Ms Teresa Chu – Winner of Highest Number of Sponsors Award in Dragon Charity Walk
At the end of 2014, the annual CASS gathering for aged care services clients and their families was held. Awards were also presented for the Dragon Charity Walk for that year. An elegant lady received two awards. She is Ms Teresa Chu, the passionate and talented leader of Hua Kang Seniors Group, which has hosted many CASS activities.
The Dragon Charity Walk is a big annual event of CASS. It was established to raise funds for the first CASS Residential Aged Care Facility. Several awards were set up to reward eager participants. Teresa won those for the Highest Number of Sponsors and the Second Highest Amount of Sponsorship – two of the six. The Hua Kang Seniors Group that she led was presented with the Award for the Group/Organisation with the Highest Amount of Sponsorship.
Teresa was the central motivator and organiser, encouraging her family, friends and Group members to contribute money and effort for CASS.
The Hua Kang Seniors Group, which gathers at the Hurstville Senior Citizens Centre at 91 Queens Road, Hurstville, is an extended family for its members. It operates for two days every week. The Dance Group is held every Thursday and the Activity Group every Friday.
Teresa joined the Group in 2007. In less than two years, she was elected as a member of the Local Management Committee and the leader of the Friday Group. Her integrity, wholehearted service and commitment were evident to everyone.
As the Leader of Friday Group, Teresa was successful in creating a family environment for its members. From ensuring that the venue was clean to contacting the local government representatives, she is always present with her colleagues to take care of things. The problem might be an inadequate water supply or malfunctioning audio equipment in the Centre. So off she goes to inform the Council at once to fix the problem. If the Group is unfairly treated, she stands up and fights for their interests. Her caring attitude has won respect and praise.
The common vision which she shares with CASS fuels her work. She knows it is to help the elderly and disadvantaged in the community and advocate for them, through providing multifaceted welfare services.
In 2011, Teresa was elected to the CASS Board as an Alternate Director. When the idea of raising funds to build a residential aged care facility was raised, she actively responded, encouraging Group members to make generous donations during the monthly birthday parties and celebrations. She knows that small amounts can soon add up.
Together with Jie Hua Li, Fat Leong and Polly Po Tang, Teresa raised more than $30,000 in two years. For two years in a row, she won the Highest Number of Sponsors Award in the Dragon Charity Walk, adding each time to the people who donated. With her passion and determination, she has strongly demonstrated how she can lead and motivate.
Teresa often hosts CASS activities such as the annual Volunteers Thanksgiving Party, the Dragon Charity Walk performance program and the Aged Care Information Expo. Her calm grace on stage is noticed and praised by all audience.
Teresa Chu receives her award from Councillor Jeanette Wang at the Dragon Charity Walk Award Ceremony in 2014