A Canadian couple with strong Hua Hin connections is over half-way through an epic charity bike ride of around 2,500 kilometres with the goal of raising a million THB for the children’s education charity, the Foundation For Rehabilitation & Development of Children and Family (FORDEC).
Canadians Chantal Jauvin and William Thomas spent extended time at their Hua Hin condo pre-covid and also previously taught at Webster University. Chantal also won the Kings Cup for women’s mountain biking in Hua Hin in 2008. Bill is a Rotarian and was involved with the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin for many years.
Asked why they are doing this, Chanta’s answer was ‘to re-energise the supporters of FORDEC and find new ones. They have a big enough responsibility educating and caring for vulnerable Thai children.’’
She well understands that mission as the author of ‘The Boy With a Bamboo Heart’, the story of Dr Amporn Wathanavongs, who was orphaned at five years of age in a remote village in rural Thailand. His inspiring story includes the creation of FORDEC so that underpriviledged Thai children would know the dignity of basic education.
Hua Hin muso Terry Fox is a good friend of the couple and unashamedly says the name of his band, ‘Bamboo Heart’, was ‘borrowed’ from the book title.
The couple started out their self-funded journey on January 10 in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in central Thailand, headed east through Sara Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram and Surin, and northward through Maha Sarakhkam to Khon Kaen in northeast Thailand.
Next Chantal and William headed west through Chaiyaphum and northward through Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Uttaradat, Phrae, Lampang and they are due to arrive in Chang Mai on Friday (10th February). Then will come a southern route, returning to Ayutthaya to complete the epic 2,500 kilometre ride.
Chantal says ‘’there are only 2 weeks left to complete our challenge. We still need to raise $9,000 USD (we have raised $19,000 USD so far). So please don’t wait if you are thinking of donating. Here is the link. https://give2asia.org/fordec/ “
The couple will be returning to Hua Hin in early March after completing the charity ride; maybe for some well-deserved relaxation to recuperate after their extended time in the saddle.
The Royal Coast Review will be catching up with couple after there return to reveal more about their adventure, but don’t wait until then to offer your support! Please see below for details.
About Chantal Jauvin Author – Chantal Jauvin
About The Boy With a Bamboo Heart; published by Maverick House Publishing; (see the website www.chantaljauvin.com) for details. Profits from book sales go to support FORDEC.
