A few weeks ago we asked the local community to come together to help a child in need. Today, we’re happy to share the difference we’ve made in his life as a community.

Dear Friends,

Just an update regarding young Advik who was receiving treatment for leukemia.

On Wed, May 31, I visited Advik and his mother at their apartment. He had just given another blood test and this will be followed up on Friday with a final blood test. The diagnosis is that the blood count is considered satisfactory by the doctor. He is returning to India on Saturday and will be undergoing a course of radiotherapy.

His parents will be keeping us posted as to his progress and I will forward all and any information to those who have supported him.

I would like to thank everyone who has shown their interest, kindness, and generosity in this boy’s case. Total monies raised through the MCF appeal amounted to RMB20,000.

Helen Boyle
Founder of Migrant Children Foundation

Images: Helen Boyle

The Beijing community has a way of coming together to help those during a time of need, and today, we, along with Migrant Children Foundation (MCF), are asking you to be the best example of humanity and help a child in need.

Advik Rana is a 9-year-old boy who has suffered from leukemia since he was 2. From the time of his initial diagnosis in 2016, he has undergone various treatments for his condition, including a bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These are some but not all of the treatments he’s received to date. Unfortunately, they have not been successful, and he has suffered relapses. That said, he has survived and is now undergoing stem cell treatment.

In spite of the struggle that he and his parents have been experiencing for so long, they continue to persevere in the hope that a medical treatment for Advik will be successful.

His treatments have cost his family a great deal of money, and though the story may not relate to us individually, one always hopes that those more fortunate will be prepared to step up and help others in need.

Click here to see a copy of his complete medical history. Currently, the doctors have the following treatment planned for Advik.

1) Step 1 – Surgery and immunotherapy immediately to stop the spread of the cancer: USD 15,000.

2) Step 2 – CAR T cell therapy, which can cost around USD 800,000 in the US but the family has chosen the clinical trial in China, which will cost USD 70,000 maximum. Hospital: Beijing Boren Hospital, Fengtai District, Beijing, China.

3) Step 3 – Second bone marrow transplant will be done, which will cost another USD 48,000.

This is the third time Advik will be undergoing treatments. The total treatment cost will be USD 132,000 (roughly RMB 926,996). This is an incredible amount of money that his family simply can’t afford, so Helen Boyle, founder of Migrant Children Foundation, is reaching out to the community to ask for financial assistance for Advik on his family’s behalf.

William, a long-time friend and volunteer at MCF will be helping to collect payment for the family. To donate, please scan the QR code below and be sure to put in Advik in the note.

No amount is too large, and no amount is too small. Please donate what you can to help a child in need. Together, we, as a community, can help give Advik a chance at a healthy, normal life.

Images: Migrant Children Foundation

‘Tis the season for getting outside, having fun in nicer weather, and hurdling logs and large stones for long distances – because BritCham’s Highland Games are back!

Happening at their regularly allotted time this year at the end of May, the Games – hosted by BritCham China in partnership with the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International, and Beijing’s Scottish Society – is a full day of Scottish fun, with everything from bagpipes to whisky to all kinds of food and, of course, the Games themselves.

While the adults are flipping tires and hurling shotputs, there are lots of activities for kids as well – from arts and crafts and jiu-jitsu to even racing robots! Kids are also welcome to challenge their friends in our tug-of-war towards the end of the end.

Along with lots of physical activities, there will also be ceilidh dancing sessions led by the Scottish Society, as well as food, drinks, and retail from the best Scottish, British, and Chinese vendors in Beijing – the perfect opportunity to spend the day having a picnic at the Highland Games!

There’s also a new element in store at this year’s Games, tying into Scotland’s commitment to sustainable development and tourism. The region has long been committed to combatting climate change and reducing its carbon footprint while supporting sustainable businesses. This year, the Highland Games will honor this commitment as well.

Games organizers will encourage all vendors to practice sustainability on the day of the event by cutting down on single-use plastics. Plus, guests can get involved to win discounts.

All you have to do is show proof you took public transit, cycled, or walked to the venue, and you’ll get a discount coupon for some of the vendors on site!

