From Dreaming, to Giving and Empowering | Samantha Li, Swire Trust Go-Givers of 2023
Together with Time Auction, the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program encourages skilled volunteers for Swire Trust NGO partners in education, marine conservation, and arts. From now to 2025. 10 outstanding volunteers will be selected annually as the “Swire Trust Go-Givers of the Year” with special rewards & recognition. Meet our 10 Go-Givers of 2023!
Meet Samantha
Growing up in Vancouver, Samantha dreamed of becoming a teacher. As her mom recalls, Samantha confidently answered in her kindergarten workbook: “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher!”
In 2007, she took her first steps towards her dream career by moving to Hong Kong and transitioning from the airline industry to education. This first step also marked the beginning of her volunteering journey as well.
Samantha started as a playgroup teacher, which quickly confirmed her passion for education. Within a few years, she gained additional experience at an international kindergarten, and pursued further studies to become a qualified teacher.
Now, she splits her time between working with Year 6 students as part of her school’s Learning Diversity Team, providing private tutoring for students, and contributing to Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) as a dedicated volunteer.
A lasting impression
Prior to discovering the opportunity to work with RMHC through Time Auction, Samantha already had plenty of experience with volunteering. In fact, she has fond memories of it as a family activity.
Her dad was a member of the Rotary Club of Hong Kong, and they would often attend outings together. The most memorable of which was a day they spent with children from the Hong Kong Single Parents Association. The Club had planned an exciting day of activities, first going out for a buffet lunch together, followed by an afternoon at Outward Bound Hong Kong. The experience left a lasting impression on Samantha - not only did it serve as a reminder of how fortunate she was, but the amount of joy it brought to the children also spread to Samantha herself.
School’s Out, Volunteering’s In
Samantha discovered Time Auction at just the perfect time during COVID lockdowns. Unable to travel back to Vancouver for the summer, she was looking for an impactful way to spend her holidays. What better opportunity than to offer her skills, and give back to the community?
When she came across the RMHC’s volunteer project on Time Auction’s LinkedIn page, she immediately applied.
As an Online Interest Class Teacher, she provided weekly English Story-Reading sessions for the children living in The Ronald McDonald House - a “home away from home” for families with sick children. Samantha dedicated a great deal of time, effort, and care into these sessions. From developing lesson plans to gathering resources, she always went the extra mile to be mindful of the children’s experience and ensure it was a positive one.
“We usually start the class with a song, then we move on to storytime. I try to choose stories that don’t focus too much on family dynamics, as I’m aware they may not always have a mom or a dad.”
Samantha’s English storytelling session for children at the Ronald McDonald House
Despite the limitations of social distancing, the Zoom storytelling sessions had a significant impact on the children’s experience. The RMHC aims to provide programs that support family-centered care and wellness programs, for seriously ill children who often face disruptions in their schooling due to frequent hospitalizations. And Samantha’s English classes did exactly that.
In Samantha’s own words, “As an educator, it is so important to bring what I can to children in need. Having the opportunity to read English stories to children with RHMC has humbled me. It has also enabled me to share my knowledge and English skills with those who might not be able to access it as conveniently.”
Ripple Effect of Goodness
Despite her busy schedule as a full-time teacher and private tutor, Samantha was more than happy to spend it volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charity. The opportunity to work closely with them and deliver meaningful English storytelling programs gave her “a great sense of achievement”.
Upon Samantha’s reflection, she adds “Volunteering is an incredible way to make a positive impact on the world, and the lives of others. By offering your skills, you have the power to bring meaningful change and create a ripple effect of goodness.”
On top of volunteering her time, she has also introduced many of her friends to RMHC’s mission, inviting them to join her on her journey towards making a difference in the community.
Being one of the 10 Swire Trust Go-Givers of the year came as a happy surprise to her. “I am truly honored and humbled to receive this prestigious recognition…it means a great deal to me. It validates the efforts I have put into giving back to the community and inspires me to continue making a positive impact.”
For everyone who is considering becoming a volunteer, Samantha has a few words of inspiration to share with you: “When you volunteer your skills, you're not only utilizing your unique talents and expertise, but you're also giving back to your community and those in need.”
Thank you Samantha for contributing 88 volunteer hours, with Ronald McDonald House Charity!
To see details of the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program and support their NGO partners, head over to Time Auction website.
