Athena founded the Sunshine Foundation in the fifth grade, after she was invited to host a fundraising concert for an international-level charity organization. This experience introduced her to the world of philanthropy, and throughout several fundraising events, Athena was exposed to the many local and global causes that calls for our awareness. At the concert, Athena unexpectedly became the top fundraiser despite being twelve years old, which empowered her to realize the positive difference that youth can make within their communities.
Inspired, Athena sought greater involvement in the organization’s activities, but encountered a challenge. As a student-athlete regularly competing in weekend tournaments, Athena faced the difficulty of attending the regular Saturday meetings. Speaking with other youth in the community, she understood that many faced the same obstacle, despite sharing a vision of creating positive change in the world.
Athena and her sister devised a solution, establishing the Sunshine Foundation, a nonprofit charity that sought to eliminate barriers to entry and participation for youth. As long as individuals were willing to contribute, scheduling is flexible. Rather than adhering to fixed meeting times, the foundation adopted a unique clubs-based model that coordinates events with greater consideration for individual availability. This approach garnered the support from many in the community, and today, the foundation has rapidly grown from two members to hundreds and thousands.
The foundation’s operational model has received much-valued international recognition and endorsements from ambassadors of the United Nations, federal representatives, provincial legislators, school officials, and other community leaders and educators.
In six years, the Sunshine Foundation has expanded to six international branches, and Athena hopes that the foundation’s story will inspire more youth to join! Founded on the value of dedication and compassion, the foundation hopes to demonstrate that whether in the philanthropic world or beyond, challenges can serve as opportunities for change—and that anyone can make a difference!
Our History
Since our establishment in 2018, we has expanded to encompass 31 clubs while raising funds for the following organizations:
1) $3,090 – Donation to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
2) $500 – Donation to Maple Grove Elementary School
1) $1,500 – Donation to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
2) $1,000 – Donation Maple Grove Elementary School
3) $500 – Donation to Royal Diamond Orphanage in Nigeria of school bags and clothing
4) $4,000 – Donation to the 39th Canadian Brigade Group for continuing education
5) $5,000 – Donation to The University Transition Program at the University of British Columbia towards teaching facilities
6) $350 – Donation to Maple Grove Elementary School, respectively for students’ science competition in the US
1) $8,900 – Donation to Covid-19: shortly after the pandemic was declared we fundraised and donated a total of $8,900 to the Vancouver General Hospital
2) $3,100 – Donation to Covid-19: shortly after the pandemic was declared we fundraised and donated a total of to the Vancouver General Hospital April 2, 2020
3) $2,350 – Donation to Covid-19: shortly after the pandemic was declared we fundraised and donated a total of to the Vancouver General Hospital October 2020
4) $3,600 – Donation to Covid-19: shortly after the pandemic was declared we fundraised and donated a total of to the Vancouver General Hospital November 2020
5) $10, 000 – Donation of protective masks to Wuhan, China, through the International Red Cross for hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic
6) $5,887 – Donation of 51 boxes containing 2,550 3M protective suits to hospitals in Wuhan, China, through the International Red Cross during the COVID-19 pandemic
7) $2,600 – Donation of 10 laptops to the Vancouver School Board to support disadvantaged children’s online learning during lockdown
8) $2,960 – Donation of 12 laptops and iPads to the YMCA Christian Shelter to support online learning for children from low-income and single-parent families during lockdown
9) Donations to support Lytton, BC, following a forest fire – supplies included blankets, clothing, school backpacks, and non-perishable food for residents who lost their homes
1) $4,700 – Donation by cheque to Vancouver General Hospital (February 24 – March 10, 2021)
2) $10,650 – Donation by cheque to Vancouver General Hospital (March 5, 2021)
3) $12,000 – Donation by cheque to Vancouver General Hospital (September 15, 2021)
1）$5,000 – Donation by cheque to Vancouver General Hospital (June 26, 2022)
2）$2,185 – Donation by cheque to Vancouver General Hospital (September 9, 2022)
3）$386 – Donation by cheque to Vancouver General Hospital (September 24, 2022)
1) $1,000 – Donation to the 39th Canadian Brigade Group for continuing education (June 23, 2023)
2) $3,000 – Donation to Vancouver General Hospital (June 23, 2023)
3) $300 – Donation to the Richmond Hospital Foundation (November 8, 2023)
1) $4,000 – Donation to Richmond Hospital raised during the annual Sunshine fundraising event and the Math Club’s fundraising efforts (June 16, 2024)
2) $1,000 – Donation to BC Children’s Hospital raised during a community cultural festival (August 8, 2024)
3) $1,050 – Donation to Vancouver General Hospital raised during the SSG public speaking competition (September 7, 2024)
Our Timelines
The Sunshine Foundation unites youth representing an eclectic range of passions - squash to photography to debate. Clubs, such as the Cooking Club and Math Club, seek to foster community amongst those with a shared interest while organizing fundraisers and charity sales for medical research, hospital supplies, public school textbooks, and more.
