A Squamish high school student is hoping to make a big trip to the Far East and wants Squamish to help send her there.
Howe Sound Secondary School (HSSS) Grade 12 student Callista Ryan plans to travel to rural China with the Free the Children – Me to We program to help rebuild schools, clean a water system and work with Chinese youth.
Ryan said volunteering abroad has been something she’s been interested in for a while.
“Ever since I was younger, I’ve always wanted to volunteer on a service trip,” she stated. “I was approached with the opportunity to go on a youth service trip to work in a rural community in China over the summer recently, and I decided it was time to make that dream a reality.”
Ryan has created a GoFundMe page to help her raise the $5,395 that is needed to send her on her way. She is seeking donations from the community and hopes that Squamish can help make her trip a reality.
“On this journey, I hope to empower myself and others to take that extra step and make someone’s life better,” she said. “I’m willing to work hard to make a difference and take my leadership skills and challenge them in this situation.”
Volunteering is nothing new to Ryan, as she has been involved with Air Cadets, Big Brothers Big Sisters Squamish, the Squamish Youth Resource Centre and the Squamish Teen Action and Advisory Group.
Ryan said any amount, no matter how small, could help her on her journey. She plans to do fundraiser events in the coming months to help get the word out about her trip.
According to the Me to We website, the China Youth Trip departs on June 27 or July 17 and participants will stay busy during the 19-day trip.
She started her GoFundMe page in mid-February and as of press time had raised just over $1,000 towards the trip. For more information on Ryan and her campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/mqyvr0.
