Hands was set up as a direct result of Peter Baines personally witnessing the devastating effects of the Boxing Day tsunami. While working as part of the response team, Peter was deeply touched by the number of children left orphaned by the disaster and was inspired to set up an organisation that could make a significant difference in the lives of these children. What has been realised by the Board and those associated with Hands is that for a sustainable change to be made, a long term commitment is required.
 

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Hands Across the Water Australia operates under the guidance of a Board of Directors, of which Peter is the Chairman.
 

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There are a number of unique aspects to Hands. Firstly, and most importantly, every cent donated goes to improving the lives of the children at Baan Tharn Namchai. This is a unique position in the charity sector right now. Hands is small, but doing amazing work. There is complete transparency in everything we do, and those supporting the work with the children can actually see the difference we are making – we are involved in their lives. Over time, this will be even more rewarding as we see the children move from infants to teenagers to adults.
 
Hands offers a more visible and personal involvement for supporters which is indeed unique.
 

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Every cent donated goes directly to the children and the projects approved by the Hands Board. So far we have built the children two orphanages and a community sports field. We have also purchased trucks, cars and motorbikes so they can get to school and we have funded a number of development programs. Hands also runs sponsorship programs and scholarship programs to fund the education of these kids as well as funding for a full time nurse who works at the orphanages.
 
Hands has purchased land on which a Rubber Plantation was established. This is a significant step towards self sustainability. Further land has recently been acquired which adjoins the rubber plantation and this will be used to establish a palm oil plantation which diversifies the income that we seek to generate.
 
Hands is now working towards the construction of a community, education and health centre for both the children and adult members of the Baan Nam Khem community. The area of Baan Nam Khem was the most heavily affected area of Thailand and this one village accounted for almost half of the total number of lives lost. The new building will provide an environment where young mothers and others at risk can come stay, learn and develop skills they would have previously got from their parents if they were alive. This is one of the many examples of the needs that still exist five years after the tsunami.
 
Like the sports field, the community and health centre will benefit not just those who reside in the orphanage, but those who live in the wider community. They are built by local tradesman, the furniture is made by local businesses – in essence, the entire community derives a benefit from their existence.
 
Hands has committed to the continuing support of the orphanages until they are self sufficient and are now working towards raising funds for a weekend activity program not only for the children who live at the home, but also for the children who use the facility as day visitors. A new dream of Peter's is to fund university scholarships for some of the older children living at the orphanage who wish to further their studies.
 
There are many worthwhile projects currently under consideration by the Hands Board. Annual visits to the orphanage by members of Hands Australia (privately funded of course) provide the regular communication required to stay abreast of current needs and ongoing projects that we can assist with.
 

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One of the unique aspects of the way Hands raises money is that every cent that is donated to the charity goes directly to the Orphanage. All costs that are incurred in the running of the business are absorbed by Peter and other Board members.
 

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By making a gift you will be helping to look after these beautiful kids who have been through so much.
 
In order to help minimize administration, the preferred method of donation is via credit card through our automated on-line system (a small transaction fee from Visa & Mastercard will apply). Cheque, money order or direct deposit are also welcome.
 
If you wish to make a donation, please follow the Make a Donation link on this website.
 

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Regular donations are of great significance and if you would like to make a regular contribution and become part of our monthly sponsorship program, please click here for details.
 

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Absolutely! All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Hands has received Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement from the Australian Tax Office.
 

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The Hands team is constantly looking for motivated and inspirational people who would like to invest their time and skill in raising much needed funds. If this is you, please take a look at our Volunteer section for more information.
 

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It is very important to Hands that donors have complete visibility to how their contribution is being spent. It is also important that there is complete transparency in our accounting and management practices. The financials of Hands are completed by Sashi Vale and Associate Accountants and have been audited by WHK Howarth. The most recent Annual Report and Financial Statement is located on this site for general viewing by all supporters.
 
Our Board members all have access to view the Hands accounts and the activity statements are tabled at the monthly Board meeting. All projects and expenditure go through a detailed approval process and none of the funds donated are spent on administrative costs.
 

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It is very important that our donors have visibility to the outcomes achieved from their generous donations. We understand that you want to make a difference in the lives of the children impacted by the tsunami. Hands is committed to ensuring your are kept up to date with news of the incredible results that your donation has helped facilitate. As such, the success of our projects relies heavily on measurable outcomes and a visible improvement in the lives of the children we are helping.
 

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Absolutely! The ongoing cost of supporting each child is $100 AUD per month, or $30 AUD per month for the visiting, non-residential children.
 
If you would like to join our monthly sponsorship program please click here for more information.
 

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Throughout almost two decades Peter has experienced and led people through some of life’s most challenging events. He has come up against some of the most confronting natural disasters, accidents and acts of terrorism in recent times, making him one of Australia’s most experienced disaster management specialists. In recent years, Peter has led both national and international teams following the Bali bombings, the Waterfall train disaster and the Boxing Day Tsunami.
 
In addition to his charity work Peter also delivers powerful keynote presentations on what it takes to lead with integrity and compassion, in the most extraordinary of circumstances.
 
To find out more about Peter’s work, please visit his website.

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