January 18 Team Math Attack Contest
The Sunshine Foundation was excited to sponsor Vancouver’s third iteration of the Team Math Attack Contest. With generous venue support from the University of British Columbia, this contest was attended by 218 competitors from 82 schools across the province.
This contest aimed to bring together the emerging math enthusiasts of BC, and it was heartwarming to see many returning competitors reunite and new competitors meet. At this team-based contest, students also competed in a group format that highlighted the shared excitement that collaboration brings to math. The contest was also many students’ first introduction to competitive mathematics, and through amplifying the encouragement and confidence that a team spirit can bring, the contest hoped to inspire many to enter a lifelong journey of exploration and passion for mathematics.
Through a live virtual call, the participants also had an opportunity to connect with 462 enthusiastic young mathematicians across the nations, who were competing simultaneously in their own contest divisions of the contest.
Congratulations to all competitors! Thank you for the immense courage, creative mathematical thinking, and inspiring energy that you have all brought to the contest this year.
February 2025 – Volunteer Support for BC Provincial Election Campaign
February 15, 2025 – Provincial Legislators Organized a Community Event Promoting Cultural Exchange
Date: February 15, 11:30-3:00
Location: City Center Community Center
5900 Minoru Blvd, Richmond
February 23 – Sunshine Foundation Youth Leadership Training Seminar
February 24 – Volunteering for Member of Parliament Elections
February 25 – Krispy Kreme Fundraiser for Medical Care
March 8, 2025 – Concert of Sunshine Music Club President Shawn Zhao, Celebrating Mother’s Day and Fundraising for Medical Care
March 19, 2025 – at the Global Trade Exhibition
Representatives from the Chinese Consulate delivered a speech promoting Chinese-Canadian friendship and trade.
March 21, 2025 – Eight rendition of the Sunshine Youth Executive Team Elections
March 30, 2025 – Workshop organized by Sunshine Aerospace Club
Featuring a flight competition and lessons on creating and modelling plane designs
Volunteering for the Federal Election Campaign
Burnaby Central riding, candidate James Yan. Foundation co-president Luck Sun interviewed MP candidate James, hosting a discussion on youth participation in politics and community development
Address: 2548 Kingsway, Burnaby
Date: April 19
April 21, 2025 – Sunshine Foundation Youth Leadership Seminar for Leadership Training and Team Building
May 3 to May 5, 2025 – Sunshine Fencing Club Volunteering Event for the World Fencing Championships
November 9 Mathematical Exchange Seminar
Athena was honoured to welcome Professor Poh-Shen Loh, former coach of the U.S. Math Olympiad Team and current professor at Carnegie Mellon University, who flew in from the U.S. to engage with our community at Sunshine Math Club. Professor Loh shared his passion for mathematics, opening new windows into the world of numbers and problem-solving. His presentation highlighted the many innovative ways we can interact with math, from Artificial Intelligence and team-based mathematics to the intersections of math with drama and public speaking.
In his inspiring talk, Professor Loh explored how math helps us navigate the world with creative solutions. The event, held on November 9, 2024, brought together students, parents, and math enthusiasts for an enriching experience that sparked new perspectives and ways of thinking. The session left many participants feeling energized and excited.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Professor Loh for his generous, free-of-charge contribution to this event. His insights were invaluable, and we look forward to the upcoming 2025 Team Math Attack Contest in January, where we will continue to cheer on our young learners. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing free math education, we welcome inquiries about our expanding math programs and courses.
Let’s continue to inspire and nurture the love for math together!
October 5 Sunshine Foundation Volunteers Support the Election of Teresa WAT
September 23 Sunshine Foundation Support Election
New Club Ceremony
Richmond Hospital Foundation Visit
Vancouver on the Rock + Historian Journal
September 22, 2024 Sunshine Volunteers Supported the Election
Sunshine Clubs Accumulated More Than 100 Volunteers Supported the Election in Two Days.
