Teens from Different Backgrounds Talk About Philanthropic Work

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Meet Elizabeth Weaver, a 19-year-old student at AISB-Hope International who moved to China with her family from Canada in 2013. Weaver enjoys art, music, baking, and reading.  

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Do you do any philanthropic work together as a family? If so, how and why did you get started?

My family and I have had the opportunity of doing philanthropic work here in Beijing. Over the last couple of years, we have been able to work with different foster homes for orphans. We visit them and play with them, help with medical care needs, and wherever else we see needs. We have even cared for babies with special needs in our own home. These little children came to our home because they needed extra medical care, time, and lots of love.

We first started volunteering when a friend called and asked if we could come help with 25 children who were living in a foster home.

Seeing my family being able to help others created a desire in my own heart to help those who are in need. Helping with the small thing as well as bigger things. When it comes to philanthropic work, I am very passionate [about]making a difference in the lives of those who are hurting or suffering.

I enjoy visiting and helping at local orphanages and homes for disabled children. And in the future, I would love to visit and help in refugee camps.

What is a cause that you’re passionate about? Why?

There are many ways that you can volunteer and help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate! Whether it’s donating, doing hands-on work, or supporting a non-profit organization, doing big or small things counts! Volunteering always brings joy and fulfillment in my life and helps me to be thankful for the things around me!

Do you think it’s important for children to give back to their community?

In my younger childhood years, volunteer work was a small aspect in my life. But now, after holding, loving, and caring for orphans, it’s more a choice I make – to help give back to those who need it. I feel it’s important for my generation to understand the value of others and see the beauty of giving. It’s rewarding to know that the small things we can do to help, can change a person’s life. And the respect that we show can inspire change and be an encouragement.

What’s the most rewarding part about doing philanthropic work? Would you recommend it to others?

For me, knowing that I am doing something good, not just for myself, but for someone who needs a helping hand is the only reward I need. And I would recommend that, if you have not already done so, give it a try! Find ways to help in your school, neighborhood, or a non-profit organization. “Give a little more than you take. Love rather than hate.”   

Meet Hazel Lee, a Year 13 student at the British School of Beijing Shunyi (BSB, Shunyi). Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this 18-year-old loves dancing, music, and discussing politics with friends.

Do you do any philanthropic work together as a family? If so, how and why did you get started?

My solid roots in philanthropic work began with my mother who used to volunteer for our school’s café, Chatterbox, where profits were given to charities such as Dew Drops and Roundabout. I started by helping after school and during school events just to pass time, but that initiative jump-started my involvement into other sorts of charity work. Now, my mum and I would organize bake sales and donate desserts whenever we can, where all profits go to charity. We see it as a way to contribute to improving the atmosphere in our community, as well as the lives of people who need help in the community, even if it is only by a little.

What is a cause that you’re passionate about? Why?

For a few years now, I’ve been passionate in this issue of societal inequalities, especially economic inequalities (looking at wealth disparity and racial inequality). This interest spawned after I started being aware of homelessness in Malaysia, and saw how migrant workers and their children made up a large proportion of the homeless population in Malaysia. I reflected on this by being more open to supporting charities as an effort to support those in desperate need that could be helpless due to being disadvantaged by a system they rely on for support.

Do you give to charities? If so, why and how does it make you feel?

I frequently donate to charities, because I believe that it is a responsible thing to do, especially being somebody that grew up privileged. I see giving to charities as a way to give back to society, and this is supported by the feeling of knowing that your money is going towards children or families that need it rather than spending on invaluable things that only brings you momentary joy.

Was philanthropic work a part of your life growing up?

As far as I can remember, philanthropy was always instilled in my family. Back home, my grandparents were always involved in community/charity work, so that concept wasn’t foreign to me and I still refer to it now as a pivotal guide for me getting into charity work. Most of my significant life experiences also center around charity work, like planning charity events for the school throughout secondary school, including our annual school dances, Christmas Fayres (pre-pandemic), and bake sales, all of which helped with developing my personality and values.

Do you think it’s important for children to give back to their community?

Absolutely. I’ve met people that saw charity work as a burden and were never taught the importance of giving back to society. They grow up lacking empathy and a sense of generosity. Children giving back to the community is so important in fostering good values that can help better the world while spreading the message of hope and positivity that is so rare nowadays. By getting into philanthropic work, it also allows children to get used to the societal imperfections in every country that might be hidden behind picturesque skyscrapers and make them more globally aware.

What’s the most rewarding part about doing philanthropic work? Would you recommend it to others?

The most rewarding part would be knowing that your small contribution probably means a lot to someone that needs it, even if it was just making them happy by donating a gift on Christmas. I also donate to charities that use donations to feed migrant children and children under the foster system, which means that I was helping someone ease the burden of finding a single meal that would be seen as a luxury to them and just another RMB 15 to me. It had also allowed me to connect and feel a sense of gratitude for all those in our community that I know spend so much time doing philanthropic work. I would only recommend doing philanthropic work for those doing it out of sincerity rather than image, because that would be very superficial and reeks of performative activism.

Images: Elizabeth Weaver, Meet Hazel Lee

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