SECRET SANTA CHINA
(Since 2016)
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW!
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"Your Heart is in Your Hand" |
2020 News
Currently, we are awaiting our next trip to China
2019 News
April 15, 2019
Graduation is near for the Grade 6 children at the school and we are happy to be a part of these special festivities. Stay tuned for additional information as it arrives!
Graduation is near for the Grade 6 children at the school and we are happy to be a part of these special festivities. Stay tuned for additional information as it arrives!
March 11, 2019
We are excited to host our Vancouver Meet Up, "Secret Santa ESL Group", set for March 24 and March 31 at one of our local coffee shops. This group has been designed for young Chinese, Korean and Japanese students, or those who are in our city short term, to come and practice Conversational English with us in a casual and fun way. We will also include information on how to navigate in our western culture. This event will take place a few times per month. Visit our Secret Santa ESL website.
We are excited to host our Vancouver Meet Up, "Secret Santa ESL Group", set for March 24 and March 31 at one of our local coffee shops. This group has been designed for young Chinese, Korean and Japanese students, or those who are in our city short term, to come and practice Conversational English with us in a casual and fun way. We will also include information on how to navigate in our western culture. This event will take place a few times per month. Visit our Secret Santa ESL website.
At the School
March 10, 2019
The Schoolmaster has picked up a fruit shipment from Secret Santa China. The winter was extremely harsh this year and fruit and vegetables were in short supply.
The Schoolmaster has picked up a fruit shipment from Secret Santa China. The winter was extremely harsh this year and fruit and vegetables were in short supply.
2018 News
December 9, 2018
Secret Santa China visits Vancouver's Santa Claus today.
Secret Santa China visits Vancouver's Santa Claus today.
December 2018
The second snowfall has come to the school high in the mountains.
The second snowfall has come to the school high in the mountains.
November 26, 2018
Meow! So adorable!
Meow! So adorable!
November 26, 2018
The kids at the school absolutely LOVE Gary!!!
The kids at the school absolutely LOVE Gary!!!
November 26, 2018
The children call Star, "Panda". So adorable, especially considering she is "the all-time Panda lover" (see below). She taught this little girl, who ended up being her shadow on the last day, the double thumbs up - all good!
The children call Star, "Panda". So adorable, especially considering she is "the all-time Panda lover" (see below). She taught this little girl, who ended up being her shadow on the last day, the double thumbs up - all good!
November 26, 2018
So many priceless moments at the school. Gary's face was very sore after this - always such a good sport with these precious children! It warms my heart.
So many priceless moments at the school. Gary's face was very sore after this - always such a good sport with these precious children! It warms my heart.
November 8, 2018
Today was the dedication ceremony of this beautiful bronze Confucius statue which was donated to the school and where the ceremony took place with the students participating. We wish we could be there with you!
Today was the dedication ceremony of this beautiful bronze Confucius statue which was donated to the school and where the ceremony took place with the students participating. We wish we could be there with you!
October 24, 2018
Thank you Schoolmaster, our friend, for always welcoming us with open arms - you have a huge heart! We are always sad to leave.
Thank you Schoolmaster, our friend, for always welcoming us with open arms - you have a huge heart! We are always sad to leave.
October 24, 2108
We had so much fun this morning, our last day at the school, making the Dragon line with the children.
We had so much fun this morning, our last day at the school, making the Dragon line with the children.
October 24, 2018
This year we, including our China-based friend and volunteer Liobell, introduced the kids to Science by letting them look at prepared slides under a microscope. They were amazed and so excited!
This year we, including our China-based friend and volunteer Liobell, introduced the kids to Science by letting them look at prepared slides under a microscope. They were amazed and so excited!
October 24, 2018
The kids return much love to us along with many pieces of artwork, which we happily bring home with us!
The kids return much love to us along with many pieces of artwork, which we happily bring home with us!
October 23, 2018
A "Special" teaching moment.
A "Special" teaching moment.
October 23, 2018
These kids are the best! We love them all!!!
These kids are the best! We love them all!!!
October 23, 2918
Today the Schoolmaster took us to the homes of a few villagers. We were able to help out by taking them food items.
Today the Schoolmaster took us to the homes of a few villagers. We were able to help out by taking them food items.