September 21, 2024 Sunshine Volunteers Supported the Provincial Councilors’ Election
Sunshine Volunteer Youths Supported Community Development and Councilors’ Election, including Holding Signs on the Street, Knocking on Doors, and Encouraging Residents to Vote.
September 7, 2024 The third SSG speech contest
Many young leaders of the Sunshine Foundation will work together with the leaders of the speech club. After several months of preparation, speakers will be recruited. The three leaders of the speech club will provide free teaching and tutoring during the summer vacation. The activities are exciting and interesting. Each speaker and their parents have expressed praise and gratitude. The speech contest helps them exercise and grow and discover the charm of speech.
August 9, 2024 The international conference will be held online
Sunshine Youth held an international youth community development conference through zoom. Representatives from six countries: Russia, India, China, Australia, Canada, and the United States introduced their respective community cultures and discussed the status of community development and volunteers, looking forward to finding the point of convergence between community development and integration.
August 2024 The Minister of Multicultural Affairs
The Minister of Multicultural Affairs will support the organization of community cultural activities, and the Sunshine Foundation will provide volunteers to support community development.
August 2024 The donation ceremony for the Vancouver Children’s Hospital
At the donation ceremony for the Vancouver Children’s Hospital, four young leaders of the Sunshine Foundation – Athena, Luck, Cynthia, and Peter, came to the Children’s Hospital to make on-site donations, and had in-depth exchanges with the head of the hospital foundation, bringing back feedback information. Everyone expressed their continued efforts to raise funds for improving community medical care.
July 2024 The Sunshine United Community hosted a community cultural festival charity sale
We thank the Minister of Multiculturalism Teresa Wat’s team for bringing many communities cultural brochures, tips on integrating into community life, city maps, stationery, etc. to residents for free. Sunshine holds an annual charity sale for medical fundraising; we thank every family who donated love and extended a helping hand. This year’s charity sale raised $1,000 for the Vancouver Children’s Hospital.
July 1st, 2024 Parade Canada Day
Sunshine 7th Annual Fundraising and Awards Ceremony
initiated a fundraising for Richmond Hospital. This event raised $4,000, which was donated to Richmond Hospital on the spot. The event was a complete success. The event site commended the Sunshine Youth for their outstanding contributions to the community in a year. We hope that through the awarding of awards, we will inspire everyone to continue to work hard for community change and encourage more young people around us to join us to make changes and influence the community.
June 2024 Sunshine Graduates Sharing Session
Share their growth in the more than 4 years of Sunshine Foundation. Volunteers contribute to the community and improve themselves, and encourage young people to volunteer to promote academic and life growth. Every year, the graduates’ sharing session will bring valuable experience to the next batch of students and inspire more families to pay attention to the community.
Graduates of this year:
Admitted to Stanford -Richard Wang, founder and chairman of Sunshine Environmental Club
Admitted to Harvard – Ocean MA, founder and chairman of Sunshine Squash Club
Admitted to Yale – Spring, founder and chairman of Sunshine Squash Club
Admitted to Wharton – Juliya Guo, founder and chairman of Sunshine IT Club
Admitted to Columbia – Tinkly Xiang, one of the founders and vice chairman of Sunshine Art Club, and the sixth vice chairman of Sunshine
Admitted to New York Academy of Art – Taira LI, founder and chairman of Sunshine Art Club
Admitted to New York University – Angela, chairman of Sunshine DIY Club
Admitted to IVY Business School – Jack Fan, founder and chairman of Sunshine Food Club,
Thanks to Sunshine 2024 graduates for sharing, learning about their college application and hard work, hoping to inspire younger students to work harder. The leaders of Sunshine Clubs are admitted to good universities because of their common good qualities, and their dedication to serving the community for many years deserves our praise.
May 5, 2024 The Sunshine Club provides volunteers to support multicultural activities
April 2024 The Sunshine Mathematics Club
The Sunshine Mathematics Club held a mathematics sharing session and mathematics courses to raise funds for medical care.
February 23, 2024 Promote community activities
Athena, president of the Sunshine Club, was invited to host a cultural event organized by the Minister of Multiculturalism of BC Province, including Chinese New Year celebrations, singing and dancing performances, and many provincial leaders came to interact with community residents to promote friendship links between neighbors.
