Kanchanaburi, there was a shared sense of excitement and purpose in the air.
A Journey of Bonding and Purpose
Our itinerary combined moments of relaxation, fun, and heartfelt engagement. The first day was all about bonding: from group road trip with fun and get-to-know conversations to cooking a “Friendship” hotpot at a campsite. These simple yet joyful experiences created an atmosphere of connection that set the tone for the rest of our journey. The second day was the heart of our trip. It was our charity day at the Bamboo School. The school is a refuge for children who are orphans, have been abandoned, or face medical challenges, yet it radiates warmth, love, and resilience. We arrived in the late morning and stayed until just before sunset. During our time there we held two main activities: Arts & Crafts and Physical Play – under the theme “Our World, Our Future.” |
As we guided the children through painting, drawing, and creative exercises, their enthusiasm was contagious. Some of them painted bright landscapes and animals; others expressed their dreams of becoming teachers, doctors, athletes and even soldiers. Later, during the physical
play session, their laughter filled the school grounds. It was a vivid reminder of why we do what we do: to connect, to bring joy, and to give back in ways that truly matter. Gifts that Keep Giving: Our Donations Our charity mission wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our volunteers, friends, and sponsors. Together, we gathered essential items that will continue to support the daily needs of Bamboo School’s students and staff. ME GOODY & Friends Our team and friends contributed a variety of both useful and creative supplies, including : Cotton balls, Tylenol (20 boxes), Face masks (600 pieces), Children’s PM2.5 masks (160 pieces), Clinical gloves (200), Cotton swabs (200), Salt solution (4 bottles), Betadine (12 bottles), ENO (48 boxes), Watercolour sets (6), Crayons (24 pieces), Sticky notes (2), Acrylic paint tubes (10), Brushes (14), Color papers (11), A3 sketch paper, Staplers (2), Assorted plaster (700 pieces), Notebooks (2), A4 paper stacks (1), and other assorted art and first aid items. These items were purchased through funds raised by ME GOODY and Friends, amounting to 5,700 THB, and directly benefited the children’s creative and health needs.
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VERSO International School
Our wonderful partner, VERSO, extended their kindness by donating educational and everyday essentials, including: Footballs (10), Basketballs (7), Rice (20 packs 5kg each), and 432 books, Sets of Color pencils (34), Umbrellas (3), Bars of soap (24), and Bottles of baby powder (6) Each contribution reflected care and thoughtfulness – practical items that will make daily life smoother and learning more enjoyable for the children. PENCOM Stationery Our sponsor PENCOM Stationery generously provided essential school supplies: Approximately 5,000 pencils, 821 rulers, and 17 pairs of scissors. These materials may seem simple, but they empower learning, creativity, and self-expression – the very foundation of every child’s growth. |
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From an organizer’s perspective, this project was a masterclass in teamwork and adaptability. Coordinating and ensuring every detail came together taught me the importance of planning with purpose and leading with empathy. But as a volunteer, what moved me most were the moments of pure connection – when a child proudly showed me their drawing, gifted one to me, or when we laughed together during the games and hugged goodbye. It reminded me that giving doesn’t always mean grand gestures; sometimes it’s about being present, listening, and sharing simple joys.
Leaving Bamboo School, I carried with me not just memories but a renewed sense of gratitude – for the opportunity to have supportive parents, loyal friends, and a life full of adventures and new experiences. This journey reaffirmed ME GOODY’s belief that growth begins with connection – to ourselves, to others, and to the communities around us. I am deeply thankful to our volunteers, donors, and the ME GOODY team for making this event a reality, and to the incredible children of Bamboo School for reminding us of the beauty of resilience and hope. Here’s to more journeys that combine joy, purpose, and giving. Because when hearts come together, even the smallest acts can change lives. |