CHRISTMAS CHARITY EVENT FOR FRIENDS OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS FOUNDATION

The Westin Banyan Tree is organising a Christmas Puen Chang Charity Event 2000 , to invite the public to do their bit for Friends of Asian Elephants Foundation this Christmas season.

The Christmas Puen Chang Charity Event 2000 will take place at The Westin Banyan Tree Bangkok for the entire month of December 2000. The hotel would would like to invite the public - individuals or organisations - to contribute soft toys in the shape of an elephant, dressed in the costume of the donor's country, company or in a style that represents the donor. All the soft toys will be gathered in the hotel lobby for sale throughout the month of December. All the proceeds from the sale will be channelled to Friends of Asian Elephants Foundation.

All soft toys should include a short write up on the costume, and possibly a name for the soft toy as well. Donors can also promote their country or company by attaching or displaying a flag, symbol or any form of accessory on the soft toys.

Donors are also welcomed to send in more than one entry.

All soft toys should reach the hotel by 15th October 2000.

The Westin Banyan Tree would like to appeal to the public to participate in this event, join hands for this charitable cause during the Christmas season.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Objective : To raise funds for Friends of Asian Elephants "Puen Chang"

Foundation

Display Period : 1st December to 31st December

Mechanism :

Invite the public to contribute soft toys in the shape of an elephant, dressed in a style that represents the donor's country, company or himself/herself, with a short write up on the costume.

All soft toys will be gathered and displayed in the hotel lobby. Guests will be invited to purchase the soft toys using special donation pledge forms.

Funds will all be channelled to Friends of Asian Elephants Foundation.

Foundation's main objectives are:

1. To assist elephants to enjoy improved living conditions and eventually survive and adjust themselves within natural surroundings.

2. To aid professionals related to elephants ( mahouts, raisers, researchers, veterinarians, etc )

3. To gather data on elephants

4. To publicize data and produce public reports on status of elephants Their projects involve Elephant Hospital Project, Mobile Vets Project, Last Home Project for Elephants and Elephant Registration Project.

Rationale :

One hundred years ago, there were at least 100,000 elephants in Thailand, now this number has fallen to fewer than 5,000. This number is falling at about 3% every year due to deforestation , destruction of elephants' habitats, logging, poaching and slaughter of elephants. We would like to contribute our part in saving an irreplaceable part of Thailand's rich natural heritage. Elephants have always played an important cultural and economic role since the early days of Thailand. They are important during war times, serving as the main form of transport, and main force of army.

Before the arrival of railway and automobile, the elephant caravan is the most efficient form of land transport for passenger and goods. Their nimbleness and power also made them an important contribution in the form of logging. Elephants are also a symbol of peace, fortune and Thai royalty. We believe that inviting our guests to participate towards this charitable cause is the least goodwill gesture. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide can give to Friends of Asian Elephants Foundation during the Christmas season.