Giving is a Joyful, Unforgettable Experience!

We went to a self funded mission trip to GuangXi, China

``Who am I to receive a welcome reserved for heroes and celebrities` That was the question I kept asking myself after our visit to China three years ago.

My husband and I knew very little about the work of CRRS prior to May 2009. We attended the October 2008 fundraising gala and we were deeply moved by what we saw and heard at the gala presentations.

Our team received an exceptional welcome

We joined a self-funded CRRS Vision Trip in 2009 and visited a number of primary and secondary schools in China. Everywhere we went, we were warmly received and graciously treated. Some students were dancing and beating drums to welcome us – a welcome fit for a hero. I remembered clearly that I was choked up with emotion with tears in my eyes.



At a few schools, the entire student body lined the playground and welcome us as we entered the school ground.

Students welcome us with songs & dances

At one secondary school, students were dressed in their traditional ethnic clothes, applauding ,while
others were welcoming us with their traditional songs and dances.

 “Who am I and what did I do to deserve such welcome from these kids?  I am just an ordinary person. I haven`t done anything for these kids to deserve such a welcome! I am a person just like these kids.

The only difference is that I am fortunate enough to live in Canada and maybe have the means to help support one or two students in their education… “ I asked myself  these  questions and was greatly humbled by this experience. 

We were touched by the beautiful smiles on these students' faces!

The most memorable moment during our China trip was the bright smiles of those students who we had an opportunity to talk with and their enthusiasm to show us about their school and what they were learning. One teacher invited four of us to visit her students because she really wanted them to hear us speaking English.  

These students had their dinner but stayed in their classroom studying at 8pm and they looked genuinely glad to see us. Seeing their happy faces, the “teacher” in me sprang into action.  I taught the kids a simple English song and played a game with them. I also left them some pencils from Canada. The kids were thrilled and looked excited simply because we were there to visit!

In life, how often do we have the opportunity to bring happiness to people by giving so little? It is more of a blessing for us to to give than to receive.  We have experienced tremendous joy by giving just a tiny bit of what we have, therefore, my husband and I have since become regular donors.  I am grateful that I have this privilege to be involved with CRRS and can give and share a little with others. 



Nealry a thousand people attended the 2012 CRRS fundraising gala

Tonight, nearly a thousand people participated in this charity event and attended the CRRS  Annual Fundraising Gala held at the Premier Ballroom in Richmond Hill. This is the10th Anniversary of the Toronto Chapter, and it was humbling to see so many people gathered at one place willing to dig deep into their pockets, ready to contribute what they could to CRRS s meaningful work  in China.

We had three tables and invited Irene, her family, my sister and the Lioness' Club president and Stan's colleagues to this fundraising event. We received many touching feedback and numerous guests thanked us for inviting them to learn about this great charity. 

We may be a drop in the ocean but together we can make a real difference in China- the world`s most populated country and give a hand to their next generation!

R. T.

Toronto, Ontario