Fu Hui Gala raised over $500,000 to establish libraries for students in China and Canada 

Fu Hui Education Foundation held its 13th annual gala on Friday, June 23, at Premiere Ballroom and Convention Centre, raising over $500,000. Almost 900 guests attended the gala, spending a memorable and meaningful evening together for a very worthy cause.

Gala guests witnessed the transformation of the students from China's remote mountain regions over the years as well as learning about Canada's First Nations culture through live dance and song performances. Fifty Chinese library corners were quickly funded by donations at the event while the silent auction and charity bazaar were also warmly received by guests. Fu Hui chair Stanley Kwan and Fu Hui president Judy San extended their sincere appreciation for all the support and committed to continuing to work hard to meet the needs of the children.

This year's gala theme is "Respect and Knowledge are Sown When Young". Fu Hui strives to help children develop from a young age virtues such as respect and knowledge through reading and learning. This year's objective is to buy books for the Fu Hui children from kindergarten to grade three.  Fundraising goal is $500,000 to be used to set up library corners in Fu Hui classrooms in China and First Nations classrooms in Canada.

Because of resource constraints, Canada's First Nations children do not have adequate library facilities in most of their schools, significantly affecting their learning. As a Canadian charity, Fu Hui has decided to help the First Nations community.

Fu Hui Chair Stanley Kwan explained in his presentation that Fu Hui has partnered with former prime minister Paul Martin's family foundation. He pointed out the similarities between First Nations children and Liangshan children in Sichuan. Since Mr. Martin has long admired Fu Hui's work and perseverence, he invited Fu Hui to work with him. Kwan says that "This is the best gift we can give for Canada 150." A video greeting from Mr. Martin was shown at the gala, where Fu Hui executives presented representatives from the Martin Family Foundation with a cheque for $300,000 to build six libraries.

Since Fu Hui was established in 2004, over 16,000 Chinese students have been given help, according to President Judy San. Currently, Fu Hui is supporting over 4600 students in 100 Chinese cities, ranging from preschools to universities and trade schools. The first group of students from 13 years ago are now adults, making their own way in society and helping others in gratitude for the support they've received.  Ms. San explained that Fu Hui values nurturing good behaviour and a strong moral character. Their approach to education is  endorsed by local governments and promoted to other charitable organizations. Fu Hui will continue to develop and refine this education strategy.

Vice President Mr Michael Ma spent time detailing the status of children whose lives were changed when Fu Hui stepped in to help their education. 

This year's gala Co-Charis, Professor Wendy Chan and Mr. Jacky Ma, are enthusiastic Fu Hui volunteers. Professor Chan has volunteered for 10 years and has been to Liangshan many times. For two years, she led groups of Canadian students on trips to Liangshan to help run girls summer camps. As an English professor, she is well aware of the importance of reading as part of children's education. 

This year's gala theme focuses on the prime ages for developing literacy - from preschool to grade 3. Fu Hui has  funded nearly 150 library corners in the past 2 years. The impact on literacy is clearly shown in the book reports the students submit. Fu Hui plans to extend library corners to include preschool and to classes in schools that are not within the Fu Hui program. 

Mr. Jacky Ma is a long time supporter of Fu Hui activities and has joined three of the groups over the years to visit the Fu Hui children . For the tenth consecutive year, Mr.  Ma has provided all food and services for the gala at no charge to Fu Hui. He was presented with a plaque at the gala as a token of appreciation.

 

The evening's guests included Mr. and Mrs. He Wei, China's consul general in Toronto. Mr. he thanked Fu Hui for its contribution to education in china, pledging his ongoing support for Fu Hui's endeavours. The gala's co-hosts were Richmond Hill city councillor Castro Liu and DJ Rebecca Liu. Besides hosting, Ms. Liu also performed two beautiful songs - Dear Child and Grateful Heart. Grateful Heart is a favourite of Fu Hui students. Fu Hui board of directors and other volunteers performed the song in sign language as Ms. Liu sang. A moving moment for all. In addition, Suzanne Smoke, First Nations educator, lead a group in First Nation dance. Later Ms. smoke performed a native song as the dinner winded down.

 

The gala organizers wish to thank key sponsors Toronto Hong Kong Lions Club. Other sponsors included Soprano Handbags & Accessories, Creative Path, BLIA, Browne & Co, The Great Lakes College of Toronto, Jay & Chui Group-Scotia Wealth Management、Liu Fu Yu Charity Foundation, Mandarin, MBB Law, Ms Niem Yung, Peak Garden, Shun Hing Noodle, Shing Sou Tam Trust, Tai Pan Tours, Trade World,  Mr Wei Chengyi , Kenny Wan Chartered Accountant.