Collective effort brings about real change “We want to contribute and we want to make a difference, and hopefully a lot of people will be influenced by that spirit as well.” –C.K. Tsui
DONOR PROFILE: KIMMY & C.K. TSUI
Pickering College parents Kimmy and C.K. Tsui, originally from Hong Kong, have called Canada home for five years. Their daughter Melody, Grade 12, is now in her final year at the school. Education has always been a philanthropic passion for the family, inspired by Kimmy’s grandmother who opened the first private kindergarten in their hometown and who made education and charitable giving a priority. Kimmy and C.K., who have made a transformative gift to West Lake House, are humble about their contribution to the build. “Our mission is to make a difference—we don’t think we are doing a lot and we can’t change the whole world. But we believe with a little bit of contribution of ourselves, we can make a difference,” says C.K. “Even though my daughter will not be here when they finish West Lake House completely, I think the future students of Pickering College will benefit from the better education and the better environment,” adds Kimmy. The Tsui family attended the West Lake House sod-turning event that took place in November 2022, where the architect spoke about the plans for the facility. One of the aspects of the design that most excited them was what the auditorium will mean for the drama program for future students, something their daughter Melody is passionate about. “What inspired us is that we always say that education is the most important, and we believe that will change the world, so that is why we want to contribute,” explains C.K. Not only has their transformative gift impacted the school, but the school itself has impacted their family in return. They are profoundly grateful to Pickering College, as they have watched Melody thrive thanks to her teachers, the learning environment and the values taught by the school. “We want to contribute and we want to make a difference, and hopefully a lot of people will be influenced by that spirit as well,” says C.K.
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“A lot of people think that normally donors are more elite, but actually research shows that giving publicly leads to more happiness and satisfaction,” says Kimmy. “No matter how small your contribution, we can all make a difference—it is the collective effort of the individual that brings about real change.” For Kimmy and C.K., giving goes beyond making a financial contribution. They encourage everyone to be as generous with their time by becoming involved, wherever possible.“ During charitable giving, the most important thing I would say is get involved. And don’t just say ‘I’m donating so much of a gift or whatever’— it’s not enough. Get involved. I strongly believe the students are going to make a change and create a difference in the world,” C.K. emphasizes. “It’s not what you give, it’s not how much you give, it’s about participation.”
