A Richmond family aims to raise $3,000 for Richmond Hospital’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
However, the campaign is a bit different from others. Donors will receive not only a tax receipt but also a homemade flower pot, created by campaign organizer Gary Wang, along with his wife Daisy and their two young toddlers.
“The dirt and flowers inside the pot all come from our backyard,” said Wang, who spent more than a week digging up dirt and plants in his backyard.
Meanwhile, Wang’s children, nearly three-year-old son Oskar and one-year-old daughter Chloe, have been busy helping out to set flowers and dirt inside the pots.
More than 24 hand-decorated flower pots are already lining up in their backyard, and more are expected to come, added Wang.
In addition to these homemade pots, Wang’s family has also prepared two trophies for big donors.
“My children also helped to craft and decorate trophies. A donor with the biggest donation will receive an ‘Oskar’ and the runner-up will receive a ‘Chloe,’
“Because of social distancing, we will hold the gifts and keep the plants healthy until it’s safe for us to pass them to you.”
The fundraising project has also strengthened family ties and brought everyone closer, noted Wang.
“We failed several times while trying to make trophies. But my son comforted me and told me that we could make it. His words touched my heart and soul, and I will probably remember that moment forever.”
Hailing from China and living in Richmond for almost 10 years, Wang said they hope to lighten the burden of others by giving back to the community after getting inspired by neighbours, friends and everyone they’ve met in Richmond.
“The community accepted us right away when we arrived, now it’s time for us to unite together to make a meaningful difference for our home,” said Wang.
For more information, go to Richmondhospitalfoundation.com/events/host-an-event/oskar-and-chloe-fundraiser-for-richmond-hospital.
