Richmondite Gloria Loo has always loved painting, and although she’s never made it a profession, she’s thrilled to use her artistic expression as a means to raise money for her community heroes -- healthcare workers.
Loo along with two other artists - Girish Appanah and Tara Walto – are creating and selling personalized Christmas cards online, with the proceeds going to the Richmond Hospital Foundation.
"Our healthcare workers have been working relentlessly throughout the whole year to limit the spread of COVID-19. I wanted them to feel appreciated and let them know our community is always here for them," said Loo.
This isn't Loo’s first fundraising campaign in support of frontline workers. Several months ago, when Loo was working in Hong Kong, she collaborated with a friend in Canada to sell her artwork, raising $3, 445 to donate to Richmond health care workers.
"Painting has always been my passion since I was a little girl, but I didn't know my work could actually make a small impact on our community.”
Loo, who moved to Richmond from Hong Kong at an early age, studied fine arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University but moved back to Hong Kong for her career. In September, she moved back to Richmond.
Although her job isn't related to art, she still picks up her paint brushes and colouring pencils every day.
"I have spent lots of time creating while being forced to hunker down at home, which has brought me much comfort and joy in these unprecedented times," said Loo. "I hope the positive vibes will be passed on to others."
The Christmas cards will be on sale until Nov. 20 after which they can be picked up on Nov. 21 at two Blenz Coffee locations in Richmond. To see the cards and order them, visit https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/899203345/christmas-card-for-fundraiser-for?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&crt=1.