January 20, 2023 the Sunshine Club and the community celebrated the New Year Parade
Canadian President Trudeau and congressional leaders came to the scene in downtown Vancouver to participate in the annual Chinese New Year Parade. People used costumes and costumes with singing and dancing culture to carry out parade displays to promote multicultural exchanges. Unite the community and link friendship.
Media shooting and promotion in 2023
Carry out speeches, sharing, and promotion. The Sunshine Foundation History Club cooperated with Thnkly, vice chairman of the Painting Club, to advocate the use of stone painting art to present historical stories, promote cultural and historical exchanges, and advocate young people to like history and learn from the wisdom of their predecessors. Thanks to Mingde College and painter Hu Jun as teachers, coaching students in painting art, promoting history and art for the development of Vancouver in the past century.
Sunshine supported children in the mountainous areas of Qinghai
Sunshine supported children in the mountainous areas of Qinghai, and the Sunshine Foundation Youth Focused on the Community – Entering the International Low-income Group – Paying Attention to the Education and Development of Children in Mountainous Areas – Donating Books and Books to Help Primary School and Kindergarten Children Change their Learning and Living Environment.
May 5, 2023 the press conference
The 100-year history of Vancouver was officially launched. With the strong support of many media and the government, Athena, the Sunshine History Club, and Thnkly, the Sunshine Painting Club, as youth advocates, initiated the integration of history and painting art to promote multicultural development. Thanks to Mingde College and artist Hu Jun for their strong support and help, they launched the promotion and exhibition of Vancouver on Stone, advocating young people to pay attention to history, art, environmental protection, and promote multiculturalism. On July 1, 2023, Canada Day, Vancouver on Stone will be exhibited in Stanley Park, Vancouver.
The Sunshine Foundation prepared a TED speech event
Sunshine Club representatives Athena, Cynthia, Yu, cooperated with IT Club Juliya Peter and Painting Club Thnkly, Gourmet Club Jack, and several other young leaders to jointly plan and organize TED speech events, hoping to advocate young people to step out of their comfort zone and devote themselves to community development through speeches and sharing.
The TED Speech was Held Successfully
Several leaders of the Sunshine Club, after several months of promotion, recruitment, event planning, organization, the event was a complete success. Received strong praise from Magee School and hundreds of families and audiences in the community. Thanks to Mingde College and Thnkly for their support and help. Thanks to the solidarity and mutual assistance from the Sunshine family.
June 2023 Sunshine’s 6th Annual Fundraising Event
A large-scale fundraising event held by the Sunshine Foundation every year, received support and encouragement from the United Nations ambassadors, members of Congress, and provincial legislators and principals. Thanks to many media for their support and coverage. The event site awarded young leaders for their outstanding contributions to the community during the year. And encourage more young people to devote themselves to community development.
November 18, 2023 Donate to Rescue Provincial Legislators
Sunshine youth representatives Athena and Alan Liang participated in the Royal Mounted Police and community charity fundraising event. The fundraising action was full of suspense and fun. Provincial legislator Teresa Wat was first imprisoned in a makeshift prison cell by the police, and then the caring people donated money to rescue her. Mayor Malcolm Brodie, the Sunshine Foundation, and the community worked together to rescue and lend a hand. Every participant is the weaver of this warm story. Thanks to the generosity of community residents and caring people. It is with everyone’s participation and contribution that our community becomes warmer and full of love. This jail bail is not only a warm fundraising event, but also a display of community cohesion and love. Let us remember this moment, for our community, let us continue to move forward hand in hand. Light up every corner with love.
January 7, 2022 Sunshine held the second speech contest
Sunshine Club Athena, ERIC and Cynthia supported the Sunshine Speech Club to hold the second SSG speech contest, which was greatly praised by teenagers and families, and provided a stage for teenagers and children to learn and practice speech.
May 2022 Sunshine Charity Sale for Medical Fundraising
The annual Sunshine Charity Sale was held at Magee Middle School and was well received by residents. The reading club thanked every family who donated old books, the speech club sold drinks and ice cream, the IT club lottery and handmade toys, the food club sold sushi desserts, the aerospace club sold donuts, the squash club sold corn milk tea, etc. Each club played a marketing wisdom, the Sunshine family was harmonious and united, and contributed to the medical fundraising, advocating more young people to join Sunshine to pay attention to community development and make changes.
