Across Newsletter March 2021

MARCH 2021 ISSUE

Across U-hub TOGETHER WE CARRY ON

Contents Message from Executive Director - 01 E-stories - 02 City Mosaic - 03 Volunteer Achievements - 04 Volunteer Sharing- 05

Message from Executive Director Last year, when COVID-19 abruptly disrupted our lives, it almost completely interrupted all Across’ planned and expected activities. It is never a pleasant process to cancel activities that took months or even years to develop, but it does not stop our team from stepping up our efforts and adopting new approaches to continue our activities. Over the past year, we have learned not to let challenges knock us down. When things get worse, we find a way to create good.

In May, our team will bring you an innovative online version of City Mosaic. Through the app, you will be able to safely explore, connect, and enjoy your community outdoors by yourself, or with family, while maintaining proper safety measures. You will discover your neighbourhood and enjoy a wide range of fun and interactive activities through the app while experiencing local gems at your own pace.

Hope to see you online soon at City Mosaic.

E-stories Following our first publication, we will continue to feature different stories within the Chinese community. These individuals may pass by us on a daily basis but their inspiring stories may give us a refreshing look into our lives. We wish that you will journey with us in uncovering these hidden stories and be inspired by their life.

City Mosaic Only a month away is when our signature program at Across is happening. In the month of May, this mobile app will offer a new ways of exploring the city and neighborhood. Check out our new promotion video on our YouTube channel or visit www.citymosaic.ca for more information

Volunteer Achievement Congratulations all the volunteers who are awarded by the Ontario Volunteer Service for their faithful services in the community: 15 years: Felix Fong, Helen Huang and Leo Chan 10 years: Jason Lun 5 years: Anna Lui, Michelle Wong Youth: Spencer Liang, Thaddeus Pun and Victor Lam

Volunteer Sharing Leo Chan I am honoured to be one of the recipients of the 2020 Ontario Volunteer Service Award. Volunteering at Across U-hub has been a turning point in my life. I first joined Across U-hub back in 2003, where I met supportive mentors and peers at a low point in my life. I soon started volunteering at the organization and I was often encouraged to get out of my comfort zone.

Through different opportunities, I have been able to develop many hard and soft skills and, most importantly, my self-confidence. I went from being timid to being able to speak in front of hundreds of people. To this day, I continue to volunteer because I want to pay it forward to the next generation of youth. It is extremely rewarding to witness how Across U-hub can make a huge impact on one’s life.

Victor Lam I first volunteered as a photographer, since it’s my hobby. At Across U-hub, I found that the core value of a photographer is to believe “every photo has its own story”. Since then, I have had different opportunities to document the memories and stories of many people at Across events and programs through many individuals’ facial expressions and actions. With time, photos can also show one’s growth, such as the accomplishments and milestones in their lives.

I would love to mark down the milestones of Across and its growth into the future.

Besides photography, I am passionate about 2D/3D design. I enjoy working with staff and volunteers to overcome obstacles that we encountered during the graphic design process. I learnt how to work with co-workers, new ideas, and, most importantly, gained real-life work experience that had a huge impact on my career as a designer. Across U-hub has helped me to further enhance my personal interest and hobbies. It gives volunteers the freedom to be creative in any kind of work. I am proud to be part of the journey and I look forward to any future opportunities.

Volunteer Sharing

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Helen Huang

我15歲便開始參加燃動⻘年的活動，當時覺得很好玩，所以便決定加⼊義 ⼯團隊。過往曾經參與過不同⼤⼤⼩⼩的活動，亦有加⼊活動策劃組；當 年是⼀個沒有經驗的⻘年⼈，在不同的義⼯崗位跟導師學習不同的技巧， 吸取經驗。很少會有⼀間機構，可以無限放⼿，讓⼀群發夢的⻘少年去實 踐天⾺⾏空的構思。當然不能不提⼀班有經驗導師的帶領與同⾏。我在燃 動⻘年過去⼗幾年做義⼯，時時提醒⾃⼰，亦是影響我最⼤的座右銘就 是：「懷⼤愛⼼，做⼩事情」！ Thaddeus Pun The first time I heard of Across U-hub was when I participated in the City Mosaic annual event. Afterwards, I was given a volunteer opportunity to handle sound mixing for City Mosaic; stage lighting and sound was something I always wanted to explore. This experience marked my first step into the industry of live production. I am very glad that I have been involved in production and live technical aspects in various Across events, such as the annual fundraising gala and ‘Together Shall We’ multimedia event.

Moreover, I got to know lots of amazing mentors who continued to journey with me in my life. I’ve gained numerous experiences and built connections through the different volunteer opportunities. My experience at Across U-hub granted me various social skills that I could apply when I interacted with different people in my workplace, school, and life. Volunteering at Across Uhub allowed me to develop my interest and connections to my dream industry.