This year one of the highlights of the Games will be promoting the Cycling World Championships taking place in Glasgow this August. Yes – expect some heated cycling competitions at the Highland Games – suggest you better start training!

The Highland Games are still seeking vendors and sponsors, so if you’re keen to show off your food or retail products during the event or want to get your brand involved at the Highland Games, simply contact miranda.matty@britishchamber.cn for more information.

The Highland Games 2023 will be happening on Sunday, May 28 from 11am-6pm at Dongfeng International Sports Park. Tickets are RMB 120 for children, RMB 220 for adults, RMB 480 for families of three, and RMB 580 for families of four. Children 3 years old and under can enter for free.

Scan the QR code in the poster to buy your tickets – tickets going fast, don’t miss out!

Images: Courtesy of British Chamber of Commerce

This Saturday, the Migrant Children Foundation and Oasis International Hospital are teaming up for an afternoon of tea and great book reading and collecting for both young and old alike. This is a great opportunity to refresh your reading collection for the family while doing a little good since the proceeds are all going towards helping disadvantaged children.

Stop by to browse with the kids on your way to your doctor’s appointment, or if you’re just passing through the neighborhood. Book readings will be held for kids as visitors come and go and those browsing are free to help themselves to a cup of coffee and refreshments.

There are many great books to be found among the collection on hand. Books are in perfect condition and many are new – making them the perfect accompaniment to bring out to the park during this mild weather or curl up with before bed. Prices for the books range from RMB 5 – RMB 100, so bring a big bag and get ready to restock your home library.

There is no need to register for this event. Feel free to pop-by anytime between 12pm and 3pm for storytime with the kids, books for yourself, and an afternoon coffee and snack!

What is Migrant Children Foundation?

Founded in 2010, MCF is a social enterprise whose purpose is to enrich the lives and education of disadvantaged children through its various programs across Beijing and Tianjin. To achieve this, MCF provides a platform for organizations and individuals to integrate and immerse themselves in cross-cultural experiences with a focus on giving back to society.

Such programs include giving children medical checkups, eye tests as well as dental care to ensure that they are both fit and healthy while benefiting from their schooling.

MCF believes in improving children’s educational needs and cultural awareness. They recognize the importance of not only the services provided to the children but also the fact that those that provide the services are also benefiting from the experiences of engaging with the children. Sustainability is vitally important so they can not only focus on the children’s present but also on their futures, where possible.

MCF is dedicated to ‘making a difference’ and continues to work in unison with a number of organizations including international schools. MCF is committed to providing a platform for everyone from all walks of life to come together to exchange ideas, share experiences and build a stronger community.

Here’s how to get there:

When: Saturday, Apr 15 from 12-3pm
Find it:  9 Jiuxianqiao Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥北路9号

Images: Oasis International Hospital

Helen Boyle is already waiting as I walk up to the entrance of the mall where we agreed to meet. Even layered in nondescript winter gear and her face obscured by sunglasses, she still has an aura about her that makes her stand out, subtly. “Helen?” I ventured, even though I know it’s her. “Yes?” She responds to her name, and I hear the familiar voice I recall from our phone conversation, where I had to assure her that we were not going to spend too much time and effort to transform her into someone she isn’t through this “makeover”.

Before the Makeover

You see, Boyle is not someone who makes time for the pursuits of outer beauty and material things. At least, not for herself. As the founder of the Migrant Children Foundation (MCF), she has worked tirelessly for over a decade as a champion of children on the fringes of society. According to those who know her, she routinely puts the needs of others before her own. This explains why her last facial was over 8 years ago. She also has not been to a hair salon for a hair cut in the last few months, opting instead to cut her own hair at home!

It is her selflessness that inspired jingkids to invite Boyle to indulge a little and spend this morning getting a facial and hair cut at Mobe. Mobe is a huge hairdressing and beauty services brand in Beijing and China, mostly catering to the local Chinese crowd. But to both Boyle and myself, a facial is a facial and no further explanation is needed. Plus, having lived in China since 2008 and continuing to take Mandarin lessons, Boyle is no stranger to the local ways and culture. She surprises the team at Mobe when she replies to their questions in their mother tongue.

