An Elgin Park Secondary student is asking for community support as she prepares a jewelry and clothing fundraiser for Mother’s Day.
Annie Chiang said the Sunday sale at her South Surrey home will also double as a recruiting session for her non-profit organization, Wh-Care, which focuses on providing support for White Rock’s elderly community and the conservation of water.
“When I first came to Canada, I didn’t really know what volunteering was,” Chiang, who emigrated from China last year, explained. “I didn’t understand the importance of it. Once I discovered volunteering, I was going to events or organizations and working for a few hours.”
While Chiang enjoyed volunteering, she felt that she wasn’t making the impact she wanted.
Taking inspiration from the water by White Rock beach and noting the large senior population in her community, the 17-year-old decided to start her own organization in February.
“Going to the sea, and seeing how beautiful it is, it made me realize how maybe we don’t appreciate it as much as we should,” she said.
Chiang also discovered the large senior population, which, like the water, was key to community.
“There are so many senior homes in White Rock, and there are many elderly people moving to White Rock,” she said. “I started working on a research project to find out why that was, and then I thought they could use more support.”
“This is the community we live in. I think it’s important that we explore and discover.”
With the funds raised from the Mother’s Day sale, Chiang plans to make donations to senior retirement communities, as well as environmental organizations.
The sale is the second fundraiser Chiang and her team have held. In March, Wh-Care held a fundraiser, bringing in more than $1,000.
“I feel really accomplished and I feel really happy that people are really hearing our voice and trying to help support this organization.
The cash-only sale will begin at 10 a.m. at 2198 129B St.
For more information or to volunteer, visit www.wh-care.com or contact Annie at 604-773-8596 or 604-725-8596.