Small Hands, Big Hope:

In April 2024, Dean and Johanna joined their first Hands ride, pedalling across Thailand alongside other riders who, like them, wanted to do more than just witness change, they wanted to be part of it.

At the start of that journey, each rider was handed a small card bearing the photo and story of a child they were riding for. Dean and Johanna received the faces of two children, Got and Gotji, whose stories soon became the guiding force behind every kilometre.

As Dean shared, “We kept our cards on us 24/7 to remind us that when things got tough, or we didn't want to carry on, or we'd lost sight of the objective of our ride, that there were kids who desperately needed our help. The kids we were riding for didn't have a choice.”

What began as a physical challenge turned into a personal awakening - a reminder that compassion can bridge any distance. Their family began to see giving not as a one-time act, but as a way of living, showing their children that comfort and opportunity are gifts to be shared, not simply enjoyed.

When they met Got and Gotji at Ban Tharn Namchai, it felt, as Dean described, “like being reunited with a long-lost family member.” There were tears, laughter, and water fights - a beautiful mess of joy and belonging. At that moment, they weren’t just sponsors.. they were family.

Gotji’s Steps Toward Tomorrow

At 14, Gotji has the heart of a dreamer and the discipline of someone who’s had to grow up too soon. After his parents separated, he moved in with his elderly grandfather. Money was scarce, and education was out of reach, until Hands stepped in. With support from the foundation and his sponsors, Gotji was able to attend school and begin building the life he once only hoped for.

“A sponsor means a great deal to me and is someone to whom I am deeply grateful. They are an important part of what has enabled me to have a safe place to live, enough food, and access to education.”

Through his words, you can feel the depth of his gratitude and the dignity that comes from having his chance at life restored. These opportunities have allowed him to not just attend school, but to thrive - dreaming of becoming a futsal player, helping with the mushroom project at the foundation, and learning to contribute to his community.

For Dean and Johanna, seeing Gotji’s progress is a powerful affirmation that small acts of compassion can create ripples of hope. For Gotji, that compassion is the steady ground beneath his growing dreams.

When Dean and Johanna recently learned that Got had been reunited with his family, it was received with deep joy - a reminder that every step forward, no matter how small it seems, carries hope.

Seeing the World with Boss’ Eyes

At just four years old, Boss has already experienced more changes than many do in a lifetime. After his parents separated, both sought work in different provinces, leaving Boss without stable care. For a time, his father would keep him in the cab of his truck while making deliveries across Thailand. It wasn’t a safe or sustainable way for a child to grow up.

Eventually, Boss came under the care of PAMA House, where he now attends pre-school, plays freely, and has the stability every child deserves.

When asked what his sponsor means to him, Boss said:

“A sponsor, to me, means a very kind person.”