Sallo Polak, founder and executive director of Philanthropy Connections Foundation (PCF), has been appointed a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his longstanding contribution to philanthropy and community development. The royal distinction was presented by Hilversum mayor Gerhard van den Top on 8th October in the Netherlands.
The honour came as a complete surprise to Sallo, 67, who believed he was attending a routine meeting with members of the PCF board and Rotary Club Hilversum International. Instead, he arrived at De Eendracht in Hilversum to find family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the occasion.
The Order of Orange-Nassau is a Dutch order of chivalry awarded to people who have made significant contributions to society. Recipients are recognised for their service across a range of fields, including education, culture, social welfare and community development.
For Sallo, the recognition reflects more than 15 years of work connecting grassroots organisations in Southeast Asia with donors and supporters in the Netherlands and elsewhere.
Founded in 2011, Philanthropy Connections works with local organisations supporting vulnerable communities in Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. The foundation helps these organisations access the funding and resources they need to provide education, healthcare, accommodation, vocational training and other essential services.
In a statement following the ceremony, Sallo dedicated the honour to the local leaders and community workers who carry out this work, often with limited resources and little public recognition. He hopes the award will bring greater attention to their projects and the communities they serve.
One of the organisations supported by Philanthropy Connections is Baan Unrak, a children’s home in Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi. Citylife continues to help raise awareness and funds for its work through fundraising events and this year’s Citylife Garden Fair.
Baan Unrak: A Home of Joy on the Myanmar Border
Founded in 1990, Baan Unrak, meaning ‘Home of Joy’, began by caring for one malnourished child whose mother had nowhere else to turn. Over the years, it grew into a community providing care, education and opportunities to hundreds of children and families.
Today, Baan Unrak cares for 137 children, many from vulnerable communities along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Sangkhlaburi is home to Mon, Karen and Burmese communities, and its proximity to Myanmar means that continuing conflict across the border has significant consequences for local families. Displacement, poverty and uncertain legal status can leave children particularly vulnerable, with limited access to education, healthcare and secure accommodation.
Baan Unrak provides these essentials while also developing practical skills and opportunities for greater independence. Its programmes include a school, women’s initiatives, weaving and sewing projects, and organic farming. The aim is to support the children in its care while also helping members of the wider community develop skills and sustainable livelihoods.
Through its partnership with Baan Unrak, Philanthropy Connections helps the organisation secure resources for its work and raise awareness of the needs of the children and families it serves.
Citylife editor-in-chief Pim Kemasingki recently visited Baan Unrak as an ambassador for Philanthropy Connections, meeting the people behind the organisation and learning about its work with children and families living close to the Myanmar border.
Her visit highlighted the importance of providing not only food, shelter and education, but also opportunities for young people to develop skills, build confidence and work towards independent futures.
Pim Kemasingki visits Baan Unrak in Sangkhlaburi to learn more about the children’s home and the work supported by Philanthropy Connections.
Citylife and Philanthropy Connections: A Longstanding Partnership
Citylife has supported and reported on the work of Philanthropy Connections for several years, highlighting the local organisations helping vulnerable communities along Thailand’s borders.
In 2019, Citylife supported fundraising for a learning centre in Mae Hong Son being supported by the foundation through the Citylife Garden Fair. Our coverage highlighted the centre’s work and the importance of practical support in helping young people access education and develop skills for the future.
Citylife is continuing this relationship through its annual Citylife Garden Fair. This year’s fair will dedicate 70% of its proceeds to Baan Unrak, supporting the children’s home through Philanthropy Connections.
The Garden Fair brings together hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors for a weekend of shopping, food, activities and community fundraising. This year’s contribution will help support Baan Unrak’s ongoing work providing care, education and opportunities for children in a region where resources can be limited.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting established local organisations that understand the needs of their communities and are working to address them.
137 Pillars of Hope: An Evening That Raised Over 420,000 Baht for Children
On Sunday, 18th October, Philanthropy Connections hosted 137 Pillars of Hope: Thread of Hope, a fundraising evening at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai dedicated to supporting the 137 children at Baan Unrak.
The evening raised over 420,000 baht for the children, a significant contribution towards supporting their care, safety and education.
Guests enjoyed an art exhibition, live and silent auctions, live performances and a buffet dinner with free-flow drinks. Performers included Lanna Commins and Jonas Dept, helping make the evening a celebration of generosity, community and the power of collective action.
With tickets priced at 3,500 baht per person, the event brought together Chiang Mai residents, businesses and supporters of Philanthropy Connections to raise funds and awareness for Baan Unrak.
The money raised will help the children’s home continue its work providing a safe environment, education and opportunities for children growing up in a region where poverty, displacement and limited resources can make the future uncertain.
Citylife is proud to have supported this initiative and will continue fundraising for Baan Unrak through the Citylife Garden Fair in November, with 70% of proceeds going to the children’s home through Philanthropy Connections.
Sallo’s appointment as a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau brings international recognition to his work and the foundation he established. In dedicating the honour to the people working directly with vulnerable communities, he has emphasised the importance of the local leaders and organisations at the heart of PCF’s mission.
Citylife congratulates Sallo on this recognition and is proud to continue supporting Philanthropy Connections and its partner organisations. The success of 137 Pillars of Hope is a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support children who need it most.
Citylife Garden Fair: Supporting Baan Unrak
This November, 70% of proceeds from the Citylife Garden Fair will support Baan Unrak through Philanthropy Connections, helping provide care, education and opportunities for the 137 children at the home.