June 26, 2022 Sunshine’s Fourth Annual Fundraising Event
The annual fundraising conference of the Sunshine Foundation was held on the Superstar Stage. This year, a new fundraising model was adopted: the first auction method. Families who donated auction items: Eric Li donated a glass crystal candy box brought back from France, Jacob donated squash lessons, Ivy Qin donated a tie that her sister from Harvard gave to her father as a gift, Athena donated a famous Chinese high-end handicraft, He’s Jade, an auction item with great historical significance and collection value, Jack fan donated a brand knife, the dean of Mingde College donated a famous Chinese handicraft purple clay teapot, and there are many more auction items. Thank you to every loving family for their kindness. $5,000 was raised for medical treatment. A donation ceremony was held on site and all donated to Vancouver Hospital.
June 2022 Sunshine accepted an interview with the media
High Weekly and Jiuge Media interviewed Sunshine founder Athena Yu. The influence of the youth of the Sunshine Foundation has made outstanding contributions to community development and medical care.
June 2022 The Sunshine Annual Awards Ceremony
The Sunshine Foundation commends young people every year, encourages and witnesses young people who contribute to the community. They are the light of community development, illuminating every corner, and influencing more young people to join the community volunteer.
July 2022 Sunshine founder Athena Cynthia led Sunshine to the international arena
They took advantage of the opportunity to study at Wharton to promote the concept of Sunshine serving the community, and received attention from young people around the world in Wharton and expressed appreciation and support.
July 2022 Summer outdoor survival training
Sunshine Foundation youth leadership training, including outdoor survival, training perseverance, strong courage, and teamwork spirit.
August 2022 Participate in Olympic News Interviews
Representatives of the Sunshine History Club participated in volunteer work. Every day, reporters interviewed the Olympic History Competition, brought back historical learning information and resources, and trained and shared them with the community and members of the History Club.
August 2022 The Sunshine Club Development Philadelphia Chapter
Philadelphia Chapter Launch Ceremony, the founding sisters took advantage of the opportunity to study in Philadelphia to help the chapter to be established. First of all, share the founding experience of the Sunshine Foundation. The first project to be carried out is to help the chapter to be established, starting with the DIY club to teach community friends how to make handmade art soaps, and then raise funds through art sales to make changes to the community.
August 2022 Wilderness Survival Training
The Sunshine Headquarters and the Philadelphia Branch Youth Team carried out wilderness survival training by sharing the experience of the Sunshine Headquarters in Canada.
August 2022 Squash Promotion
The Sunshine Foundation cooperated with the Philadelphia Branch to promote squash, and represented the Sunshine Club to enter American middle schools to help lower grade students share squash international experience and gain international friendship.
September 9, 2022 The Sunshine Club Cultural Festival Charity Sale
The Sunshine Club Cultural Festival charity sale raised funds for medical treatment-the Canadian Multicultural Festival, a festival celebration jointly organized by the consulate and more than 30 clubs, in order to promote community development and link friendship, the Sunshine Club family played a long-term advantage of unity, and all clubs came to the scene to carry out charity sales; the charity sales ranged from student handicrafts, school supplies, learning courses, food, drinks, ice cream, etc. Each club displayed their talents, everyone gained friendship and promoted multicultural links to the community.
September 2022 Sunshine Math Club Sharing Session
Teaching Math Competition Knowledge, Raising Funds for Medical Treatment.
September 2022 On-Site Donation Ceremony
Sunshine representatives held an on-site donation ceremony at Vancouver Hospital.
September 12 2022 Support for Forest Fire-Affected Families
The out-of-control wildfires in Hope, BC caused many people to lose their homes. The Sunshine Club immediately launched a fundraising campaign at the fastest speed, clothing, biscuits, canned food, toiletries, toilet paper and other daily necessities. Emergency funding supplies were sent through radio stations. It reflects the unity and cooperation of the Sunshine Club family and the great goodwill and action power of young people.
October 2022 The Peace Ambassador was Awarded
Three leading representatives of the Sunshine Club – Athena, Cynthia, and Sophia were invited to participate in the touching story reported by the New York Times – walking to the United Nations to advocate peace and turning enemies into friends in war. The two veterans were once opponents on the battlefield, Iraq and Kuwait. At the critical moment of life and death, they rescued a captured opponent. After the war, they became friends. They are preparing to walk to the United Nations and use his real-life story to advocate future world peace. The three young people of the Sunshine Club were moved to tears by the story of the New York Times and determined to support this good deed. Because they know that people will be happy only when there is world peace. Cynthia, a diplomat representative of the Sunshine Foundation, interviewed the veteran on the spot and shared his touching story with the community.
