I would like to preface my message with a confession – when I joined Power Unit three years go, never had I thought that this experience would be anything more than a mere networking opportunity and an affiliation with yet another youth philanthropic organization like many others. However, it was this inadvertent path that I undertook which led me to become where I am, as well as who I am today.
Books, jobs and schools cannot replicate the learning experience that was provided for me by Power Unit, nor can any particular word be used to accurately summarize the uniquely inspiring culture Power Unit has offered its members. It is this lifelong learning process along with its values that motivate and continue to draw the many of us together. As the bonds between us volunteers grow stronger, as is the growth of our organization’s unity and strength, as well as the unwavering mandate to charge up the leaders of tomorrow.
It is in my personal view that it is imperative for today’s youth to be aware of the various issues that concern our community. Our projects – Toronto Night Market, The E3 Challenge, Lunar New Year events and leadership workshops are some of our avenues in accomplishing the cause that we hold at the core of our team – that philanthropy, community leadership and the heart behind all of this not only “charge up the leaders of tomorrow”, but also empower our youths to become the necessary ingredients for tomorrow’s better society.
It is with honor that I am to lead a team that is so full of talent, dedication and passion. Together, we as a team of youths were able, and continue to be able to accomplish realities that are otherwise unfathomable, helping many others along the way. The strengthened personal growth of our members is something we proudly display.
I cordially invite you to join us, Power Unit, as a part of our dynamic team, to realize the possibility and reality for youths becoming engaged, powerful leaders for tomorrow’s community.
Thank you.
May Sze Wun Choi
President 2007-2008
Power Unit
 Are You the Next Apprentice?
Put your skills to test with Power Unit’s 2008 E3 Challenge!
What Is The E3 Challenge?
The E3 Challenge is a business competition modeled after “The Apprentice” reality show. It consists of three tasks in which teams of students from 16-21 compete against one another.
Why Participate in The E3 Challenge?
- Work with Local Businesses & Corporations
- Get real-time feedback on your projects from managers and senior executives of these organizations. Some of our past partners include: Ontario Place, HSBC Milliken Branch, Chapters-Indigo, Ontario Science Centre, etc.
- Add a Unique Experience to Your Resume:
Universities and employers are no longer looking for cookie-cutter type straight-A’s students. They are seeking dynamic individuals with a wide range of experience. Allow The E3 Challenge to add a colourful stroke to your resume.
Who Are We?
The E3 Challenge is brought to you by Power Unit, a non-profit, youth-driven organization dedicated to promoting youth leadership and empowerment in the Greater Toronto Area. Read more about us at: www.dove-powerunit.com
How to Get Involved with E3
- Download the application form from our website’s Join Us section
- Attach your resume to your application and email it to us.
- A phone interview will be scheduled.
- 25 students will be selected to proceed with The E3 Challenge.
For More Information:
Website: http://www.dove-powerunit.com/e3challenge
Email: e3challenge@dove-powerunit.com
Application Deadline: June 9th, 2008
Fee: $20
Click here to view postcard in large. Do you have a Birthday Coming Up?
In response to the overwhelming need for Disaster Relief efforts on the other side of the world, there is no better time to appreciate The Gift of Giving in celebration of anyone’s birthday!
PU presents – the Fundraising Birthday Series
For all the June Bugs out there, please take the initiative to request and encourage your friends to give DONATIONS as the only form of birthday present this year.
For the non-June bugs, you are ALWAYS welcome to celebrate your birthday earlier, or better still – encourage your friends to see the more meaningful side of birthday celebrations.
Sign up now, either yourself or your friends to be apart of the Fundraising Birthday Series. All proceeds will be reported, totaled, and 100% donated to World Vision Canada.
This effort is NOT exclusive to PU Members, so encourage your friends to join too!
Each birthday guy or girl will have their names and results tallied and reported @ www.dove-powerunit.com/blog. Let’s see who has the best, most supportive friends out there!
Remember, folks: The government is still matching all donations up until June 23rd. Let’s double up the impact for each gift today!
Toronto Night Market is a fundraising event organized by Power Unit with the spirit and goal of bringing youth activism, enthusiasm, and to outreach many communities. This festival brings together more than approximately 60,000 people.
