Wokai Blog

Pictures of Wokai Fine Art Project were printed on the Southern Metropolis Weekly 5th December issue. Those pictures were shoot by pinoeer photographer Mr. Chen Chunlin in this summer. Those people are Wokai micro-loan borrowers from Sichuan rural area.

On December 4th, Wokai Volunteers braved a cold day outside and participated in the Good Gift Fair http://www.goodgiftfair.com/.

The GOOD Gift Fair is an alternative gift event in Shanghai to provide critical support and exposure for local, national and international organizations with established track records of helping people and the environment. The event is also a fun and inspirational way for Shanghai residents to bypass the stress of holiday shopping.

Special thanks go to Aysha Shoman and Ricardo Amack who helped answer questions about Wokai to both local Shanghai citizens and foreigners. It was a good time to spread awareness on Wokai's gift card program http://en.wokai.org/giftCard/print

On November 1st, the Wokai Shanghai Chapter kicked off another installment of the E4E: “Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs” speaker series, with Co-Founder and COO of Embrace, Linus Liang, at Van Gogh.

E4E is Wokai’s speaker series for pioneering individuals to share their personal stories, challenges and successes in starting up businesses, and to show their support for rural entrepreneurs who receive micro-loans through Wokai. Past sessions have featured speakers from Sherpas delivery service and Subway restaurants.

After an hour of hanging with new and old friends, Speaker Linus Liang shared of his life journey from Microsoft, to start-up technology companies, and finally the idea that led to Embrace—developing innovative, affordable products, such as the Infant Warmer, to help families in low-income communities save premature babies. Linus and his team’s vision to empower disadvantaged communities is what drives Embrace, a self-sustaining nonprofit organization, to reach hospitals and clinics from India to Uganda.

The event had over 70 attendees, with entrepreneurs asking Linus questions ranging from the Infant Warmer to the long-term social impacts of a product such as this, and others interested in how to get involved with the Embrace organization. Many stayed after the event was over to chat with Linus Liang about social entrepreneurship and to learn more about his work with Embrace.

The Wokai Shanghai Chapter would like to thank Van Gogh for their space and for donating a portion of the event’s drink sales to Wokai’s cause. In addition, Wokai would like to thank Linus Liang of Embrace for his participation in the Wokai Shanghai Chapter E4E Speaker Series.

On September 10, the Wokai Shanghai Chapter threw a colorful art jam at Café Sambal to celebrate its launch.

The launch got everyone painting! Some joined the competition and painted Wokai borrowers for prizes while others painted to their hearts’ content. Wokai’s documentary “Mushroom after Rain” was also playing in the background throughout the event so that guests were able to learn more about the cause receiving their donations. Despite a light drizzle, the painters laughed and chatted with Wokai volunteers all afternoon.

Towards the end of the art jam, Shanghai Chapter President James Wemyss gave a speech to thank everyone in attendance for their contribution towards Wokai’s work. He later announced the winners of the art jam as well as winners of the raffle draw prizes, vouchers that were graciously provided by Coldstone Creamery and Mexican restaurant Maya.

Wokai Shanghai Chapter would like to thank Café Sambal for hosting the art jam and donating a portion of that event’s drink sales towards Wokai.

Chapter members celebrating their relaunch

The Winning Painting

The Winning Art Team