For more than three decades, Wendy Yuan has witnessed Richmond’s growth, its achievements and its challenges.
Yuan, a member of the Richmond community for 30 years, has a background as a business owner and extensive volunteer involvement in both the City of Richmond and Metro Vancouver. She believes these experiences position her to understand the impact of provincial political policies on Richmond residents.
In an effort to maximize her impact and reach, it's not uncommon to see Yuan out in the community doing door-to-door engagement with residents.
On one of many door-knocking sessions, Yuan can't help but feel energized on the doorsteps.
"I feel as a candidate that this is what it's all about. I love connecting with and listening to my constituents with an open heart and mind."
Leadership in the community
Yuan recognizes that Richmond has given her a lot and wants to reciprocate with her service and leadership.
"If I'm elected, I endeavour to give back by being available to the members of my community, listening to their issues and concerns and reflecting on them while acting on their behalf in Victoria," she says.
"My role will not only be a member of the provincial legislature, but more importantly, a member that truly represents Richmond."
Yuan serves Richmond residents through her diverse community leadership roles with many organizations.
She currently holds positions as an executive board director and co-chair of the Donor Development Committee for the Richmond Community Foundation (RCF), and holds a Forever Fund. Additionally, she’s the charter president of the Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club.
Charity and fundraising efforts
Dedicated to giving back, Yuan strives to positively maximize her impact and help address societal challenges that make the greatest impact on Richmond residents.
The affordability crisis is top of mind for the people of Richmond, especially for young families, an issue Yuan is devoted to implementing assistance.
"During my involvement with various charity work in Richmond, whether it be fundraising for RCF or the annual Richmond Christmas Fund with Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, one recurring theme is that more and more people in Richmond can't afford the ever-rising housing prices and the high cost of living," reveals Yuan.
"Many young people who were born and raised in Richmond are moving away to other provinces or the U.S and many others, regardless of age group, are struggling with the affordability issue. That’s why I believe all of my fundraising efforts over the years have helped address this affordability crisis and have had the greatest impact on Richmond residents."
Proud achievements, community impact
In 2018, when Yuan joined the RCF, she realized that many Richmond high school graduates were facing financial barriers in pursuing higher education.
"I'm a firm believer that higher education needs to be more accessible to students with less financial means," she explains.
Therefore, she worked diligently, reaching out to potential donors, and as a result, six endowment funds from the Chinese community were set up to provide scholarships to local students in need.
"It was the best fundraising record year in recent years," says Yuan.
"In 2022, my husband and I set up the 'Wendy Yuan & Kan Chan Scholarship Endowment Fund' supporting a local political science student each year. I'm proud of my involvement with RCF and my contribution in growing the foundation's Forever Funds, investing in the future of young people in Richmond."
Yuan intends to instill confidence in her constituents and reassure them that better days are ahead, leaning on her proven long track record of community service and achievements.
"I'm known to be a doer and always deliver results," Yuan says. "My record also shows that I keep my promise. When I make a promise on the issues important to the people of Richmond Centre such as safety, health care and inclusion, I honour it with unwavering commitment and integrity."
For more information, visit facebook.com/ca.wendyyuan/
