By Gina Qin, Founder and Co-President of Speak With Arts Foundation
Hello everyone!
My name is Gina Qin, a student at Magee Secondary School in Vancouver. Since the age of seven, I have been studying flute performance and developing a deep passion for music and the arts.
A few years ago, I participated in a community performance where I had the opportunity to play music for seniors and children. Seeing the joy that music brought to people inspired me to think about how the arts can serve as a bridge that connects individuals of different ages and backgrounds. With that vision in mind, I founded Speak With Arts Foundation in November 2024.
On December 1, 2024, with encouragement from my mother and teachers, my friends and I organized our very first fundraising event—a Krispy Kreme donut sale at Richmond Brighouse Station. Although it was my first time leading a public fundraiser and I felt quite shy approaching strangers, the kindness and generosity of our community quickly gave me confidence and motivation.
Throughout the day, many heartwarming moments reminded me why community service matters.
One of the most memorable moments came when an elderly woman with silver hair slowly walked toward our fundraising table. She handed me a twenty-dollar bill, and I immediately reached for a box of donuts. To my surprise, she gently declined.
“I have diabetes and can’t eat donuts,” she said with a smile. “But I am touched by what you are doing. I want to support your cause.”
Her generosity deeply moved me. She wasn’t donating for the donuts—she was donating because she believed in the value of helping others.
Later that afternoon, a man carrying a professional camera stopped by our booth. Without hesitation, he placed thirty dollars into our donation box.
“I’m a city photographer,” he told us. “I photographed your fundraiser earlier today. Young people like you are what make this city beautiful. Thank you for what you’re doing.”His words left a lasting impression on me. At that moment, I realized that community service is not only about raising money—it is also about inspiring hope, compassion, and connection.
Despite standing outdoors in Vancouver’s winter weather for nearly six hours, we successfully raised over $300 CAD through our donut sale. Our hands were cold, but our hearts were warm.
This fundraiser was only the first small step for Speak With Arts Foundation. Yet it marked the beginning of a journey that I hope will continue to grow and touch many lives through music, arts, and community service.
As we move forward, I look forward to creating more opportunities for young people to give back, connect with others, and make a positive difference in our communities.
Thank you to everyone who supported our first fundraiser. Your kindness and encouragement have inspired us to keep going.
This was only our first step—but every meaningful journey begins with one.