Mobe has many outlets throughout the capital, but the one that I have a connection to is inside Carrefour at Shuangjing, close to Hopson One. The manager of the store, 阿其，Master Aqi, is so dedicated to his customers that he has even come to work on his days off, just to suit my ever-changing schedule. His staff share his devotion to service, and many of them know me by name, even if they have never actually provided me with their service. I started at this salon with a cut and color about a year ago, and since then, not a month goes by without my paying a visit, either for a scalp treatment (which are a staple for me, especially in winter), hair cut, or a facial.

The facial service at this Mobe outlet is fairly new, only starting in June last year. They have dedicated VIP rooms for both individuals and couples, separate from the hair cutting section of the store. In here, the lighting is dim, and the room decorated with lush feathers and warm colors. The atmosphere invites you to relax while the therapist works her magic. The facial therapists incorporate TCM practices like jade rollers and lymphatic massage techniques into the facial routine, which work to improve skin from inside out. At the same time, the store is in sync with modern technology and have a robot assistant that analyses your skin, that is equipped with various tools to tackle different skin issues.

Boyle started with the facial, which gave her time to just lie still and do nothing. This in itself was a luxury for her. Too often these days, we forget the power of doing nothing. Or as parents and caregivers, we forget the power of doing something for ourselves. If you truly let go and sink into it, the hour of me-time can really transform your mental and emotional state. Now add in the cleansing of blackheads, a face massage, and perfume-free products that are light and easy on the skin, and you’ve got a physical transformation too.

After the facial treatment, Boyle went on to get a haircut from none other than the Master himself. Master Aqi had specially rushed back from the opening of yet another new Mobe outlet to ensure that his own hands would be the ones wielding the scissors to trim Boyle’s silver locks. Being a woman of no frills, Boyle had been insistent on a simple wash and cut. But even this basic request could be carried out with utmost consideration and care, which Boyle said Master Aqi showed. “He was easygoing and didn’t try to force his opinions on me, which some hair stylists do!” Quipped Boyle.

Boyle seemed much more carefree after the facial and hair cut, even if she didn’t look much different. Her step was lighter, and she smiled more readily for the camera. When asked if she would now do regular facials or return to the salon for hair cuts, she said agreeably, “I’m definitely going to put in more effort to have some Me time.”

Images: Uni You

This article appeared in the jingkids 2021 November-December issue

If I’ve learned one thing from these weeks of e-learning, it’s that the best way to encourage children to learn how to read and love it is to read with them. Not just to them, but with them. The more often they see how the letters connect to sounds and sounds form words, the faster they’ll be able to read on their own. The ability to read opens an incredible number of doors to them –and also means you should change the passcode on your phone so they can’t read your texts!

That’s why the Migrant Children Foundation (MCF) Bookclub will soldier on through the extended school break and have launched an online bookclub for their kids! But they need more storybooks to read, so they’re asking for donations of either English or Chinese books aimed at 3-12 year-olds.

Donations can be dropped off at the reception of Jin Shang Building, No 20, Xinyuanli West Road, Chaoyang District. Leave them for Helen until March 15, and help a child learn the joy of reading!

KEEP READING: Staying in Beijing? Books & Toys for Kids Who Can’t Travel

Photos: Cindy Marie Jenkins, Migrant Children’s Foundation

No matter how much we work as parents to instill a feeling of gratitude and appreciation for what we have in our children, those Christmas goblins of gifts and greed creep in. They’re told from all the media — all the commercials, all the online videos, all their classmates, all the adverts — that Christmas is about presents, and you should measure your worth by how many presents people (cough, Santa) give you.

We’re trying to turn that on its head by helping our kids understand how good it feels to give gifts to people who need it more than we do. It’s a slow burn, but every chance we have to give back really helps. That’s why I was so thrilled to see that once again, you can donate toys for the 3rd Annual MCF Christmas Toy Drive here in our offices.

But what is the Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF)? Founded in 2009, one of their core values is that everyone has a gift to give, and do they give! There are after school activities, eyeglass matches, Secret Santa, backpack donation drives, health checkups, IB and CAS programs, and more.

