This Lunar New Year, PeerLift brought our community together to celebrate culture, connection, and achievement. Families gathered around tables to fold dumplings side by side, sharing laughter, stories, and a reminder that traditions are strongest when experienced together.
Beyond the celebration, the evening also honored the incredible dedication of our students. During our award ceremony, young leaders were recognized for their hard work and perseverance, and exciting prizes added to the joy of the night. The smiles in the room reflected more than just celebration. They reflected pride, growth, and the power of support.
As we welcomed the new year, we were reminded that when we uplift one another, we create more than opportunities. Lifting each other, growing together.
Hard at work making dumplings.
The dinner spread.
One of the games that the children made.
In March of 2026, families came together in the spirit of spring, as both parents and children rolled up their sleeves to prepare the soil and plant new life side by side. Through shared effort and hands-on learning, the event fostered connection, responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for growth—both in the garden and within the community.
On April 9, Peerlift moms came together for a relaxing day of connection and community. They enjoyed lunch, got to know one another better, and spent time making egg tarts while sharing conversations and laughter. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to unwind, build friendships, and take a well-deserved break from their busy routines.
On May 17, children volunteers from the Peerlift Youth Foundation came together to sell Krispy Kreme donuts in support of the BC Cancer Foundation. Through the fundraiser, the volunteers learned to face rejection with confidence, step outside their comfort zones, and work together as a team to achieve a common goal. Their dedication helped raise awareness and support for cancer research while building valuable life skills, raising a total of $436 towards cancer research.
At the end of May, thanks to everyone's hard work in maintaining the garden patch, the Richmond municipality gave us Rockstar award for the inspection of out first bath of produce.
On June 9, Peerlift moms gathered for another community event, coming together to make their own zongzi and celebrate culture through a shared hands-on experience. Learning how to wrap the zongzi properly proved to be a fun challenge, leading to plenty of laughter, teamwork, and helpful encouragement from one another. The activity created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that strengthened connections and brought the community closer together.
On June 21, parents and children came together to recognize and celebrate the dedicated student tutors who have helped teach subjects such as science, math, and English throughout the year. The event was an opportunity to thank the tutors for their hard work and positive impact on the students they supported. Families also gathered to celebrate the harvest from the Peerlift Community Garden, enjoying the fruits of their collective efforts and strengthening the sense of community through learning and shared achievement.
In August, as summer came to an end, the hard work of the PeerLift youth began to show as they harvested the crops they had planted earlier in the spring. After months of watering, caring for, and watching the garden grow, the youth were able to enjoy the fruits of their labour. The harvest was a rewarding reminder of the value of patience, teamwork, and dedication, while bringing the community together to celebrate their shared efforts.
On August 21, young volunteers from the PeerLift Youth Foundation visited the BC Cancer Foundation and the BC Cancer Research Centre to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against cancer. Through their Krispy Kreme donut fundraiser, the youth raised $437, along with an additional $600 donation from PeerLift’s Youth Public Service Tutoring Program, for a total of $1,037. The visit gave the volunteers an opportunity to see the impact of their efforts firsthand while learning the importance of service, generosity, and giving back to their community.
On August 28, PeerLift children and parents came together to participate in Urban Bounty’s Garden Tasting and Talk event, created for senior community members. Bringing freshly harvested vegetables from the PeerLift Community Garden, families proudly shared approximately 50 pounds of beans, pumpkins, and tomatoes with the community. The event was a meaningful opportunity to give back, share the garden’s harvest, and connect generations through food, conversation, and community spirit.