Indeed, with the efforts of enthusiastic vendors and loyal volunteer organizers, the Toronto Night Market has been a great huge success over the past years. It has magnificent food, enjoyable games and many amazing performances. Additionally, it is a unique event that you will remember and enjoy. Not just yourself, but it is considered as an event that our community cares very deeply.
Toronto Night Market is more than a get-together with friends. It proceeds are actually donated to a chosen beneficiary every year. This year we have chosen Youth Out Loud as our beneficiary for 2008.
Youth Out Loud is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to raise awareness of child sex abuse. Their mission is to break the silence of violence. They create opportunities for youth to creatively express themselves about issues that are important to them. Some of their projects include Annual Walkathon to Stop Child Sexual Abuse, Youth Theatre Project, Survivor Anthology & the Poetry and Art Corner on their website.
For information about our beneficiary, please visit www.youthoutloudforchange.org
For information about the event, please visit www.torontonightmarket.com
Ways you can participate:
- Become a performer
- Become a vendor
- Become a volunteer
Check our website for more details!
Are you on Facebook? Join us! www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2414522852
Date: February 23 - 24, 2008
Location: Jackson’s Point Conference Centre
Cost: $35 (includes food, accommodation and transportation)
Web: www.sajpcc.com/
Retreat plan:
1) All retreaters meet up at Metro Square (3636 Steeles Ave. East) on
Feb. 23 at 8:30 a.m. for carpooling;
2) Arrive at Jackson’s Point around 9:30 a.m. and begin our retreat agenda;
3) Return to Metro Square on Feb. 24 around 6 p.m.
How to pay:
a) Cash or cheque. By cheque, please make it payable to “The Dove
Intercultural Society in Canada”
b) Must submit a consent form when you pay. If you’re under 18,
please make sure you submit a waiver to be signed by a parent or guardian.
c) Arrangement to be made with Jenny Cheung, please contact her at
647.899.0278 or jenny.cheung@dove-powerunit.com
d) Deadline: Feb. 20, 11 p.m.
Other:
- Please pack light, only extra clothes to keep warm for outdoor activities.
- This is an alcohol-free event.
- You’re welcome to bring board games or books, but no electronics.
Space is limited so please reply as soon as possible.
See You All There!
Click here to view poster in detail.
In partnership with Councillor Shelley Carroll, students from Power Unit, the youth affiliate of The Dove Intercultural Society, are together launching a community Lunar New Year event in time for this Asian festive holiday. Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to embrace and explore Asian culture and build a sense of cohesion among all members of our diverse community.
Activities Include:
- Cultural Performance
- Singing
- Interactive Games
- Skating Party
- Free Gifts
Date:
Sunday, February 10th, 2008
Time:
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location:
Pleasant View Community Centre
545 Van Horne Ave.
For more information:
Please call 416-392-4038
Little Asia 2007
Sponsored by State Farm Insurance
Presented by, NAAAP Toronto with the Mon Sheong Foundation
As part of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | Oasis Neighbourhood Challenge
Sunday, September 30, 2007; 8am - 2pm
Lakeshore Blvd and the Don Roadway
(At the base of the Don Valley Parkway)
Admission: FREE
Come Early for FREE Breakfast (While supplies last)
- Bring Your Cameras!
- Bring Your Family!
- Most Importantly… Bring lots of noise!
More than just a cheering site,…More than a stop on the marathon,…Inspired by its award winning performance,… Little Asia 2007 presents an electrifying street carnival that’s ready to thrill your senses with the vibrant sights, exciting sounds and palate enticing flavours of the Orient. A spectacular lion dance showcase, breathtaking martial arts demonstrations, tantalizing delicacies, and over 10 different cultural song and dance entertainers are only a sampling of the lively spectacle that awaits you. You can also try your hand at the Origami Arts and Challenge Game Tables or join our Mad Dash Team in cheering on the marathoners as they edge towards the finish line. Don’t forget to meet our larger than life lucky dragon mascot - Monty; he’d love to have a personalized picture with you to make your time with us a memorable one. Little Asia is a fun-filled cultural celebration and not to be missed marathon destination for the whole family. Discover the splendor and the world of Little Asia for yourself!