October 23, 2018
Such an amazing experience with these lovely kids❤ You give them a smile, they give you pure happiness❤ Full of love in this small village⭐ Beautiful hearts just like scenery of the village~ (well said Liobell)
Such an amazing experience with these lovely kids❤ You give them a smile, they give you pure happiness❤ Full of love in this small village⭐ Beautiful hearts just like scenery of the village~ (well said Liobell)
October 23, 2018
This little girl didn't want to stop giving a shoulder massage, and she was good - thank you!
This little girl didn't want to stop giving a shoulder massage, and she was good - thank you!
October 23, 2018
Yes, we teach English, Science and play with the children at the school, but what they crave and need the most is ❤❤❤ and we give them lots of that too.
Yes, we teach English, Science and play with the children at the school, but what they crave and need the most is ❤❤❤ and we give them lots of that too.
Then the girls got into it! So much fun!
October 23, 2018
This little grade 6 girl wants to be a singer when she grows up. Everyone eventually joined in!
This little grade 6 girl wants to be a singer when she grows up. Everyone eventually joined in!
October 23, 2018
We took a crate of fresh Kiwi fruit to the school. Most of the kids had never tried Kiwi. It was very exciting for them!
We took a crate of fresh Kiwi fruit to the school. Most of the kids had never tried Kiwi. It was very exciting for them!
October 22, 2018
A new orphan had arrived at the school the day before our arrival, but he was not healthy! After food, attention and love, this little one really came around. We named him "Sunny" in honour of the "Sunshine Primary School". Update: November 7 - Sunny has regained his health and he has also found a home in the village.
A new orphan had arrived at the school the day before our arrival, but he was not healthy! After food, attention and love, this little one really came around. We named him "Sunny" in honour of the "Sunshine Primary School". Update: November 7 - Sunny has regained his health and he has also found a home in the village.
October 22, 2018
The school grows their own vegetables.
The school grows their own vegetables.
October 22, 2018
The school cafeteria before the kids arrive.
The school cafeteria before the kids arrive.
October 22, 2018
Everyone must wash their own dishes.
Everyone must wash their own dishes.
July 1, 2018
Our Secret Santa China interview made the front page of the special July 1st Canada Day edition of the Sing Tao Daily News! Pictured with us is the Schoolmaster and our #1 team member in China, our dear friend Liobell. Enjoy!!! (Nono - Thank you for giving us this interview opportunity)
Our Secret Santa China interview made the front page of the special July 1st Canada Day edition of the Sing Tao Daily News! Pictured with us is the Schoolmaster and our #1 team member in China, our dear friend Liobell. Enjoy!!! (Nono - Thank you for giving us this interview opportunity)
June 4, 2018
Current Initiatives:
1. Introducing a music class to the school by purchasing flutes and hiring a teacher to give lessons. There are also plans in the works for a pianist/composer to give a concert at the school for the children and villagers; and
2. In 2019 there will be a magician who will come to the school to perform. This will be a first for most of the children.
Current Initiatives:
1. Introducing a music class to the school by purchasing flutes and hiring a teacher to give lessons. There are also plans in the works for a pianist/composer to give a concert at the school for the children and villagers; and
2. In 2019 there will be a magician who will come to the school to perform. This will be a first for most of the children.
April 2018
This is huge!!! Congratulations on this accomplishment!!! We are proud to be your friends. This message just arrived from the Schoolmaster - "Warm congratulations to Chu Mingyu and Dong Runnan of Sunshine Primary School on winning the First Prize and Excellent Award in the "Star Cup" Composition Competition for Primary and Middle School Students in Hebei Province!"
This is huge!!! Congratulations on this accomplishment!!! We are proud to be your friends. This message just arrived from the Schoolmaster - "Warm congratulations to Chu Mingyu and Dong Runnan of Sunshine Primary School on winning the First Prize and Excellent Award in the "Star Cup" Composition Competition for Primary and Middle School Students in Hebei Province!"
February 2018
Latest Arrival! The school cafeteria was happy to see a shipment of rice flour and oil from Secret Santa China.
Latest Arrival! The school cafeteria was happy to see a shipment of rice flour and oil from Secret Santa China.
