The Foundation received more than 120 applications, marking a nearly 50% increase over the previous year. In selecting the winners, multiple factors were considered, including academic achievement, community involvement, and strength of references.

Ava Koldenhof, of McMath Secondary, received two scholarships, which will support her studies in the Industrial Design program at the Université de Montréal.

Braeden Munn, a student at MacNeil Secondary, will stay closer to home, using his scholarship to study Linguistics and Arts, first at Douglas College and then at the University of British Columbia. 

“Once my education is complete, I look forward to the opportunity to give back to the community that gave so generously to me,” says Munn.

Richmond Secondary student Kalia He, who received a pair of scholarships, plans on studying Environmental Sciences at UBC, with hopes of pursing a career in environmental sustainability.

“Not only will these scholarships fund my school expenditures, but [they] will be lasting proof of the faith that Richmond’s community has in my future,” says He.

The Foundation awards scholarships through its forever funds, which are established by individuals, businesses, and community groups.

“Our fundholders know that education unlocks opportunities,” says Ed Gavsie, Executive Director of the Foundation. “They’re committed to helping as many students as possible achieve their educational and professional goals.”

Click here to view a complete list of the Foundation’s scholarship funds.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to any of the funds through our online donation page.

If you’re interested in starting your own scholarship fund, please reach out to us at 604-270-4483 or info@richmondfoundation.org. We’d be happy to guide you through the process!

Meet This Year’s Scholarship Recipients

Dacheng Education Scholarship

Kalia He (Richmond Secondary)

Etta Demerse Scholarship

Noor Al Tabbaa (Palmer Secondary)
Megan Chan (Richmond Christian)
Isabella Chiu (Burnett Secondary)
Laiqa Dosti (Adult Education Centre)
Laurel Forgeron (Steveston-London Secondary)
Olivia Grill (McMath Secondary)
Katie Huang (Cambie Secondary)
Chun Yau Johnathan Lo (Hugh Boyd Secondary)
Lucia Ramento (Steveston-London Secondary)

Kronier Family Scholarship

Jaclyn Abbot (McNair Secondary)
Aaron Jay Antonio (Richmond Christian)
Isabella Bae (Burnett Secondary)
Alishay Butt (Palmer Secondary)
Matthew Chan (McMath Secondary)
Kacey Cheng (Richmond Secondary)
Isabella Chiu (Burnett Secondary)
Laiqa Dosti (Adult Education Centre)
Hannah Ha (McMath Secondary)
Kalia He (Richmond Secondary)
Simr Kaur (Steveston-London Secondary)
Nathan Kusch (McMath Secondary)
Kristen Law (Burnett Secondary)
Braeden Munn (MacNeil Secondary)
Manhoor Naeem (Palmer Secondary)
Emily Ruiz Lopez (Hugh Boyd Secondary)
Lucia Vigneras (McRoberts Secondary)
Alice Wong (Palmer Secondary)

Linda Li Scholarship

Isabella Bae (Burnett Secondary)
Tayla Barbosa (Burnett Secondary)
Sarah Ong (Burnett Secondary)
Anki Tang (Burnett Secondary)

Parm Bains & Family Scholarship

Hilary But (Palmer Secondary)

Phil Brown Scholarship

Katrina Anderson (Burnett Secondary)
Noa Lichtmann (Burnett Secondary)
Sarah Ong (Burnett Secondary)
Abigail Seetoh (Richmond Christian)

RichCity Idol Scholarship

Sage Laing (McMath Secondary)

Richmond Athletic Commission Scholarship

Rodrigo Villalon (McMath Secondary)

Richmond Community Foundation Scholarship

Ava Koldenhof (McMath Secondary)
Nayis Majumder (Cambie Secondary)

Richmond Sunset Rotary Art Scholarship

Isabella Chiu (Burnett Secondary)
Samantha Clar De Jesus (McRoberts Secondary)
Ava Koldenhof (McMath Secondary)
Sage Laing (McMath Secondary)

Steveston Community Society Scholarship

Mishca Chang (McMath Secondary)
Jada Daisy Mavis (McMath Secondary)

Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club Scholarship

Sarah Ong (Burnett Secondary)

Walter Wu Scholarship

Spring Ma (Burnett Secondary)

Richmond’s Community Spirit in Bloom

On April 25, at LuLu Island Winery, the Richmond Community Foundation held a Donor Appreciation Event. We had an excellent turnout, with about 50 fundholders, supporters, and elected officials joining us for an evening of food and entertainment, networking opportunities, and engaging conversations.

Among the speakers were Mayor Malcolm Brodie, who acknowledged the Foundation’s long-standing contributions to the Richmond community, and Ginna Ng, President of the Richmond Music School, which holds a Forever Fund with the Foundation and is a previous grant recipient.

Other speakers included Foundation Chair Sunny Chiu, Vice Chair Maryam Bawa, and Treasurer Dean Cardno. The event was emceed by Foundation Board Members Imelda Nurwisah and Ken Johnston.

