Suzanne Calton : Shanghai's openness helps my charity dream come true

Reform protects the development of charitable causes

Suzanne told us that all the committee members and volunteers either have their own jobs or hold a position in the Thrivers’ club and they never earn a dime from the organization. They have a bank account, which is run by their local partner Shanghai Cancer Recovery Club. More Than Aware team members barely touch the money.

However, not all charitable organizations are as clean and transparent as More Than Aware. Suzanne mentioned that four years ago China found some foreign-run charitable organizations sent the funds they raised in Shanghai back to their own countries. The government then began to draft a law to prevent such a situation and to more closely monitor where the funds go and how the funds are being managed. In 2016, China’s first Charity Law was passed by national lawmakers and took effect to address many issues during the development of charitable causes, such as registration, qualification and monitoring.

Suzanne’s best wishes for Shanghai’s further opening up and charity cause

Suzanne wrote down her expectations for Shanghai’s further opening up and charity cause at the end of the interview. “I hope Shanghai displays its rich history and opens up opportunities for partnerships in business and charity. I hope that despite the progressive nature of this fast-paced lifestyle, Shanghai will continue to be an example of putting family first.”

Story by: Lu Yukun

Translated by: Lu Yukun

Cameraman: Liu Hao