2017 News
September 2017
A very happy class!!! Notice the stack of papers Gary holds in his hands. As we taught, this grade 4 class, they were inspired to create many beautiful pieces of art to give us as personal gifts, from items that were hand drawn and coloured, animal stickers, and fancy cut paper designs. These children are so full of love and gratitude!
A very happy class!!! Notice the stack of papers Gary holds in his hands. As we taught, this grade 4 class, they were inspired to create many beautiful pieces of art to give us as personal gifts, from items that were hand drawn and coloured, animal stickers, and fancy cut paper designs. These children are so full of love and gratitude!
September 2017
Grateful children from the school express their thanks to all those involved with Secret Santa China. Secret Santa was able to send these three orphans to the village store to buy a new cotton outfit.
Grateful children from the school express their thanks to all those involved with Secret Santa China. Secret Santa was able to send these three orphans to the village store to buy a new cotton outfit.
September 2017
Our wonderful mountainous school. They have little in the way of material goods, but oh my, they have huge hearts! Before every meal......Gratitude is given to the universe, to society, to the nation and to the parents.
Our wonderful mountainous school. They have little in the way of material goods, but oh my, they have huge hearts! Before every meal......Gratitude is given to the universe, to society, to the nation and to the parents.
September 2017
More English Classes!
More English Classes!
September 2017
Fun in the playground!
Fun in the playground!
September 2017
Secret Santa China was able to purchase a desperately needed new computer for the school! The Schoolmaster is over the moon with joy!
Secret Santa China was able to purchase a desperately needed new computer for the school! The Schoolmaster is over the moon with joy!
September 2017
In addition to regular studies, with an emphasis on learning English, the Schoolmaster pictured below teaches the kids to be compassionate, grateful, kind and a good positive person in society. He built this school with his own money, in addition to financial help from his family and friends. Those who are unable to pay the nominal fee of approximately $60 Canadian per month, which includes education, lodging and meals, get absorbed into the system. No one is turned away. In 2017, there are 195 students living at the school. He truly is a caring person. The Secret Santa China team is very proud to be a part of his family.
In addition to regular studies, with an emphasis on learning English, the Schoolmaster pictured below teaches the kids to be compassionate, grateful, kind and a good positive person in society. He built this school with his own money, in addition to financial help from his family and friends. Those who are unable to pay the nominal fee of approximately $60 Canadian per month, which includes education, lodging and meals, get absorbed into the system. No one is turned away. In 2017, there are 195 students living at the school. He truly is a caring person. The Secret Santa China team is very proud to be a part of his family.
September 2017
Main street in the village.
Main street in the village.
September 2017
We cannot begin to put into words what we experienced last week at this wonderful school. Although they all endure many hardships, they welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts. First, we will share the many faces of these precious children. Thank you Liobell for joining us at the school and for being an integral part of Secret Santa China, which makes our mission so successful. Please see our Gallery page for additional photos.
We cannot begin to put into words what we experienced last week at this wonderful school. Although they all endure many hardships, they welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts. First, we will share the many faces of these precious children. Thank you Liobell for joining us at the school and for being an integral part of Secret Santa China, which makes our mission so successful. Please see our Gallery page for additional photos.
September 2017
Thank you Liobell and Lily!!!!!
Post from Santa's Helper, Liobell....."thanks to Lily's kindness for helping those children, and I will help all about these amazing kindness! I hope children will love those things I picked😝. Thanks for the chance to let me feel joy as part of your helpers! Thanks Secret Santa China and Star & Gary Amadeo" ❤
Thank you Liobell and Lily!!!!!
Post from Santa's Helper, Liobell....."thanks to Lily's kindness for helping those children, and I will help all about these amazing kindness! I hope children will love those things I picked😝. Thanks for the chance to let me feel joy as part of your helpers! Thanks Secret Santa China and Star & Gary Amadeo" ❤
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September 2017
Here we are in the back streets of Shijiazhuang, China, along with our helpers, putting together the items we are taking with us to the school on Wednesday.
Here we are in the back streets of Shijiazhuang, China, along with our helpers, putting together the items we are taking with us to the school on Wednesday.