We were also delighted to have MP Parm Bains in attendance. He knows the Foundation well, both as a former Vice Chair and a current fundholder.

A group of talented students from the Richmond Music School provided the evening’s entertainment, while event sponsors Lulu Island Winery and One Percent Studio generously donated lucky draw prizes, including a free winery tour for four, vouchers for pottery classes, and over $3,000 worth of premium tea sets.

At the event, we were excited to announce that the BC government has made $25 million available to support poverty reduction initiatives and address other community needs. The funds, to be awarded as grants to charities and non-profit organizations, will be distributed locally by the Richmond Community Foundation.

Here are some closing words from Foundation Chair Sunny Chiu:

“It was a great occasion to get together with our existing fundholders, and to thank them for their continued support of our Richmond community. We are a small community foundation, but we are making a big impact because of their dedication and support in the background – for our local charities, non-profits, and our high school students. To guests of our fundholders, it was a pleasure meeting you all and we sincerely hope that you’ll consider supporting the Foundation and setting up Forever Funds with us.”

In all, 45 scholarships, representing nearly $30,000 in financial support, were awarded to 35 Richmond students.

As always, the recipients are incredibly diverse, not only in their cultural backgrounds, but in their educational aspirations and career goals.

This diversity will surely be reflected in the years ahead, as the students start having an impact as professionals and community leaders, each making their mark in their chosen field.

Anoushka Sharma, a student at Steveston-London Secondary, received two scholarships, which she’ll use to pursue her dream career in law and politics.

“I am honoured to have been chosen and greatly appreciate the opportunity to explore my interests in post-secondary,” says Sharma.

Kippei Shoji, who attends McMath Secondary, received a $1,500 scholarship, awarded through the Steveston Community Society Endowment Fund. In the fall, he’ll attend Emily Carr University as a Visual Arts major.

Shoji says he’s “excited to become a young adult” and “ready to have new experiences, learn new things, and deepen my knowledge of the arts.”

Ellaina Ding, on the other hand, is passionate about science. The Richmond Secondary student received a $1,000 Kronier Family Scholarship, which will help kickstart her studies in Chemical Engineering at UBC.

In the wake of the pandemic, Ding is interested in vaccine research, saying, “I hope to be able to develop more affordable and available resources for those who otherwise would not be able to access them.”

We’d like to congratulate all of this year’s scholarship recipients, and wish each of them the best of luck as they take the next step on their educational journey!

Click here to view a complete list of the Foundation’s scholarship funds.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to any of the funds through our online donation page.

If you’re interested in starting your own scholarship fund, please reach out to us at 604-270-4483 or info@richmondfoundation.org. We’d be happy to guide you through the process!

Meet This Year’s Scholarship Recipients

Andrea Xi Scholarship

Hagan Carson Cheung (Richmond Christian)

Audrey Fricker Scholarship

Iris Chan (Palmer Secondary)
Emma Murray (Hugh Boyd Secondary)

Dacheng Education Scholarship

Emilia Montgomery (McMath Secondary)

Derek Dang and Dr. Margaret Yeung Scholarship

Hagan Carson Cheung (Richmond Christian)
Elena De Mitri (McRoberts Secondary)
Caeli Yamanaka (McNair Secondary)

Etta Demerse Scholarship

Kelsie Boutilier (Richmond Secondary)
Maggie Chan (Palmer Secondary)
Diljaan Gill (Burnett Secondary)
Atosha Ngage (Richmond Secondary)
Cat Toung (Vicky) Nguyen (McNair Secondary)
Charlotte Tsang (Palmer Secondary)
Micah Wu (Steveston-London Secondary)

GBN Health Technology Scholarship

Marley Goodhew (McMath Secondary)

Kronier Family Scholarship

Kelsie Boutilier (Richmond Secondary)
Maggie Chan (Palmer Secondary)
Ellaina Ding (Richmond Secondary)
Eliana Khoo (Steveston-London Secondary)
Yohann Menezes (Hugh Boyd Secondary)
Steffi Mo (Palmer Secondary)
Atosha Ngage (Richmond Secondary)
Seth Reehal (Cambie Secondary)
Sakshyam Sah (Richmond Secondary)
Rana Sarmiento (Hugh Boyd Secondary)
Timothy Solnyshkin (Richmond Secondary)
Tia Selinger (Hugh Boyd Secondary)
Arvind Srinivasan (Steveston-London Secondary)
Runqi Zong (Steveston-London Secondary)

Linda Li Scholarship

Anoushka Sharma (Steveston-London Secondary)

Parm Bains & Family Scholarship

Kevin Bhangoo (McNair Secondary)

Phil Brown Scholarship

Kennice Wong (Burnett Secondary)
Micah Wu (Steveston-London Secondary)

RichCity Idol Scholarship

Iris Chan (Palmer Secondary)
Stacey Kok (Palmer Secondary)
Emma Murray (Hugh Boyd Secondary)

Richmond Athletic Commission Scholarship

Kara Chan (Burnett Secondary)

Richmond Community Foundation Scholarship

Anoushka Sharma (Steveston-London Secondary)

Richmond Sunset Rotary Art Scholarship

Stacey Kok (Palmer Secondary)
Zoey Lee (Palmer Secondary)
Stephanie Mok (Palmer Secondary)

Steveston Community Society Scholarship

Wajih Hassan (Steveston-London Secondary)
Kippei Shoji (McMath Secondary)

Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club Scholarship

Lynn Chen (Palmer Secondary)

Walter Wu Scholarship

Steffi Mo (Palmer Secondary)

In 2019, the Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club established a Forever Fund with the Foundation, through which they award scholarships to local students. In addition, the Club actively fundraises for the Foundation, generating financial resources that benefit the entire Richmond community.

