P.E.I. newcomers raise funds for Island kids

Dozens of kids set up booths and sold crafts, food, used books, and other items at the Family Centre at the Holy Redeemer Parish in Charlottetown on Friday.

It was a fundraising event organized by members of P.E.I.'s Chinese community. Mostly newcomers to Canada, they came together to help a long established Canadian group the Boys and Girls Club of Charlottetown.

"Moving here, we got a lot of help from Islanders. So we also want to contribute back to the society," said Tina Jong, who organized the event.

Jong owns the Little Maple Tree bookstore in Charlottetown. She said since her store caters to children, she wanted to organize an event that would include them.

The idea behind the fundraiser is to bring together the Charlottetown Chinese community, and offer a chance to socialize, while also helping the greater community.

Jong said she hopes some of the kids at the event will get involved with some of the Boys and Girls Club programs.

"We want all the children to get involved in the local community," said Jong.

She also hopes the Chinese community can collaborate with the Boys and Girls Club.

"Hopefully, we would like to include some Chinese elements in their camp. For example, today we have a Kung Fu show. So probably we can donate, or volunteer some teachers or tutors to teach Kung Fu there when they are having the summer camp."

Performing Kung Fu on stage was the best part of the day for 10-year-old Jackson Wu.

He also had a booth selling Chinese cutting paper. He said he's happy the event is raising money to help other kids.

"If we give them money, they can learn," he said.

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