September 2017
On our way to the school, we visited IFAW's Beijing Raptor Rescue Center. IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, is one of the largest animal welfare and conservation charities in the world. The organization works to rescue individual animals, safeguard populations, preserve habitat, and advocate for greater protections. Below is the article which was published in the IFAW monthly magazine.
On our way to the school, we visited IFAW's Beijing Raptor Rescue Center. IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, is one of the largest animal welfare and conservation charities in the world. The organization works to rescue individual animals, safeguard populations, preserve habitat, and advocate for greater protections. Below is the article which was published in the IFAW monthly magazine.
By Laurie Wilson:
IFAW Donors Visit Beijing Raptor Rescue Center
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW ) supporters Star & Gary Amadeo were traveling to China for humanitarian reasons – their own project to help children in impoverished rural schools. They decided to include their love of animals on their trip as well with a visit to IFAW's Bejing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC).
IFAW established the Raptor Rescue Center in Beijing in 2001 to rescue and rehabilitate sick or injured wild birds of prey and those confiscated from illegal traders. Beijing is home to many species of raptors; it’s also on a major migration route for many raptors. Raptors are protected by Chinese law, but are threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade.
At the BRRC, staff have rescued over 4,000 birds of prey including more than 30 different species of hawks, eagles, owls and vultures in the center's 16 years.
Star and Gary were kind enough to share the story of their September visit to the BRRC with us:
“Before leaving on our recent trip to China, we watched a television documentary which mentioned IFAW’s BRRC in China. Immediately, we knew we had to visit the center while in Beijing, and so we contacted them.
We have always loved nature and animals. Our love of raptors came from our visit to Pacific Northwest Raptors on Vancouver Island. This wonderful experience led me to seek to volunteer with their Raptor Rescue Society.
My husband and I were very lucky to have been given the opportunity to visit the Beijing Raptor Rescue Centre. We received a very warm welcome (some tasty moon cakes too) and a private tour of their facility. The centre has their own very impressive surgical facility, where I was allowed to examine various slides under the microscope. I am a scientist at heart so this was a dream come true for me!
Thank you Steele Shang, Lei Zhou and Crane Zhang at the Beijing Raptor Rescue Centre for your warmth and kindness."
IFAW Donors Visit Beijing Raptor Rescue Center
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW ) supporters Star & Gary Amadeo were traveling to China for humanitarian reasons – their own project to help children in impoverished rural schools. They decided to include their love of animals on their trip as well with a visit to IFAW's Bejing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC).
IFAW established the Raptor Rescue Center in Beijing in 2001 to rescue and rehabilitate sick or injured wild birds of prey and those confiscated from illegal traders. Beijing is home to many species of raptors; it’s also on a major migration route for many raptors. Raptors are protected by Chinese law, but are threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade.
At the BRRC, staff have rescued over 4,000 birds of prey including more than 30 different species of hawks, eagles, owls and vultures in the center's 16 years.
Star and Gary were kind enough to share the story of their September visit to the BRRC with us:
“Before leaving on our recent trip to China, we watched a television documentary which mentioned IFAW’s BRRC in China. Immediately, we knew we had to visit the center while in Beijing, and so we contacted them.
We have always loved nature and animals. Our love of raptors came from our visit to Pacific Northwest Raptors on Vancouver Island. This wonderful experience led me to seek to volunteer with their Raptor Rescue Society.
My husband and I were very lucky to have been given the opportunity to visit the Beijing Raptor Rescue Centre. We received a very warm welcome (some tasty moon cakes too) and a private tour of their facility. The centre has their own very impressive surgical facility, where I was allowed to examine various slides under the microscope. I am a scientist at heart so this was a dream come true for me!
Thank you Steele Shang, Lei Zhou and Crane Zhang at the Beijing Raptor Rescue Centre for your warmth and kindness."
August 2017
The kids made us this heartfelt "thank you" banner with the words, "Love Make Us Together". It now hangs in our home. Thank you all!!!
The kids made us this heartfelt "thank you" banner with the words, "Love Make Us Together". It now hangs in our home. Thank you all!!!
June 2017
Another shipment is on the way! More books for the school's new library, as well as a number of large inflatable globe balls and kites for the kids to play with.
Another shipment is on the way! More books for the school's new library, as well as a number of large inflatable globe balls and kites for the kids to play with.