December 3, 2022 The Multicultural Banquet
The multicultural banquet for respecting the elderly promoted multicultural and respecting the elderly activities. As one of the co-organizers, the Sunshine Foundation advocated that young people respect the elderly and bring joy to the elderly with practical actions. It jointly prepared with Mingde College and Chair to bring free dinner to 1,000 cross-ethnic elders over 70 years old for the New Year party. At the event, several elders over 100 years old shared their historical stories, which moved and respected us, advocating young people to pay attention to the community and respect the elderly.
January 2021 Sunshine Club Conference
During the pandemic, the Sunshine Club held an online zoom youth leadership meeting.
January 2021 Sunshine French Club holds French Contest
Sunshine French Club holds French Contest: Promoting multiculturalism, free French contest for teenagers.
February 2021 Online meeting
Sunshine Club leaders meeting on the Edinburgh Project, helping young people get involved in Edinburgh opportunities.
March 2021 Sunshine Youth Donation Ceremony
All the youth and families of the Sunshine Foundation worked together to carry out a number of fundraising activities. Thank you for the support and kindness of every loving family, and a total of $10,650 was raised. Representatives of Sunshine Youth came to Vancouver Hospital and took a group photo at the donation ceremony.
March 2021 online leadership organization meeting
May 2021 Sunshine Charity Sale
Sunshine Charity Sale for Medical Fundraising-Sunshine Club held a second-hand charity sale in May to raise funds for medical care; the reading club thanked every family who donated old books and held a charity sale to raise funds, the speech club sold drinks and ice cream, the IT club lottery and handmade toys, the food club sold sushi and desserts, the aerospace club sold donuts, the squash club sold corn milk tea, etc. Each club exerted marketing wisdom, the Sunshine family was harmonious, united and helped each other, made changes for medical care, and advocated more young people to join Sunshine to pay attention to community development and make changes.
June 2021 Sunshine Painting Club
Sunshine Painting Club has been teaching children to draw for a long time.
July 2021 Sunshine Piano Club
Sunshine Piano Club held a donation ceremony for the nursing home-four leaders of Sunshine Piano Club participated in the Pearl River Piano Competition and won the national championship and the world championship. After three months of rehearsal, four young pianists played a piece of music synchronously on four pianos and won the World’s Best Creative Award. The prize piano was donated to the Richmond Nursing Home, hoping to bring music companionship and joy to the elderly. The piano club has been conducting long-term charity performances in nursing homes.
August 2021 Sunshine Squash Club
Sunshine Squash Club taught community residents to experience squash for free-Sunshine Squash Club has carried out long-term squash promotion activities in every summer vacation, World Squash Day, Women’s Squash Day, various holidays, etc., serving the community through sports squash.
September 15, 2021 Donation Ceremony
Sunshine Foundation has raised a total of donations through the joint efforts of all members and multiple project activities. Representatives took a group photo at the donation ceremony at the Vancouver Hospital.
September 2021 Sunshine volunteers supported the election of members of Congress
It is another year of election. The Sunshine Foundation supported the election last time and provided more than 200 volunteers. We are proud that Alice Wang won the election. This term is about to begin and we will continue to support volunteers.
October 2021 Sunshine Leadership Department Meeting
Preparation of activity plans.
November 2021 Sunshine Piano Charity Performance to Raise Funds for Medical Care
Sunshine Piano Club conducts various festival charity performances, Christmas, Lantern Festival, New Year’s Eve, etc. every year, and performs online and offline many times to raise funds for medical care. In 2021, the vice chairman of the Sunshine Art Club taught children to use creative painting art forms to exhibit in the “Centennial Vancouver on Stone” event.
YWCA
Inspirational Music and Speech Video Filming
During the outbreak of COVID-19, China experienced great difficulties as the global pandemic’s first place of attack. Hearing stories from friends and family as well as the rising death tolls through news reports, the foundation gathered to film speeches and music videos expressing support and solidarity. During trying times, it is the mission of every member at the Sunshine Foundation to take action and most importantly, spread hope.
Mask Donation
During the pandemic, Wuhan suffered from a critical shortage of masks. In Canada, where the effects of the pandemic were relatively less drastic, foundation members Athena Yum, Alisa Zheng, and Cynthia Yu took action to organize the donation and shipping of 10,000 masks to Wuhan.