Featured Performances on Main Stage:
8:00am - 8:15 Lion Dance - Northern Legs Southern Fists
8:15 - 9:00 Band: Out of Luck
9:00 - 9:20 Minerva Recording Artist Jesamine
9:20 - 9:25 Chinese Dance Solo - Carman
9:25 - 10:00 Band: Baby Rocket
10:00 - 10:05 Kung Fu Performance - Mon Sheong
10:05 -10:10 Dance: Enamorase
10:10 - 10:35 Solo Artist: Brian Bow
10:35 - 11:00 Solo Artist: Kate
11:00 - 11:05 Kung Fu Performance - Mon Sheong
11:05 -11:30 Martial Arts: Team Dimsum
11:30 - 11:55 Band: Uniqual
11:55 - 12:00 Cultural Dance - Mon Sheong
12:05 - 12:30 Solo Artist: jP Sunga
12:30 - 12:55 Band:Cosmic Crayons
12:55- 1:15pm Performance: Mon Sheong Youth Ambassadors
Pledge your support to Little Asia Marathon Champions
- Gregory Chang…Greg is running his second Toronto Waterfront marathon this year and looking to beat his 4 hour run time last year. He has served as NAAAP Toronto’s Treasurer for four years and is currently Manager of Financial Reporting at Corus Entertainment’s Radio Division. Greg enjoys summer canoe trips, good stories, creating videos, and traveling for good eats. “With NAAAP, I find I’m always meeting someone interesting or learning something new. The board always has fantastic energy and NAAAP members come from all kinds of professions and experiences. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the group also has a strong community voice, which I’ve truly come to appreciate.” “Mon Sheong has such a great group of people and the work they do for the elderly is wonderful. Working together with their passionate and energetic volunteer team has been pure joy for us. Mon Sheong and NAAAP Toronto’s “Little Asia” won 1st place in the cheering station competition last year. But if you thought that was great, wait till you see what’s in store this year…”
- Bernardette Yuen…It was an honor to run for a good cause for my fellow Seniors who are not able to do so at this time when I was asked to run for the Mon Sheong Foundation this fall. Being a Health Educator before my retirement, I have always been conscious of maintaining a “Healthy Life Style”. However, “running was the last thing that I was considering to take up a new challenge and questioning myself if there is “HOPE” for me to start at this late age. Somehow, my daughter and son-in-law and myself managed to finished our “First Half Marathon” 2 years ago, and I completed my “Second” Half Marathon” last year at the Scotia Bank Waterfront Challenge. I hope one day I will be able to complete “A Full Marathon” and to “Climb the CN Tower”.
Show your support and make a pledge, visit: www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/nc/nc7.htm
Coming to Little Asia by car;
1. From downtown, across Front/Eastern Ave. over the DVP to Carlaw and south to Commissioners.
2. From the Beaches, go west on Lakeshore to Leslie and south to Commissioners.
3. From uptown, exit Richmond Street, get onto Eastern Ave (going East), then to Carlaw and then south to Commissioners.
Once on Commissioners, go West to the Don Roadway
Parking Available: on Villiers east or west of Don Roadway (to reach Villiers west, must go west on Commissioners past
Don Roadway, north on Cherry, east on Villiers)
Little Asia Shuttle Bus Service:
Woodbine & 16th (No Frills) - 7:45am
Fairview Mall (Sears / TTC) - 8am & 9:15am
Kennedy & Steeles (Splendid China Mall) - 9am
** (Above pickup points provide free car parking)
Media Partners:
Ming Pao Daily News
Rogers Television
Global Television
Blink Magazine
Community Partners:
Power Unit
TYPEA
On July 29th, Power Unit’s Volunteer Appreciation Party was thrown in response to the sensational success that was Toronto Night Market 2007. Our intent was to thank all those who contributed to the cause. We felt it was a necessity to celebrate with all our volunteers who put forth tremendous amounts of time and effort to aid us in our philanthropic venture. And what better way was there than to spend a day at the Woodbine Beaches?
Luckily for us, the weather conditions couldn’t have been better. There was plenty of sunshine, as well as the occasional breeze. Food and drinks were provided by us and the selection ranged from barbeque wings, to ribs, to fresh fruit and cocktail shrimp.
