DKSH collaborates with Baan Dek Foundation to support children and families living in underprivileged conditions at urban slums and construction site camps, reinforcing its sustainability commitment to making a positive local impact. Due to this partnership, these people have improved access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and child protection.
Bangkok, Thailand, December 23, 2024 – DKSH (Thailand) Limited, a leading Market Expansion Services provider in Asia, has partnered with Baan Dek Foundation (Kids Home Development Network Foundation) to support vulnerable children and families living in urban slums and construction site camps across Thailand, providing better access to essential services. This collaboration reinforces DKSH’s commitment to enriching lives and fostering community development in the country.
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Labor, the Thai construction industry employs approximately 700,000 migrant workers, nearly 40 percent of whom are women. These workers often live in temporary housing, also called construction site camps. Among them are families with children who have limited access to essential public services such as child protection, education, and healthcare.
“Our commitment to nourishing lives fuels our drive to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. We believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment, and we are proud to support Baan Dek Foundation in their mission to improve well-being and create lasting opportunities for children and families in need,” said Matukorn Salyapongs, Vice President, Country Human Resources, DKSH Thailand.
DKSH’s partnership with Baan Dek Foundation includes a financial donation of more than 8,100,000 baht, along with in-kind contributions, to support children and families living in urban slums and construction site camps. This funding sustains the foundation’s programs and services, enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable communities for one year.
In line with this commitment, DKSH’s partners have been instrumental in making a difference. “We are sincerely thankful for the generous in-kind contributions from our business partners. Their support plays a vital role in creating lasting, positive change for vulnerable children and families. Together, we remain dedicated to empowering those who need it most,” said Sahachai Wibuloutai, Vice President, Legal, DKSH Thailand.
DKSH’s social impact initiatives reflect its long-standing sustainability objective of positively contributing to the development of local communities. Projects such as the “Right to Play” initiative, which promotes children development through sports and play, and the book donation program, which fosters education and literacy, demonstrate DKSH’s dedication to creating a brighter future for communities.
“This partnership is a testament to the power of collective action in ensuring that children in vulnerable communities receive the support they need for a better and more convenient life. With DKSH’s support, we can improve living conditions, provide access to education, and create lasting opportunities for these children,” said Sébastien More-Chevalier, Executive Director, Baan Dek Foundation.
DKSH is poised to strengthen its partnership with the Baan Dek Foundation by introducing additional programs, including initiatives focused on simple and accessible healthcare education. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of life within local communities.
About Baan Dek Foundation
Founded in 2002, Baan Dek Foundation (BDF) is a registered Thai foundation that aims to improve the fundamental well-being of vulnerable children living in urban slums and construction site camps by supporting their immediate needs, empowering their families and communities through a peer-to-peer approach, and creating sustainable change in the Thai construction sector. BDF is the only organization in Thailand that has partnered with 40+ construction companies, developing a niche expertise in child safeguarding in the sector. Through its longstanding partnerships with construction companies and the public sector (schools, medical centers, and Ministries of Health and Education, to name a few), BDF aims to deliver a scalable and sustainable response to improve the well-being of tens of thousands of marginalized children and their parents across the nation. www.baandekfoundation.org/
About DKSH
DKSH’s purpose is to enrich people’s lives. For almost 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 29,040 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2023. www.dksh.com