Accumulating Good Deeds
17 December 2006
Tung Chan
It’s been quite a journey for Vancouver businessman Tung Chan.
Chan, a Hong Kong native, immigrated to Vancouver in his early 20s, waiting tables to put himself through school.
Today, his list of accomplishments is as impressive as it is varied: District Vice-President with TD Bank Financial Group, City of Vancouver Councillor and currently CEO of SUCCESS, are just a few of his career highlights.
A passionate philanthropist, Chan has a long history with Vancouver Foundation. In addition to serving on the Foundation’s Development Advisory Committee, in 1998 Chan and his wife started the Tung and Shirley Chan “Ji Shen” Fund, meaning “accumulation of good deeds.” His goal? To leave a lasting contribution that will live on beyond his lifetime.
“I wanted to leave a legacy behind by setting up an endowment fund with Vancouver Foundation,” says Chan. “I also wanted to set an example for others to show that if someone like me, who was a poor immigrant, can do this, than anyone can “and should” do it too.”
“I also wanted to set an example for others to show that if someone like me, who was a poor immigrant, can do this, than anyone can – and should – do it too.” — Tung Chan
In 2006, the Tung and Shirley Chan “Ji Shen” Fund provided grants to an array of organizations, including the Richmond Public Library, the Ji Shen Award at Kwantlen University College and the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Greater Vancouver.
(Story written: 2006