Bringing Joy to Children Around the World

When I was a child growing up in a small village in Thailand, I would often wonder why our playground was always broken. The swings would be rusty, the slides would be cracked, and the laughter that should have filled the air was often missing. As I grew older, those memories stayed with me, and I couldn’t help but think of all the children in undeveloped countries who, like me, longed for a place to play, laugh, and just be kids.

Now, as a woman with the ability to make a difference, I felt a deep calling to give back—to bring joy, smiles, and a sense of hope to children who need it most. That’s how the Playground Around the World Project was born.

 This project is more than just building playgrounds; it’s about creating spaces where children can experience the simple joys of childhood, where they can feel the wind in their hair as they swing high, or the thrill of sliding down a shiny, new slide. It’s about giving them a place where their imaginations can run wild and where they can find a moment of happiness in a world that can sometimes be challenging.

Every year, I partner with local and international nonprofit organizations to make this dream a reality. Through collaborations with incredible groups like "Be Good. Do Good. Spread Good," we help children and students in communities with low social or economic status gain more opportunities for education and support. I’ve also had the privilege of working with organizations like Apoquen, which assists children in Central America with severe burns and congenital malformations, and Shields and Stripes, which brings specialized mental health care to our first-line defenders.

These partnerships are the heartbeat of the Playground Around the World Project. Together, we’re not just building playgrounds; we’re building hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for children who deserve nothing less. My passion for this work comes from a place deep within me, fueled by the memories of my own childhood and the unwavering belief that every child, no matter where they come from, deserves the chance to play, learn, and grow in a safe and joyful environment.

In addition to building playgrounds, part of the profits from the events we host—whether it's the International Impact Book Awards Gala, conferences, or workshops—are dedicated to buying more books and building libraries for children in need. It’s our way of ensuring that the gift of learning and imagination is within every child's reach.

If you’re inspired by this mission and would like to be part of the Playground Around the World Project—whether through volunteer work or donation—please contact our team at [email protected]. Together, we can bring more laughter, learning, and joy to children around the world.