AustCham Beijing has demonstrated commitment to the community through support of charity Yearn to Learn (Y2L), who work to provide educational and therapeutic facilities to children living in orphanages. The newly established charity is currently working with the Lang Fang Children's Welfare Institute.
Twenty one tables battled it out, with `Something to Think About' walking away with the win. Special features allowed teams to display a range of talents - aerodynamics pushed to their limits in the paper plane competition, and a remarkable show of creativity in the making of play doh backpacks for bonus trivia points. The Quiz Master's kept questions coming and the evening great fun. Thanks to those who made it come together on stage - MC Dennis Oldfield, Quiz Master's Alan Cox and Jane Farrelly, and huge back end support Adam Schembri.
AustCham Beijing was proud to coordinate and support the benefit on Saturday 30 January. AustCham Beijing General Manager Dalwyn Bateson said money raised would enhance the facilities available for the children at Lang Fang orphanage and to allow Y2L to expand into other orphanages.
"Seeing the commitment already demonstrated by Y2L and their plans for the future, AustCham Beijing is glad to support where we can," Ms Bateson said, noting the charity has already achieved so much with minimal financial support.
"The funds raised will be used to furnish classrooms for the 40+ children who, up until now, haven't been able to attend class due to a lack of Y2L resources and staff" said Rene Cronan-Dixon, one of the founders of Y2L. "Ultimately, we would like classes to start from nursery and continue through to adulthood, for there to be continuity when the children progress between the various programs and levels".
Thank you to all who supported the evening. The Hilton Hotel was a key supporter for the venue, and retailer The Wine Republic supplied Australian wines. Other invaluable donations and support came from Aman Resorts, BCIS, Cadbury, China Climb, Crumpler, Culinary Capers, Dxcel Partners, Flight Centre, Novotel Xinqiao, Swissotel and The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu. Thank you also goes to the Organising Committee - Ros Rath, Tanya Stacey, Kim Dorr and Ren Cronan-Dixon.
If you would like to make a donation to Y2L, or find out more information please contact Kim Dorr on yearntolearn.beijing@gmail.com or AustCham Beijing CSR Manager Susan Clear on projects@austcham.org