A Legacy from the Heart
Sandy So has always been passionate about supporting others, especially single mothers, which stems from her own personal experience. That is why when she heard there was a need for a naming donor for the new YWCA housing community at 388 Slocan Street, she knew this was something she wanted to do.
In 1989, Sandy moved to Canada from Hong Kong as a widow with her six-year-old daughter, Barbara. Determined to provide her daughter with a similar quality of life as before, she worked tirelessly, eventually founding Sandy So Realty in 1994. Through her resilience, she ran her company successfully until her retirement in 2018.
Sandy also began giving back to the community not long after she arrived in Canada and has been a passionate philanthropist ever since. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Legacy Philanthropist 2019 Giving Heart Award on AFP National Philanthropy Day, a testament to her contributions to communities and vision to make a difference.
When the opportunity to support 388 Slocan came up, Sandy spoke with Barbara, who was quick to express her pride and full support for her mother’s decision. Barbara acknowledged the impact of growing up in a safe and comfortable home and emphasized the need to support the women the YWCA helps, many of whom lack that same sense of security. Barbara believed that helping these women was a priority and encouraged her mother to move forward with the initiative. Sandy is grateful and proud to have instilled in her daughter the same values of giving back and community support.
Sandy’s dedication to community and philanthropy reflects the traditional Chinese saying she holds dear: 施比受更有福"—It is more blessed to give than to receive.
“What you give from the heart to other people will come back to you many times over, both in your personal life and in business,” she says.
For Sandy, this project is a reflection of her lifelong values of compassion and community, leaving a legacy she hopes will inspire future generations.
To support safe and stable housing for women and children, visit our Housing Action Fund page or contact Shantal Cashman at scashman@ywcavan.org or 604 895 5859.
