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Turning Pages, Changing Lives: Reading Group Raises $25K for Seniors’ Health

‘Action in Reading’ – or A.I.R. for short – is no ordinary book club.

Boasting 108 active members who have collectively raised more than $78,000 for various local charities, this passionate association of Chinese-Canadian women proves that while actions may speak louder than words, they make the greatest impact when paired together.

“Our philosophy is that we read one book per season and donate to one charity per season,” says Linda Ji, VP and Co-Founder of A.I.R. “Sure, we could read a book together and discuss it, but we all felt a calling to do more.”

Turning Pages, Changing Lives: Reading Group Raises $25K for Seniors’ Health

Action in Reading group at cheque presentation ceremony

‘Action in Reading’ – or A.I.R. for short – is no ordinary book club.

Boasting 108 active members who have collectively raised more than $78,000 for various local charities, this passionate association of Chinese-Canadian women proves that while actions may speak louder than words, they make the greatest impact when paired together.

“Our philosophy is that we read one book per season and donate to one charity per season,” says Linda Ji, VP and Co-Founder of A.I.R. “Sure, we could read a book together and discuss it, but we all felt a calling to do more.”

A Community of Action

Started in 2019 as a smaller reading group of mothers seeking guidance and friendship in parenting, A.I.R. has since expanded into a fully operational organization with a shared goal of lifelong learning and stewardship.

“Many of us are new immigrants to Canada, and many of us are mothers,” says Linda. “We needed this kind of outlet to support each other, understand each other, bring more ideas and philosophies to the community, and most importantly, give back.”

Not content with the simpler beach reads of a typical book club, Linda points to A.I.R.’s two latest reads, Mini Philosophy: A Small Book of Big Ideas and Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, which inspired the group’s largest charitable initiative to date:

“We are so proud to say that we recently made our largest donation ever, as a group, to North York General Hospital,” says Linda, who oversaw a moving donation ceremony last week where a cheque for over $25,000 was presented to the North York General Foundation.

“We decided to make this donation specifically in support of the hospital’s Senior Health initiatives, including the development of its new Long-Term Care Development.”

Explaining that the group’s latest philosophy-based reads inspired them to give back to the ‘wisest members of the community,’ Linda adds that their mission extends beyond monetary donations.

“We organize many meaningful events to coincide with our reading and action schedule. For example, this year our youth group put on a talent show at North York General’s current Senior’s Health Centre for the Lunar New Year.”

Looking to the Future

Linda says the involvement of young people speaks to A.I.R.’s additional goal of promoting continuous self-learning and growth, strengthening family bonds, and encouraging the next generation to reach their full potential, one book at a time.

“Action in Reading has been going strong for five years now and continues to grow. We’re so encouraged by all of it and want to continue, which we will, when we gather again for another exciting season this September.”

“Our slogan has become, ‘Together we can do more.’ And the larger we become, the more opportunity there is to give back.”

Radiothon: In Support of Seniors’ Health

On September 5th, tune in to A1 Chinese Radio FM91.9 | FM100.7 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for North York General Hospital’s annual Radiothon – an exciting event aimed at raising funds for a new Omnicell machine, a vital medication dispensing tool that will enhance care for our seniors.

Let’s come together to ensure those who cared for us receive the love and care they deserve. And guess what? You don’t have to wait to donate! Follow the link to help us kickstart our campaign with a bang!

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