The Calendar's History
In 2007, two foreign residents of Chiang Mai, Ramlah Jafri and Basil McCall, began planning a not-for-profit desk calendar as a way of paying something back to their host city. The objective was to boost visitor arrivals in an unusual and sustainable way, and to raise funds for rural children who otherwise receive no benefit from tourism.
First mock up in 2007
They invested over half a million baht of their own funds to print and promote 10,000 copies of the 2008 “Chiang Mai Charity Calendar” which featured text, photography and 14 paintings highlighting Chiang Mai’s attractions created voluntarily by students from Prem Tinsulanonda International School.
The A5 40-page full colour production was applauded by leading travel industry figures, including the Minister of Tourism and Sports at that time, Dr. Suvit Yodmani, who flew up from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to preside at the calendar’s official launch on 5th October 2007, an event attended by over 100 travel trade members and media representatives.
The calendars were sold for 100 Baht to companies, hotels, travel agents and tourists, finding a place in homes and offices all over the world, showcasing the city exactly as intended. Income from sales less production costs came to Baht 604,000, which was donated in full to a local orphanage.
The 2009 Calendar used the theme of "Delightful Lanna" showcasing the eight Lanna provinces. The economic downturn affected sales, but nonetheless raised Baht 423,000, which was donated to four different organizations supporting disadvantaged children.
The 2008, 2009 and 2010 calendars
The 2010 Chiang Mai Charity Calendar suffered from a serious downturn in the travel industry, diminishing company budgets, yet it still managed to raise Baht 111,000.
The Chiang Mai Charity Calendar has therefore raised over a million baht for rural children in two years; travelled to offices and homes all over the world, and raised year-long awareness of Chiang Mai and Thailand in many different countries. It is supported entirely by volunteers. No party receives any financial benefit. The calendar has no financial sponsors, and carries no advertising.
Thai companies and organizations who may wish to support future editions, thereby helping the tourism industry and rural children, are invited to contact us at chiangmaicalendar(at)gmail.com
The calendar made an excellent, unusual, worthwhile and highly effective promotional giveaway.
TOTAL DONATIONS
Donations by the Chiang Mai Charity Calendar 2008/2009/2010 were made to:
The Dream Weaving for Peace Foundation, Samoeng Baht 604,000
The Children’s Shelter Home, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai Baht 311,000
Croston House Children's Home Lamphun Baht 100,000
Bann Nangplaman School, Chiang Mai Baht 73,000
Khun Tha School, Thoen, Lampang Baht 50,000
Total Donated 2008-2009-2010:
Baht 1,138,000
(Approximately US$34,500 or £23,500)