Across Newsletter November 2021

NOVEMBER 2021 ISSUE

Across U-hub TOGETHER WE CARRY ON

Contents Message from Executive Director - 01 2021 Ontario Service Awards Volunteers Sharing - 02 Leather Workshop - 03

Message from Executive Director I picked up photography when I was very young, and I was always looking for a sturdy, durable, stylish and reasonably priced camera bag. However, I found that a bag with these requirements simply did not exist. So I made up my mind to make it myself. The result was a unique leather camera bag that fit all my needs, and I’ve kept the bag with me for over 10 years. Since then, I have become a leather work enthusiast, making hundreds of leather works over the next 30 years.

Most of my handmade leather works were neither created for myself nor sold for money, but made for my friends. My real motivation to continue doing leather work is the story behind each work. The making process starts with thinking about a friend, then picking up a piece of leather. The leather is drawn, cut, stitched, buckled until the product is completed, and then handed to the friends I miss. Each response is full of joy, and each one is unique. It is an affectionate and exciting journey from start to finish.

Nicole Wong

Message from Executive Director

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During the pandemic, I felt weighted down by the overwhelming sense of loneliness and fear. I believe my friends felt the same. So, I returned to create custom leather gifts for my friends again. Creating a gift for them allowed me to escape the depression, and made my friends feel cared about. I am sure that making friends feel warm and happy is a strong remedy for helping everyone out of the uncertainty and challenges of COVID-19.

At the end of November, Across U-hub will hold a leather workshop. Participants will learn to create a leather mask holder and a hand sanitizer holder by hand. People usually think that handmade leather work is difficult. But you won’t actually know until you try it. We will start by reminiscing about the good times you have with your friends, and then channel those warm memories into unique, custom Christmas gift for your friends and loved ones.

This leather-making journey will allow you to create the space to restore unforgettable memories.

Register now https://acrossuhub.com/events/leather-workshop-2021/

2021 Ontario Service Award Volunteer Sharing My name is Rocky and I am in my fifth year of volunteering with Across. Let’s turn the clock back to September 2017, which was my first encounter with Across after arriving in Canada for a month. It all started with a friend referral.

My first event was 2018 City Mosaic and unlike most youth participants, my journey started from the other side as a volunteer in the admin team. I contributed to the planning, organization, and supervision of this iconic urban adventure.

Along with other experienced and knowledgeable volunteers, we proudly served over 200 participants. This spectacular event not only introduced me to other passionate volunteers but also opened the door to many other volunteer opportunities. Through Across different positions and activities, I have gained interpersonal skills, creativity and most importantly, a sincere heart to serve my community.

My recent engagement in “Across the Lens: Stories of You and Me 2020” educated me on the hardships our community is going through amid the pandemic. And in essence, our work is really trying to spread these messages, echoing with others to build a stronger community. What motivates me to serve continuously would be the satisfaction of being able to help others and bond with a group of friends while doing meaningful things!

Rocky Luo

2021 Ontario Service Award Volunteer Sharing con't I started volunteering at Across U-hub in 2013 through a friend’s recommendation. I was about to graduate and was going through the frustrating process of looking for a job.

During this time of confusion and discouragement, Across provided a place for me to feel productive and to contribute. I felt accepted even though at first there was a language and cultural difference. I was given opportunities to try new things, and was able to learn more about myself, my personality, skills, and cultural heritage through various programs and leadership positions.

Now, I stay in Across because I am still learning, at the same time, I am able to invest my skills and time in younger people. Similar to the changes I experienced, I am also encouraged by the growth I see in other youth here. Across is a faith-based organization, and I see how Christian values can positively impact the community. I am constantly inspired by the brothers and sisters and have learned how to better put my faith into practice.

I'm not here just because it's a place to volunteer in my spare time, but because I feel that I’m a part of Across, a living and dynamic community.

Nancy Fok

2021 Ontario Service Award Volunteer Sharing con't My introduction to Across U-hub began in 2010 when my mom enrolled me into the annual Leadership Camp held

by Across. At the time, I was in my first year of university and was clueless about the organization. Because we had already paid the camp registration fees, there was no way to back out, so I had to go! Knowing what I know now about Across, I wish I would have signed up sooner as there were many life changing memories and experiences that came out of it.

One of the most important skills that I gained during my volunteer experiences was the development of leadership skills and to improve my teamwork skills. Every volunteer has unique skill sets and talents and it’s important to help one another in areas where we may be weak. Only by working as a team can we accomplish our goals and objectives.

Being able to engage and walk with some of the youth that we serve and hearing about their stories and experiences is the most rewarding experience for me. We all have stories to share, and it’s important that we create a safe space for everyone to feel included.

Colin Pang

Leather Workshop 2021 Have you started planning for your 2021 Christmas shopping yet?

Do you want to make a gift yourself for your family and friends?

Don’t miss this chance to make a handmade gift for your loved ones in celebrating this wonderful time of the year and show them your love !

Date: Nov 25th - Dec 16th (Every Thursday) Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Across U-hub (232 Hood Road) Capacity: 6 people For Who: Age: 16-23 Love one-of-a-kind products

Love 100% handmade items made from used/scrap/waste resources Love to make unique gifts for their loved ones Price: $ 60 for 4 lessons (Leather is not included. Participants must bring in their own leather.) $100 for 4 lessons (Leather is included.)

Content: What leather product we will be making: a hand sanitizer bottle holder and a mask holder If the work of Across U-hub has touched you in any way, please consider supporting us through donations. Your financial support will allow us to do more in supporting our youths.