Volunteer in Action
“Volunteering” is more than dedication, it is an investment in the future
The Mirror Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization working intensively to create social change in multiple dimensions, by helping people in vulnerable situations and offering opportunities through projects designed with a deep understanding of both society and beneficiaries. At the SX TALK STAGE during SUSTAINABILITY EXPO 2025, Sombat Boonngamanong, President of the Mirror Foundation, shared his perspectives and lessons learned from building a volunteer force of tens of thousands through various initiatives. He also presented examples of volunteer projects that have made Thai society a better place to live.
Sombat began by challenging society’s perceptions of the word “volunteer.” He recalled a graduate professor once asking students: “When you hear the word volunteer, what comes to mind?” The answers varied, some saw volunteering as unwise, while others felt it was a form of disadvantage.
He illustrated his point with the story of “Teacher Yui” from the Foundation for the Better Life of Children, who dedicated himself to helping homeless people. His motivation came from his daughter, and he once said: “Investing in street children is investing in the future environment of my daughter.” This reflects foresight and the belief that volunteer work is not merely sacrifice but an investment in building social sustainability.
Another remarkable example was the 2004 tsunami crisis. A volunteer center was set up, bringing together more than 5,000 people from around the world. One of the most moving stories was of a German family who lost a loved one in the disaster. Instead of relying on antidepressants, they chose to return to Thailand as volunteers, helping other victims who had suffered the same fate. Their story underscored that volunteering can be one of the most powerful forms of emotional healing.
The House Cleaning Volunteer Project further demonstrated that, despite exhausting and laborious work, volunteers still smiled as they helped homeowners reclaim their lives. Sombat showed a photograph of a homeowner standing with volunteers after the cleanup and asked: “Even though the work is heavy, they smile. Do you still think volunteer work is a losing deal, or unwise as some say?”
He also highlighted the Forest Firefighting Volunteer Project, aimed at tackling severe PM2.5 and PM10 pollution in northern Thailand. Most forest fires there are ground fires, which are not difficult to extinguish if volunteers can access the sites. The challenge lies in transporting water and equipment. To address this, the Foundation is piloting the use of highly mobile off-road e-bikes to carry seven liters of water uphill—a creative use of technology to meet complex challenges.
Another initiative, the Volunteer Companion Project, shed light on the deeper social issue faced by people with disabilities in Thailand. The problem lies not in their numbers but in a society that denies them full participation in life due to attitudes and inadequate infrastructure. Volunteers step in as personal assistants, accompanying people with disabilities to the sea, planetariums, or amusement parks. These experiences reaffirm that all they need are supportive companions and accessible infrastructure to live fully.
Currently, the Mirror Foundation engages around 15,000-20,000 rotating volunteers who support its ongoing work. For instance, the Full Force Volunteer Project mobilized up to 15,000 volunteers to manage donations during the recent floods. This demonstrated the power of collective action and systematic organization, ensuring that volunteer efforts continue effectively.
In conclusion, volunteering is the foundation for building strong citizens and a sustainable society. It is something everyone can do according to their capacity and skills. From these case studies, one clear lesson emerges: we must all be ready to adapt to new challenges, and volunteerism is the driving spirit that fuels both personal growth and a truly sustainable future for society.