Protective Suits Donation
To combat rising medical supplies shortages, the foundation launched a response fund to purchase 3M protective suits and donated them to Wuhan hospitals through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Mask Mandate Awareness
To combat the pandemic’s growth in Canada, foundation leaders Athena Yu and Cynthia Yu recognized the importance of collective community adherence to mask mandates. Representing the community at the Sunshine Foundation, Athena and Cynthia advocated for and spread awareness of quarantine and mask mandates.
Virtual Fundraisers for Low-income Families
During pandemic quarantine, To support children from low-income families in access to virtual education, the foundation organized a device donation and fundraising event. Virtual Fundraisers: To comply with pandemic safety regulations, the foundation moved its fundraising activities online, including virtual piano concerts, squash fitness workshops, math mentorship lessons, historical analysis workshops, choir concerts, and more. All proceeds were donated towards Vancouver healthcare and purchasing protective medical equipment for the community.
Device Purchasing for Students in Quarantine
On behalf of the Sunshine Foundation, leaders Cynthia Yu and Athena Yu secured a partnership with Best Buy for the provision of discounted devices.
Device Donation for Children from Low-Income Families, Vancouver School Board
Sunshine Foundation representatives Simba Yang, Cynthia Yu, and Athena Yu organized a fundraising campaign.
December 24, 2020 Sunshine donated computers to children from low-income families in shelters
Sunshine clubs cooperated with the IT club to raise funds to purchase computers and donated them to children from low-income families in YMCA shelters. The young people on site listened to the children’s stories. Without computers, they could not attend classes and study during the isolation at home. The Sunshine teenagers decided to continue raising funds for them. Raising one more computer can help one child take online classes. A donation ceremony was held on site. During the epidemic, students continued to take online classes at home with computers. The government and the education bureau did not have time to solve all the difficulties. The Sunshine Foundation exerted the power of teamwork and organized charity fundraising.
2020 Gala
Video Production Training Workshop @ Apple
Apple partners with the Sunshine Foundation to provide a free training workshop. The foundation’s youth learned how to use mobile apps create promotional videos and other content.
May – Collaboration with 39 Service Battalion
Cynthia Yu and the Senior Officers of the 39 Service Battalion organized a military simulation and training day for the Sunshine Youth.
June Canuck’s Place Children’s Hospice Visit
The sunshine youth visited the Children’ Hospice, one of the foundation’s longest fundraising partners. This experience built an authentic spirit of giving, determination to take action, and care towards the community’s most vulnerable.
July Collaboration with the UBC University Transition Program
representing the Sunshine Foundation, Athena negotiated a partnership with the UBC UT program to raise funds for supporting its students in accelerated learning and updating outdated equipment on campus.
August Market Promotion
during the summer, the foundation carried out a volunteer campaign, going door-to-door for one month to raise funds for healthcare.
August Canuck’s Place Children’s Hospice
fundraising for Canuck’s Place Children’s Hospice through bake sales at subway stations, mall entrances, other city hubs.
September Military training with the 39 Service Battalion
In collaboration with the 39 Service Battalion, the youth at the sunshine foundation had the opportunity to experience military training and field day simulation.
September Fundraiser for Royal Diamond Orphanage Nigeria
The foundation collectively mobilitized to fundraise $500 for the Royal Diamond Orphanage in Nigeria, in addition to donating two backpacks and clothing supplies.
September MLA Mike De Jong Community Discussion Forum
the Sunshine youth were invited to speak at a forum organized by local MLA Mike De Jong, delivering speeches advocating for youth civic engagement, relaying their own experience in service, and promoting multicultural exchange.
Medical Fundraiser
as emcees for the Sixth International Advertising Model Competition, Sunshine Foundation leaders Athena and Cynthia Yu obtained the organizer’s consent to hold an on-site bake sale fundraising for community healthcare. The foundation’s gratitude goes to the Stage One Academy for generously providing the venue.
Environmental Campaign
in collaboration with city MLAs, the sunshine foundation launched an environmental awareness campaign and organized a community garbage cleanup effort.
Fundraising Concert for healthcare
Fundraiser for medical care, partnering with renowned singer Tan Jing, who provided the concert venue.
MP Community Awareness Campaign
advocating for youth volunteerism and community involvement.
