Vancouver, BC – December 1, 2024 – On the evening of November 30, 2024, The "2024 Youth Starry Night Ceremony," hosted by the Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society (VYAS) was held last month at the Fortune Terrace Restaurant in Richmond, drawing over 200 esteemed guests. Attendees included representatives from all levels of Canadian government, the Cultural Consul of the Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver, community leaders, and numerous volunteers.

The evening commenced with a captivating traditional fashion show, followed by a warm welcome speech. Jenny Zhang, Operations Manager of the Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the volunteers.

Jason Lai, founder of VYAS, shared the organization’s achievements, noting that VYAS has grown to 250 volunteers across ten cities and over 20 schools, organizing nearly 100 events annually. The organization provides 200 hours of community service for high school students each year, hosts 12 mutual aid workshops, and offers one-on-one support to nearly 100 youth with autism. Additionally, 12 family counseling workshops have benefited numerous families. To date, VYAS has raised $92,350, with $81,800 supporting the VGH & UBC Foundation’s "Youth Leadership & Resiliency Program," which helps young people combat mental illness and substance abuse. An additional $8,000 has been donated to the Children's Hospital to support medical care for critically ill children, with the remaining funds allocated to youth health and medical improvement projects.

Prominent figures such as MP and Minister of Citizens' Services Terry Beech, MP Parm Bains, Cultural Consul Yu Xiaoyao, BC Minister of Citizens' Services George Chow, BC MLA Teresa Wat, Shadow Attorney General Steve Kooner, BC MLA Hon Chan, Richmond City Councillor Chak Au, Burnaby North MLA candidate Michael Wu, and philanthropist Renmin Wei delivered speeches. They highlighted the importance of volunteerism in Canada’s social development and encouraged more people to contribute to their communities.

Government representatives praised VYAS for its contributions to the community, presenting the organization with congratulatory letters and certificates of appreciation.

The banquet featured the presentation of several awards, including the Best Leadership Award, Best Innovation Award, and Community Contribution Award. In addition to trophies and medals, VYAS Foundation provided cash rewards to honor the outstanding performance of volunteers.

The VYAS Ignite Club was recognized with the Best Team Award for its exemplary teamwork, showcasing the vitality and responsibility of the younger generation. Sophie Zhang, head of the Hand-in-Hand Foundation, introduced an international painting competition project aimed at helping children with autism, initiated by the VYAS Ignite Club and set to be a key focus for the coming year.

As the event concluded, Jason Lai and Jenny Zhang presented appointment letters to the newly appointed council members. The current leadership team, including Gary, Alyssa, and Abereena, shared their achievements and outlined their vision for the future. The evening ended on a high note with a performance of the organization's anthem, written and composed by VYAS Vice President Zena Su, bringing the event to a celebratory close.

For media inquiries or more information about the Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society (VYAS), please contact Info@thavyas.org.

About Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society (VYAS)

Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society (VYAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the well-being of youth in the Vancouver community. Through various programs and initiatives, VYAS aims to provide support, guidance, and resources to empower young individuals, ensuring they have access to opportunities for personal growth and mental well-being.