GOMS go to school
PHUKET: The Grumpy Old Men (GOMS) might not be the most cheery or photogenic charity organisation on the island, but they are definitely one of the most efficient.
Jody Houton
Monday 14 May 2012, 12:25PM
The GOMS are made up of around 130 expat males who meet on the first and third Monday of every month to have a beer, a good old gripe, and raise money in a simple, no-nonsense fashion.
Their most recent campaign was to raise funds for students at the Rassada School. They succeeded and donated the B30,000 needed to buy uniforms for the children earlier this month.
GOMs chairman Warren Crowe, who has been a member since the organisation started 2.5 years ago, said, “When I saw the photo of the kids in the uniform, who have never had anything, I have to say I had a lump in my throat.”
The GOMS meet at the Chalong Pier Beer Garden and the way it works is simple, yet incredibly effective. Attendees and members pay B100 entrance fee and then B100 for the raffle, held at every meeting. Prizes are donated by various businesses and sponsors on the island.
A maximum of B50,000 is assigned to a particular cause and any member can suggest and put forward a case of what or whom to collect money for.
For more information, visit: phuketgoms.org