Kids Power Society
September Team Math Attack Contest, Vancouver Division
Athena Yu, Donson Dong, and Cynthia Yu initiated the organizing and advertising contest for the inaugural team-based Team Math Attack contest in Vancouver. Sponsored by the University of British Columbia, the nation-wide contest aimed at promoting a collaborative spirit amongst young mathematicians across the country. The Sunshine organizing team also offered free math mentorship sessions to support underprivileged youth in.
October 4th Second Sunshine Annual Fundraising Concert
In addition to fundraising $9000, the event saw awards given out to especially dedicated youth volunteers. The foundation extends its gratitude to the Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, alumni, and university professors, as well as the Colonel of the 39 Service Battalion, Phoenix TV, CIty TV, and other media outlets for their support during this event.
September-October Member of Parliament Alice Wang Re-election Campaign
Over the course of more than a month, over 200 volunteers knocked on doors, held signs on streets, and monitored polling stations. This event provided an opportunity for youth to gain awareness in the provincial decision-making process and promote youth civic engagement.
Volunteer mobilization in support of local MP election
October 30 Inaugural Team Math Attack Contest, Vancouver Division
Attended by over 200 participants from more than 30 schools in BC, this event aimed to foster a sense of community between the province’s young mathematicians and promote a collaborative spirit to mathematics.
Foundation Team-building Event
At Thanksgiving, the foundation’s youth leadership team met to bond, provide progress reports, come to consensus on future goals, and express gratitude to fundraising partners, the foundation’s beneficiaries.
Squash Development Program
Christmas celebration event supporting West Coast Squash Academy in youth fitness and athletic involvement. The event also served as a space of discussion and connection between the diverse cultures within the local athletic community.
Founding of the Sunshine Culinary Arts Club
At its inaugural event, the Sunshine Culinary Arts Club hosted a children’s culinary workshop.
Destination Imagination (DI) Program Fundraiser
Fundraiser to sponsor Maple Grove Elementary’s Destination Imagination team in representing Canada at the international contest, the first international attendance within the school’s history.
June – Founding of the DIY Club
Club founder Cynthia organizes the club’s inauguration event, leading a free soap-making workshop. All products were sold as a fundraiser for Vancouver Canuck’s Place Children’s Hospice
July – Founding of the Writing Club
At the Writing Club’s inaugural event, club founder Athena invites Harvard English graduate Sherry Liu to mentor students through a summer of writing workshops, working towards publication. “Through this event, we hoped to provide an outlet for our youth’s expression and diversity, while recognizing the power of shared experienced expressed through stories. We hope the experiences we recount in our publication inspires them to engage in service like us. Most importantly, we hope our writings bring them joy!” – Athena
June 30 – Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice
At the 2018 World Cup Live Painting Competition, the Sunshine Foundation set up a fundraising booth selling hand-made goods and school supplies. All proceeds went to support the Canuck’s Place Children’s Hospice.
June – Charity Choir Performance
Under the direction of Choir Director Xu from the Vancouver Philharmonic Choir, the sunshine choir prepared for the opening performance of the World Cup Live Painting Competition, with the piano accompaniment played by Athena Yu. The event advocated for youth initiative towards supporting community and healthcare, and all funds were raised on-site for the Canucks Place Children’s Hospice.
July – Canada Day Celebrations
The youth of the Sunshine Foundation enthusiastically joined the Canada Day celebrations, participating in the parade and other festivities while striving to promote community connections and multicultural exchange
July – Launching of the Youth Marketing Training Program
In partnership with HelloButler, the Sunshine Foundation conducted a month-long marketing and promotional campaign following HelloButler’s free youth training on marketing and leadership. The members engaged in door-to-door promotional campaigns, with each successful HelloButler business order raising $1 for the Canuck’s Place Children’s Hospice. The youth also had an opportunity to thank and engage with supportive community residents.
July – Team Leadership Training Session
A team spirit and teamwork-building meeting aimed at training and motivating youth to engage in volunteer services for the community.
July – Team Leadership Training Session
A team spirit and teamwork-building meeting aimed at training and motivating youth to engage in volunteer services for the community
October – Inaugural Sunshine Foundation Conference
On-site charity sales and a donation ceremony were held. Through soap sales and business promotions, $3019 was raised and donated to the Canuck’s Place Children’s Hospice. Youth with outstanding contributions to volunteer services received awards in acknowledgement of their efforts and in the encouragement of their continuous giving spirit. The foundation expresses our gratitude to the Members of Parliament, the Hospital Foundation, the director of FDT, and mentoring teachers for their valuable support at the event.