We’re thankful for the Club’s continued support, and would like to especially thank Event Co-Chairs Jeff Jiang, Katharine Kristar, and Jeff Guo, as well as the Club’s Charter President – and Community Foundation Board Member – Wendy Yuan.

The recipients are from high schools throughout Richmond, and have a wide range of educational and professional goals.

“I aspire to pursue a career in UX design, harnessing my passion for digital arts and creativity to explore the thriving technological industry,” says Caleb Wu, a Steveston-London Secondary student who received two scholarships.

Kian Cole Bellinger, a scholarship winner from McNair Secondary, plans to study medicine, having already gained experience as a first responder at his school and as a volunteer with St. John Ambulance. “I hope one day I will be able to help students and other people in need to achieve their goals, just as you have helped me,” says Bellinger.

The Foundation provides financial support from its Forever Funds, which are started by individuals, families, businesses, and community groups. Each year, a percentage of the Funds’ investment income is distributed as scholarships, based on criteria set by the fundholders.

“Because we manage such a diverse range of Funds, we’re able to help students in multiple fields, including academics, athletics, trades, and the performing arts,” says Foundation Chair Dave Frank. “Our fundholders are committed to removing financial barriers, so students can pursue an education – and a career – that aligns with their skills and interests.”

Christina Gan, of Palmer Secondary, developed a love for health sciences through her participation in school sports, where she’d often help treat injured teammates. Aided by her scholarship, she hopes to become a pediatric nurse. “It’s incredible that the Richmond community that I’ve grown up in has chosen to reinvest in me,” says Gan.

Click here to view a complete list of the Foundation’s scholarship funds.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to any of the funds through our online donation page.

If you’re interested in starting your own scholarship fund, please reach out to us at 604-270-4483 or info@richmondfoundation.org. We’d be happy to guide you through the process!

Meet This Year’s Scholarship Recipients

Andrea Xi Scholarship

Soma Inokuchi (Palmer)

Dacheng Education Scholarship

Victoria Han Wang (McMath)

Derek Dang and Dr. Margaret Yeung Scholarship

Gabriel Dela Rosa (Richmond High)
Julia Guo (McMath)
Calista Ngai (Palmer)
Marcus Nguyen (Burnett)
Najwa Yonen (MacNeil)

Etta Demerse Scholarship

Christina Gan (Palmer)
Karina Mak (MacNeil)
Karl Montez (Richmond High)
Claire Nicole Olan (Palmer)
Bernice See (Richmond High)
Ethan Simbillo (Boyd)
Christina Sofikitis (Boyd)
Bushra Wakaa (Richmond High)
Esther Wang (Richmond Christian)

Kronier Family Scholarship

Senna Al-Oalbe (Palmer)
Kian Cole Bellinger (McNair)
Alison Cains (Richmond High)
Talia Gordon (Steveston-London)
Soma Inokuchi (Palmer)
Eunice Lai (Richmond Christian)
Yuxin (Iris) Lou (Palmer)
Karl Montez (Richmond High)
Vandean Nguyen (Boyd)
YuFei (Sophie) Ren (Richmond High)
Jasleen Saini (Boyd)
Ethan Simbillo (Boyd)
Joshwa Song (McMath)
Bushra Wakaa (Richmond High)
Victoria Han Wang (McMath)
Samantha Yeung (Richmond Christian)

Linda Li Scholarship

Caleb Wu (Steveston-London)

Phil Brown Scholarship

Tali Grenzburg (McMath)
Karl Montez (Richmond High)
Chanelle Wong (Burnett)

Richmond Athletic Commission Scholarship

Makayla Kusch (McMath)
Christina Sofikitis (Boyd)

Richmond Community Foundation Scholarship

Isabella Schaffer (McMath)

Richmond Sunset Rotary Art Scholarship

Eliana Barbosa (Burnett)
Constance Ngai Yan Lau (McMath)
Caitlyn Loy (McRoberts)
Victoria Han Wang (McMath)
Caleb Wu (Steveston-London Secondary)

Steveston Community Society Scholarship

Kelly Jai En Leung (Steveston-London)
Kazuko Canela Zazueta (McMath)

Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club Scholarship

Jasleen Saini (Boyd)

Walter Wu Scholarship

Makayla Kusch (McMath)