May 2025
EGRC Alumni Crowdfunding Raises nearly $10,000
The year 2025 is a significant milestone for EGRC Alumni as it marks EGRC’s 20th anniversary.
At our recent reunion in Thailand, I had the pleasure of hearing passionate and heartwarming testimonies, and some of whom I met as early as 2006. Witnessing the journeys of the women we supported, the hurdles they navigated and the hardships they overcame to become who they are today is inspiring. The friendship, trust and networks built through EGRC are a lifelong gift.
With a desire to support the Ching Tien Foundation’s work, EGRC Alumni organized their annual crowdfunding campaign from May 20 to June 10. 183 alumni made donations raising a total of C$9904. Many donations came with heartwarming messages of love and compassion.
Message from Ching Tien
This Mother’s Day, I feel it’s especially fitting to share reflections from my recent reunion (May 2 -5) with 14 EGRC alumni in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Meeting our alumni in person for the first time since 2019 moves me so deeply as I am reminded of the profound impact of our work at EGRC.
The women who participated ranged in age, some I had met as early as in 2006! They all have achieved their education, built professional careers, and attained financial stability. Some have already become mothers.
Over two days of sharing, laughter, and tears, I gained an even deeper understanding of this group. I am in awe of their resilience on their personal journeys, and am especially touched to see that EGRC is alive in their hearts and spirits. I am proud to share some of their personal reflections here.
“We laughed together over joyful memories and held each other through tears. EGRC isn’t just about educating rural girls – it’s about companionship and love that nourishes our spirits. As EGRC sisters, we say, “No matter where we go, we’ll find family.” Because we’ve been sheltered, we now want to “hold the umbrella” for others.” – Yan Ma
“Meeting Auntie Tien became the light of my life. She opened doors to a broader world and extraordinary people. At the Shanghai FMC event, Tracy’s advice carried me through my darkest hours: “Don’t doubt yourself – do what you believe is right. Every ounce of effort you invest today will prove its worth in the future.” – Xiaoyan Li
“EGRC gave me more than just financial support during university. Beyond education, it introduced me to sisters with shared struggles – women who walked beside me at every stage, broadening my horizons, guiding me through society’s complexities, and helping me uncover my inner strength…EGRC’s […] greatest gift is this: a sanctuary of resilient, tenacious, and radiant souls. Strangers by blood, we are sisters by choice – huddled close in Auntie Tien’s embrace, in this family called EGRC.” – Zhaoqin Wu
“Whether connected to EGRC for 20, 15, 10, or 5 years – each defines it differently. But I’m certain: Auntie’s two decades of steadfast dedication have taken root in every EGRC girl. The ripple effects of women’s education will stretch infinitely. EVERY STEP COUNTS.” – Xianglan Wang
“Two decades, over two thousand girls, countless stories… yet [Ching] remembered mine. The depth of this love and touching moments cannot be measured, but for me, it has become an unshakable foundation – fueling me to live each ordinary day with purpose, fullness, and resolve. It taught me to give selfless kindness in every possible moment, expecting nothing in return. This is just one of countless lessons Auntie has taught through her actions.” – Fangxia Li
“More than feeling fortunate, I’m filled with gratitude. Grateful for this sacred space where we can: Bare our true selves without fear of future betrayal; Shed all masks that the world demands; and Be met with warmth instead of indifferent responses.” – Yufei He
“At EGRC’s heartwarming 20th anniversary gathering, I experienced profound emotions beyond words. In those soulful moments with my sisters, even as an introvert who typically keeps to myself, I found myself opening up completely for the first time.” – Jinpeng Cao
Read more about EGRC alumni’s reflections here.
Our alumni reminded me of EGRC’s “Future Leader Scholarship Program” which I established in 2018. The program model established then reflects and matches with what we do at today Ching Tien Foundation for Women – providing opportunities for young women to become leaders and changemakers. Nurturing a community of women leaders from China and other Asian countries will undoubtedly have a transformative impact on the world.