With all the possible places you can donate toys around town, why not drop them by here? You can stop by between 10am and 6pm until December 22 with your new or gently used gift.

Location: 5/F, Tower C, Fuxing Office Building, 30 Hetaoyuan Guandongdian Beijie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区关东店北街核桃园30号, 孚兴写字楼-C座5层
Phone: 186 5941 5499
Office Hours: Mon-Fri,10am-6pm

And if you’d like to participate in even more activities for MCF, join Beijing volunteers for some Carols for a Cause on Saturday, December 19.

KEEP READING: Kids + Arts Camps = Empathy

Photos: MCF, pexels

We are just two days away from one of the longest, and might I add, most well-deserved vacations in China. But this year, things are slightly different as we might all be a little reluctant to leave the city. That doesn’t mean we can’t have some good old Beijing-based family fun, however!

Can you find Beijing’s best-kept secrets?

The Great Human Connection has teamed up with over twenty local businesses including the Beijinger, to put together a fun community event, and all for a good cause: The Great Race, meant to test you and your team’s knowledge of Beijing, your ability to complete a scavenger hunt, and have tons of fun doing it! All you have to do is assemble a team of six members, follow clues that will lead you to Beijing’s best sites, both well-known and hidden treasures alike. Each challenge is designed to not only be fun but to also help you and your teammates connect with what truly makes Beijing one of the best cities in the world.

An interlude of singing and dancing in the streets perhaps?

Bring the kids along and make it a family team-building affair. And once the fun of the day is done, enjoy a drink at the afterparty to be hosted at Beersmith, along with the award ceremony. Just scan the QR code below to register you and your team. Proceeds will go to Migrant Children Foundation (MCF).

See you there!

Date

Oct 3, 2020

Schedule

Registration: 1pm-2pm at  The Great Outdoors

Team Competition: 2pm-6pm at  Various Locations

Afterparty: 6pm-9pm at Beersmith with Live DJ

Price

RMB 300 per Team, max. six people

KEEP READING: Too Late To Plan a Day Trip? The Only List You’ll Need for Golden Week

Photos: Courtesy of The Great Human Connection

]]> https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2020/09/28/takes-win-join-the-great-race/feed/ 0 https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2020/09/14/golf-good-rotary-club-beijing-riviera-country-club/ https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2020/09/14/golf-good-rotary-club-beijing-riviera-country-club/#respond Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:00:27 +0000 https://www.beijing-kids.com/?p=158500 Is there anything better than a day of sun, air, and a choker of golf? Well, enjoy your last days of summer with this amazing event, and all for a good cause! ]]>

We hate to admit it, but autumn is right around the corner. Soon it will be time for jumpers, and our summer shorts and sandals will go into storage, to be used again in Beijing’s next summer. But there are still a few days of glorious weather to be had now that we have turned the corner and the stifling heat of Beijing’s July and August is behind us. It’s perfect weather for a lavish day of golf followed by a sumptuous lakeside dinner, and scintillating conversation with some of Beijing’s greatest golf enthusiasts.

On September 19,Riviera Beijing in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Beijing will be hosting the East Golf Tournament at the Beijing Country Club, followed by a lakeside dinner at the Riviera. The event will be in support of the Migrant Children Foundation (MCF), Morning Star Foundation Beijing, and Dew Drops Little Flower; three organizations working tirelessly to support disadvantaged children all across China.

Enjoy Beijing’s fall weather among the greenery.

Do not be alarmed, the event will not be black tie. Feel free to dress casually and comfortably. Transportation will be provided for those interested in participating in the golf tournament, after which the buffet dinner shall take place by the lake in the stunning Riviera hotel. On the other side of the lake, a kids zone will be open for children to have fun and enjoy their meals so that parents can have a wonderful adult dinner. The kids’ zone will also have a large screen on which kids will be able to watch movies.

The Riviera Hotel is a beautiful spot for such a worthwhile event.

Take this opportunity to indulge your love of golf, or give in to your curiosity about the sport, and all for a lovely evening in a stunning location for a good cause!

Photos: Courtesy of event organizer, Unsplash