June 2017
It is amazing that young kids in need have the thoughtfulness to help the elderly in the village.
It is amazing that young kids in need have the thoughtfulness to help the elderly in the village.
March 2017
Bird watching and more!!! The kids will be receiving this great pair of binoculars very soon. A wonderful complement to their new Science class!
Bird watching and more!!! The kids will be receiving this great pair of binoculars very soon. A wonderful complement to their new Science class!
February 2017
Another shipment of English/Mandarin books, colouring books and coloured pencils are on the way to our kids at Yangguang (Sunshine) Primary School! Thank you Krystal, Shawn and Kyle for being a part of Secret Santa China. Bless you!
Another shipment of English/Mandarin books, colouring books and coloured pencils are on the way to our kids at Yangguang (Sunshine) Primary School! Thank you Krystal, Shawn and Kyle for being a part of Secret Santa China. Bless you!
February 2017
Sunshine Primary School in the poor village of Xu Ting of Zan Huang County in the Hebei Province of China, is about to receive the FIRST microscope in their school. This will allow them to start a Science class! We are so excited for them! A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this possible! It's on the way kids!!!
Sunshine Primary School in the poor village of Xu Ting of Zan Huang County in the Hebei Province of China, is about to receive the FIRST microscope in their school. This will allow them to start a Science class! We are so excited for them! A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this possible! It's on the way kids!!!
February 2017
We are very happy and pleased to have sent a shipment of dual language books (Mandarin & English) to Yangguang (Sunshine) Primary School. In addition to the dual language books, we were able to find a giant dual language dictionary the children can use as a reference book. These items along with multiple sets of dual language flash cards should make learning fun and effective. The giving keeps on giving!
We are very happy and pleased to have sent a shipment of dual language books (Mandarin & English) to Yangguang (Sunshine) Primary School. In addition to the dual language books, we were able to find a giant dual language dictionary the children can use as a reference book. These items along with multiple sets of dual language flash cards should make learning fun and effective. The giving keeps on giving!
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February 6, 2017
We are very excited to announce that our first shipment will soon be on its way to Sunshine Primary School located in the Xu Ting village of Zan Huang County in the Hebei Province of China! The village is surrounded by mountains. The roads are rough and there is little contact outside the village where there are many elders and left-behind children. Sunshine Primary School accommodates 117 students from Grades 1 to 6, with the left-behind children, single-parent children and orphans totalling 78. The school provides lodging as the teachers here not only care about the children’s studies, but also are responsible for parenting. While caring for the left-behind children, another mission for the school is helping the poor. The school is bringing up 5 orphans and 12 children who are in extreme poverty. In July 2016, a flood inflicted a heavy loss on this school. The wall collapsed, the storage area was flooded and the surface of the village road was destroyed. With the help of the teachers and students, along with the kind-hearted people in society, they finally overcame this hardship and the students started schooling on time on the 1st of September. The school even set activities for the elders in the village and shared their free nutritional food. Vegetables are planted by the teachers and students in an attempt to save money where possible. We thank all of our supporters of this humanitarian project. Without you this would not be possible.
We are very excited to announce that our first shipment will soon be on its way to Sunshine Primary School located in the Xu Ting village of Zan Huang County in the Hebei Province of China! The village is surrounded by mountains. The roads are rough and there is little contact outside the village where there are many elders and left-behind children. Sunshine Primary School accommodates 117 students from Grades 1 to 6, with the left-behind children, single-parent children and orphans totalling 78. The school provides lodging as the teachers here not only care about the children’s studies, but also are responsible for parenting. While caring for the left-behind children, another mission for the school is helping the poor. The school is bringing up 5 orphans and 12 children who are in extreme poverty. In July 2016, a flood inflicted a heavy loss on this school. The wall collapsed, the storage area was flooded and the surface of the village road was destroyed. With the help of the teachers and students, along with the kind-hearted people in society, they finally overcame this hardship and the students started schooling on time on the 1st of September. The school even set activities for the elders in the village and shared their free nutritional food. Vegetables are planted by the teachers and students in an attempt to save money where possible. We thank all of our supporters of this humanitarian project. Without you this would not be possible.
Graphics and website photos by Star Amadeo
Copyright 2016-2022
Copyright 2016-2022