Surrounded by white sand and sea air we took a moment off from each of our crazy lives. There was some tanning and relaxation, but we didn’t just sit idle. Hilarious sessions of charades, mafia, surprise waterfights, as well as novice attempts at beach volleyball were had. And sad to say, but all good things come to an end and we just hope that our time together was something worth remembering! Once again, a big thank you goes out to all our volunteers who could join us at the beach as well as the ones who couldn’t. Good luck on your future endeavours and look forward to next year, because Toronto Night Market 2008 is only going to get better!
The sixth annual Toronto Night Market was successfully held last Friday and Saturday, July 6th and 7th. The event organizer – Power Unit, Youth Affiliate of The Dove Intercultural Society – ensured that the purpose of the event was realized: to discover the wonders of Asian culture, while raising funds and awareness for the event’s official beneficiary, Yee Hong’s Centre for Geriatric Care.
Toronto Night Market and its festivities marked the only days where the streets of Markham, Ontario were still full with an enthusiastic audience at 1:00 a.m. The electrifying stage performances accompanying ninety-odd concessionaires selling cross-cultural merchandise and delicacies occupied the parking lot of Metro Square and New Century Plaza, and transformed the space into a fusion of cultural regale.
This year’s feature stage presentation, the Power Chef Competition was a great success, allowing teams to showcase their diverse culinary skills in competition given a time limit. Utilizing a pre-selected secret ingredient (tofu), each team created three delicious dishes that not only showcased the versatility of Asian cuisine, but also tied back into this year’s night market theme of “Nostalgia.” The winning duo, Irene Ng and Connie Lui, took home the $500 cash prize, and was able to showcase their culinary skills in front of a live audience that cheered them on.
The event organizers, Power Unit, expressed great pride and delight from their tremendous success. “This year’s night market was the most successful out of the past 6 years! Not only are we the largest and busiest night market in Toronto, we have something that is priceless—a group of dedicated youths who are selfless and committed in making this happen. Their intelligence, creativity, leadership, and most importantly, their hearts are attributes of the Power Unit family,” says Power Unit’s president Victoria Phan. “Power Unit would also like to extend a warm appreciation to all our sponsors, particularly Pepsi, North Toronto Mitsubishi, Fashion Fiesta.” With a plan to further expand the number of booths and the magnitude of the two-day event, Power Unit members are looking forward to an even greater success in the future. The community of Toronto eagerly awaits the return of Toronto Night Market next year, when the metropolis will once again be captivated by the celebration of culture, and love for the community will once again be embraced by the public.
On Saturday June 16, PU Academy made its first devu by kicking off our first workshop at the Metro Square multi-purpose room. A cozy group of about 12 PUers huddled together to learn the secret to resolving conflict. We were very excited to have a special guest and trained mediator, Alexandra, from Conflict Mediation Services of Downsview join us to share her wisdom on this topic. Throughout the 2 hour session, we discussed about the pros and cons of conflict, explored various styles of conflict (symbolized by different kinds of animals), and learned the magic of I-messaging. Though the “sharkness” of Victoria preying the room, it was counteracted by the “bearness” of Joe, the “turtleness” of David, the “monkeyness” of Jimmy, and the “pigness” of May…leaves one to think that the academy has turned into a zoo. Luckily, after a session of I-messaging therapy brought us back to our senses and made us all one big happy PU family again. (If you don’t know what I-messaging is, ask a PUer that was there!) Don’t miss out the next PU Academy on Anger Management…coming soon!
The Toronto Night Market Stage is the focal point of the event, and features a range of young talent from breakdancing and beatboxing to traditional dances and up-and-coming Toronto bands. It is an opportunity for you to show off your talent. At the audition, all performers will get 5 - 10 minutes to perform.
Please note that the audition location has space and sound restrictions.The Toronto Night Market Stage Committee will notify you individually about what you may or may not bring to the audition. In general, you should bring a DVD/CD of your performance if you cannot perform at the location.
Date:
Saturday, May 26th, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 27th, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location:
Metro Square Room 205
(3636 Steeles Avenue E.)
Booking Inquiries:
For a Saturday audition, please contact Jeannette Truong, 416 986 6286.
For a Sunday audition, please contact Edwin Ng, 416 317 2872.
For more information:
stage@dove-powerunit.com
www.torontonightmarket.com
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Are You the Next Apprentice?
