Wat Lao honours volunteers at grand opening

The board of directors of Wat Lao Veluwanh, by Mayor Marolyn Morrison, handed out Thank You Awards to the many individuals, groups and organizations who helped out for the grand opening of the facility July 1 at its location on Airport Road just north of Caledon East.

Since the beginning of the construction of Sala, Wat Lao Veluwanh was in great need of funds to support the construction.

The board of directors and sub-committees of Wat Lao Veluwanh have organized many fund-raising events throughout the year and Wat Lao has received support from the community financially and morally.

The board of directors of Wat Lao Veluwanh presented the Thank You Award to the following groups, organizations and individuals at its grand opening celebration July 1:

* Somboun Leuangthong of Vientiane Super Market who lent delivery trucks at no cost to Wat Lao Veluwanh every time Wat Lao organized outdoor fundraising events. He donated money to build dragons at the front entrance. These two dragons are being built in the next project.

* A group from Guelph who were sanding and sanding. It's a dusty job but somebody has to do it. The workers included Khamsy Siharath, Bounpanh Duangvichit, Bounsou Sanoubane, Phoukham Sanoubane, Keo Sanoubane, Somsay Xayavong, Khith Manotham, Khong Chanthasy and Nouanchanh Phimsipasom.

* Daongeun Siharath, an organized group of volunteers from Newmarket-Aurora who installed ceramic tiles.

* Bouapha/Manivanh Simmalavong who handled public relations in the Newmarket-Aurora region as well as the decoration of stages and area at almost every event that Wat Lao organized for the fundraising.

* Somdet Kanlagna who did the research and design of the front gable - Sina decoration as Lao like.

* Bountheung Souvanh who did all the carving for all these ornaments on the front gable.

* Grandma Keo Sriworasarn who did an excellent job selling raffle tickets.

* N o u x e n g Pathammavong who's been an exceptional MC at almost every event Wat Lao organized.

* Somphone Sisombath who directed and supervised parking. Rain or shiny day doesn't stop him.

* Phinith Pathoumthong, president of the festival many times with recordbreaking revenue every year.

* Grandpa Khene Sourignavong who coordinate various religious events.

* Lad Rak, who gave very valuable engineering instruction and advice, such as studying the soil before construction begins; how to build a road for a concrete truck; analyze the strength of the concrete mix on the foundation; continuous support. * V i l a y p h o n e

Skounphong who did an excellent job selling raffle tickets.

* T o m Pravongviengkham who gave engineering assistance and design as follows all rendering drawings of Sala designs; road survey for road construction; design of the front stair, side stair and back deck.

* Phutthasatry from Guelph - They are: Sengvilay Xayarath, Keo Chanthavong, Khemphet Chanthavong, Vilayphone Chanthavong, Khammouane Xayabanha.who did an excellent job serving cold drinks with big smiles under the hot and sunny day during the fund-raising festival. They also did some paintings at the Sala.

* Somboun Vongsavanthong who offered his expertise in first aid services during the summer festivals.

* Lao Soccer League of Ontario which managed a soccer tournament for the summer festivals. They brought teams from various organizations. They have been doing for the past five years.

* Lao Community of Brampton which organized fund-raising to sponsor the front gable of Sala decoration.

* Community of Newmarket-Aurora which organized fund-raising to sponsor the name and logo.

* Lao Association of Hamilton-Wentworth which supervised parking and control traffic during summer festival and install fire route signs.

* Lao Chinese A s s o c i a t i o n / S o u v a t h Bunjongphanith which donated front doors with very beautiful carving. They are on the way to Canada now.