My Shanghai is an Urban Family series where we ask a Shanghai-based somebody to tell us about their life.
Dedicating herself to the greater good is how Amber Aldred has found her calling in Shanghai. When the opportunity to become Executive Director of Shanghai Sunrise presented itself, she jumped at the chance to work with the commited team of volunteers who make a difference. Relishing in her role where she champions for the disadvantaged youth the charity sponsors, she shares her time and business acumen to support fund raising efforts for their high school tuition.
What is your background and how long have you been in Shanghai?
I was born in Hong Kong and schooled in Australia prior to gaining my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Durham University in England. Before moving to Shanghai in April 2016, my career focused on PR, marketing and advertising within the hospitality industry. I formerly held the roles of Advertising Manager at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Director of Public Relations at The Ritz London.
Image via Shanghai Sunrise
What are the circumstances that led you to take on the role as Executive Director of Shanghai Sunrise?
Finding my passion for the non-profit sector was a stroke of luck. My husband’s career had brought us from Hong Kong to Shanghai, and when we first arrived, I reached out to various charities in the hope that I could use my skills and experience in a meaningful way. Shanghai Sunrise contacted me, and I began volunteering on a part-time basis. I soon fell in love with the organization, its mission and the young people we help. A year later, I was delighted when asked to take over the role of Executive Director and become a full-time professional volunteer.
What is the core mission of the organization?
In China, education is free up until Grade 10, leaving many families unable to pay the fees required for their children to complete their schooling. Shanghai Sunrise is a volunteer-led charity, focused on raising funds for tuition sponsorships to support these students. A donation of just RMB3,000 will create a one-year high school sponsorship for a young person in need. 100 percent of sponsorship funds go directly to the students, and you get to meet and stay in touch with the student you sponsor, so that you can see first-hand how your donation is improving their life. Our students have gone on to become managers, teachers, nurses, engineers and more, and we are so proud of them. But there is more work to be done to assist the estimated 40,000 young people in Shanghai who miss out on vital education each year.
Image via Shanghai Sunrise
How do volunteers contribute to the success of Shanghai Sunrise?
Our volunteers are the heart of our organization. While we have two full-time administrative staff, all other roles at Shanghai Sunrise are held by volunteers, and that includes the Executive Director and Board of Directors. We are a wonderfully diverse and evolving team of individuals who give our time and skills on a full-time, part-time or casual basis to help those in need. Our team of over 45 volunteers supports every aspect of our operation. This includes marketing, IT, accounting, event management, sponsor engagement and community outreach. We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can contribute their skills in support of our mission.
What are some of the most significant milestones you have experienced?
Since 1996, with the help of over 1,000 sponsors worldwide, Shanghai Sunrise has raised over RMB30 million, creating almost 11,000 scholarships and helping over 2,500 students and their families. This is a tremendous achievement, and we are so grateful to all our sponsors, volunteers and partners. This year also saw the first Shanghai Sunrise team participate in the E.G.G. Walkathon. We raised close to RMB120,000 for our program and the enrichment of our support service, which helps underprivileged students beyond education. This includes emotional well-being, physical health and life skills development.
Image via Shanghai Sunrise
What is the best advice you would give someone looking to participate in a non-profit organization?
Give according to your skillset. In my experience, when people think of volunteering, they think of short-term, team-based projects, like a beach clean or a clothing drive. Of course, these projects are essential, but often these volunteers don’t realize how valuable their professional skills can also be to a non-profit organization. Without a good core of skilled volunteers, Shanghai Sunrise could not carry out our vital work in the community. Whether you can volunteer on a short-term basis, a few hours a week, from home or part-time, directly contributing your specialized skills and talents (from IT support and strategic planning to marketing and HR consulting) strengthens a non-profit organization, so they can successfully achieve their mission.
What will be some of the lasting influences that you’ll carry with you into the future?
When I first began volunteering with Shanghai Sunrise, I helped out two days per week with the organization’s marketing, and within a year that had escalated to a full-time management role. This is the most fulfilling position I have ever held, and I am happier in my work than I have ever been. Volunteering is the habit of a lifetime, the best kind of addiction. I will always remember the young people in our program and their dreams that were realized through the help of Shanghai Sunrise, its generous sponsors and volunteers. I am so pleased to play a small part in it.
Image via Shanghai Sunrise
What is the number one goal that you have for Shanghai Sunrise and how can the community support this?
The number one goal of Shanghai Sunrise is to equip underprivileged youth through education – to help free them from poverty, realize fulfilling careers, attain greater life opportunities and become a positive force within their community. Last year, Shanghai Sunrise raised funds to create tuition sponsorships for 339 students. This year, we aim to help over 400 disadvantaged youth living in Shanghai, and I invite you to join me. By visiting our website (www.shanghaisunrise.com), you can sponsor a high school student for RMB3,000. Or, volunteer yourself and join our Shanghai Sunrise team by emailing: volunteer@shanghaisunrise.com.
Follow Shanghai Sunrise via their QR code.
Title Image via Shanghai Sunrise
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