Donation scandals involving foundations continue to arise. Recently, a foundation aiding distressed animals faced allegations of embezzling donations. Reporters asked about this. Aum Patcharapa Chaichua The superstar actress and animal lover, who regularly donates to help dogs and cats, was asked about this issue during the “AumAum Central Westgate” event on the first floor of Central Westgate shopping center.
“There have been investigations into some dog-related foundations we've donated to. How do you feel? Are you uneasy?”
Aum Patcharapa: "We don’t really know if the claims are true or false. I can’t say much, but as a donor and helper, I just look at where I trust and donate there."
“When you donate to help dogs, how do you verify that the donations are used properly?”
Aum Patcharapa: "Sometimes I don’t check much. I watch TikTok or Instagram occasionally, just praying to help a particular case before transferring money. They know I sent it. Sometimes I bring dogs to events; I don’t even want to take money for appearances. I put money into envelopes and transfer it right away. I don’t want to keep much."
“You don’t worry about how the money might be used?”
Aum Patcharapa: "Now I do (smiles). Last month I didn’t think much; I just wanted to help and saw they genuinely cared. If they use a little for themselves, it’s understandable. Nowadays, paying staff is necessary. I keep dogs myself, and I know expenses are high. One person isn’t enough; you have to hire many people. But I don’t accept donations; I use all my own money."
“Has anyone asked you to act as a middleman?”
Aum Patcharapa: "No, and I’m glad they don’t. I’m comfortable handling it myself."
“Previously, there were images of dog and cat food discarded everywhere. How did you feel seeing that?”
Aum Patcharapa: "It’s heartbreaking. I care for over 100 dogs; imagine how many sacks of food we use daily and their weight. Sometimes, we don’t know why donated food is thrown away—maybe due to flooding or other reasons we don’t hear or understand."
“People call you the angel of stray dogs and other animals?”
Aum Patcharapa: "If I had more money, I’d help more. But since I have only so much, I help as much as I can."
“Will you be more cautious and verify more in the future?”
Aum Patcharapa: "I admit I might have to visit places myself from now on. Before, I preferred just to transfer money. Now, I think I’ll buy supplies myself. But when people think about buying goods, the caregivers really have high medical expenses. Treating one dog with cancer can cost hundreds of thousands baht, and there are many dogs. Each place needs funds like us. If donors only give goods without money, they can’t sustain it."
“For medical bills, will the other party send slips or receipts?”
Aum Patcharapa: "Sometimes when I transfer large amounts—several tens of thousands—I ask if I can pay directly to the hospital for a specific case. Some hospitals agree; some don’t. Recently, hospitals seem more accepting."
“So you put money under a dog’s name, then let the dog’s caretaker manage it. They then reconcile the balance. If you’re uncomfortable transferring money to a person, but that person needs funds for travel, staff wages, cleaning cages, and so forth.”
“So it depends on appropriateness?”
Aum Patcharapa: "Yes, maybe give them less, and cover medical and food costs fully. Don’t give up on donating. I was shocked hearing what you said earlier (laughs). It’s okay."
"I won’t give up. But after reading such news, I feel like stopping. Still, I can’t quit. People like me work hard behind the scenes. But I don’t accept donations from anyone, so please don’t send money (waves refusal and smiles). The dog food I have came only from Madame Fin, who has given me food 2–3 times; otherwise, I don’t get food donations."
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