If you’ve been following any of my tweets or Facebook posts for the past year, you would know that my latest volunteer venture has been with the Mon Sheong Foundation. They’re a Canadian, non-profit organization promoting awareness of the Chinese culture, caring for the elderly and providing leadership opportunities to youth. Supported by a strong team of young volunteers, I’m co-chairing our third Trip to China this year, leading a group of twenty youth aged 18 – 30 for an eye-opening experience halfway across the world! We’ll be visiting Shanghai, Xian (ancient city of China), Jinan and Beijing over the course of 15 days from August 18^th – September 1^st. The trip is all about taking Canadian-born-Chinese youth out of their comfort zones, and enlightening them through an entire program throughout the summer jam-packed with pre-departure workshops, Mandarin lessons, and a full-blown business challenge with all proceeds directed to restoring the Lord Mengchang Mausoleum.

Sweetest surprise ever from our participants presented to us at our Trip to China Appreciation BBQ!

Inspired by Impact Microcredit, our participants were split into teams and given $50 in seed money with the goal of turning that over 10x into $500 each. With the goal in mind, the five different teams have been working tirelessly to raise as much money as possible during the month of July. We saw events from painting studios, to photography lessons, to mix and mingle events, night out at the Comedy Club, Beach Volleyball tournament, bowling night, you name it – we got it! I learned so many new things such as how to 3D Chinese bead, got a chance to spend a day in the sun, painted two of my very own paintings and practically rekindled my love for perler beads July was not an easy month for the participants or the organizers but I’m so proud of everyone for pulling through the blood, sweat and tears (literally). We’ll be sharing the results with everyone soon but suffice to say, this year’s participants have already blown it out of the water with their dedication, commitment and team work!

Beach Volleyball Tournament Day @ Woodbine Beach!

Even though the Development Challenge is now over, our fundraising efforts are still going STRONG! We’re lucky to be teaming up with Amy’s Food Adventures, an up and coming foodie blogger based out of Toronto who makes absolutely delectable cupcakes. Amy has generously agreed to donate her time to help us sell cupcakes with 75% of the proceeds going to the cause and we can’t thank her enough! Described as Fluffy Matcha Green Tea Cupcake with a Honey Cream Cheese Frosting, or  Sponge Vanilla Cupcake with a Fresh Strawberry Frosting or even better, Moist Chocolate Cupcake with a Coffee Buttercream Frosting, how could you say no!? Try one, or try them all at only $10 for half a dozen order! For more details, check out our Facebook event at Cupcakes <3 China.

Cupcakes <3 China

If cupcakes aren’t your thing (who ARE YOU?!), we’re also accepting donations on our website at www.thecraize.com. Any amount and support is much appreciated!

14 days left until we go to China.. I can’t believe it’s almost here!!!

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