FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 11, 2010

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Walk with the Dragon Reaches beyond the Goal

Vancouver, BC – Hosted by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, Walk 2010 was successfully held and raised an astounding amount of $ 415,000, an accomplishment made possible by the generous support and participation of the community. All proceeds will benefit S.U.C.C.E.S.S. services and programs that are under-funded or un-funded by the government, particularly those pertaining to youth, women, seniors and families.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Walk with the Dragon. Welcomed by Maggie Ip, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation and Peter Kwok, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., over 10,000 people of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds joined the 7-km Walk led by the 100-foot colourful S.U.C.C.E.S.S. dragon. The sunny weather attracted over 300 teams comprising of community organizations, public and private corporations. 

“It is heartening to see so many walkers, sponsors, volunteers and staff to show their support. They have come to join us today at Stanley Park to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this meaningful event.  They are the heroes for this event,” said Maggie Ip, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation.

Since 1986, the annual S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Walk with the Dragon has evolved into one of the largest community based fundraising events in Metro Vancouver to promote health, multiculturalism and community participation.  During the past 24 years, over 260,000 participants attended the annual Walk and raised over $10 million towards the development and continuance of important S.U.C.C.E.S.S. community services and programs that are not funded or under funded by the government. 

In preparation of the hot weather, the organizer set up five water stops along the 7-km route and prepared sufficient water on site. Free milk tea and soy milk tasting were also provided.

“Twenty percent of our annual operating budget is raised from the community through donations, membership dues, cost recovery programs, corporate sponsorships and fundraising events such as Walk with the Dragon. With the increasing service needs, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation is in even more dire need of the community’s support, generosity and encouragement to raise funds for providing critical S.U.C.C.E.S.S. programs to the community. We all have to work doubly hard in order to reach our fundraising target,” Maggie Ip, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, told the media.

Walk 2010 was well attended by elected officials and community leaders.  Marching to the drumbeat of the colourful S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Dragon were over 70 elected representatives from three levels of government who took part in the event to support the work of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation.  Among the Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliaments, Members of the Provincial Legislature, Mayors, Councillors,

 School Trustees and Parks Commissioners were: Representing Prime Minister of Canada Dr. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and MP for Richmond; Hon. Ujjal Dosanjh, PC, MP for Vancouver South; Hon. Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia;  Hon. Yonah Martin, Senator; Andrew Saxton, MP for North Vancouver; Bill Siksay, MP for Burnaby-Douglas; Hon. Dr. Moira Stillwell; Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development; Hon. Mary McNeil, Minister of Citizens’ Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau; Hon. Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport; Hon. John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action; Ellen Woodsworth, Deputy Mayor of City of Vancouver, etc.

Winners of the Highest Pledge Collection Awards in the Financial Institution, Group and Individual categories were also presented with trophies from Co-Chairs of Walk 2010, Ms. Joann Wong Bittle, Mr. Ricky Wu and Mr. Sing Lim Yeo.  

The event was also celebrated with live entertainment, games and food booths.  Entertainment included martial arts demonstration, dance and vocal performances.

Incorporated in 2001, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation is a charitable foundation responsible for raising funds for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and its affiliated organizations to support their mandates for the betterment of the community. For more details, please visit https://mail.successbc.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.successfoundation.ca/  

Your support gives
Youths a chance to make a difference in the future,
Seniors a sense of belonging and love,
Women a sense of accomplishment and independence,
Families a sense of happiness and support

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