January 2005 » Peter was deployed to Phuket to lead the disaster victim identification efforts.

October 2005 » Hands Across the Water was formed and Peter started raising funds.

August 2006 » The first orphanage opened.

September 2006 » Hands commits to continuing to support the ongoing running costs of the orphanage.

December 2006 » Hands Board was formed.

May 2008 » Truck, buses and motorbikes are purchased for the orphanage to transport the children.

October 2008 » 40 acre rubber plantation purchased to provide a regular income stream and move the orphanage towards longer-term self sustainability.

November 2008 » Deductible Gift Recipient Status awarded to Hands by the Australian Tax Office.

November 2008 » Hands Across the Water coffee table book launched.

January 2009 » Inaugural Bangkok to Khao Lak bike ride raises nearly $200,000 AUD and the second orphanage is officially opened in Baan Tharn Namchai with over 1,000 community members attending the ceremony  watch video.

May 2009 » Hands agrees to fund the construction of the community education and health care centre.

June 2009 » Hands enters into a joint venture with Victoria University to provide a three tier education strategy – developing programs such as teacher and student exchange programs, intensive English training for the staff of the orphanage and the community and supporting the children in their secondary and tertiary education.

August 2009 » Additional land is acquired adjoining the Rubber Plantation and Palm trees are planted to produce Palm oil to diversify and expand the Orphanages income stream.

January 2010 » 34 Riders join in the 2010 Bike Ride and raise over $390,000 AUD.  Stones laid to commemorate the start of construction of the community education and health care centre.   watch video

March 2010 »  Hands Board endorses support of a new orphanage in the Yasothon Region, 530km north of Bangkok, called Suthasinee Noiin Foundation.  watch video