An Article from Vancouver Sun: Experience Christmas magic at Foffy's Wonderland and make a difference

Social Diversity for Children Foundation has partnered with Lavenderland to present Foffy’s Wonderland, Richmond’s first-ever Christmas market. The festive event supports children with special needs.

For full article, please visit Vancouver Sun: Experience Christmas magic at Foffy's Wonderland and make a difference

Foffy’s Wonderland, a global event dedicated to spreading joy and love while bringing light to children’s lives, is now hosting Richmond’s first-ever Christmas market at Lavenderland, a family-run lavender farm, from Dec. 10, 2024, to Jan. 12, 2025. This special initiative is a charitable event for children with special needs. 

To support this cause, Foffy’s Wonderland has partnered with Social Diversity for Children Foundation (SDC), a Canadian-registered charity focused on empowering youth with special needs through social programs. SDC offers a variety of programs, including art, music, drama, math, and more, providing children with special needs the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and grow in a nurturing environment filled with love and support.  

“SDC is excited to be partnering with Foffy’s Wonderland, where they are hosting workshops to create an inclusive experience,” says David Wang, founder of SDC. “This perfectly aligns with SDC’s mission to create a second place where children with special needs can call home.” 

Foffy’s Wonderland goes beyond traditional light displays, creating an atmosphere of wonder where families can bond and build joyful memories together. This vision resonates deeply with SDC’s commitment to fostering connection, wonder and shared joy through inclusive programs and initiatives.  

Fifty cents from every ticket sold will be donated to SDC, and after covering costs, all remaining revenue will be allocated to charitable causes, further amplifying the impact of this collaboration. 

Additionally, to promote local agricultural businesses, each ticket comes with a lavender hydrosol.

The founder of Foffy’s Wonderland, Yijun Shang, is a Chinese immigrant who moved to Canada at the age of 14. During her years in Canada, she was deeply inspired by Canadian culture and its vibrant enthusiasm. She developed a passion for socializing, seeing the good and beauty in people, and expressing herself through art. She later built a family in Canada and is now the proud mother of two daughters. 

The first time Shang saw her daughter in the delivery room, she had an epiphany. A thought blossomed, and a decision was made: she wanted to give this small and beautiful life a future full of wonders and hope. From that moment, Shang dedicated herself to making the world a better place and helping children find a path to a brighter future. With her love for art and design, and an unyielding determination, she gathered like-minded individuals and started the creation of Foffy’s Wonderland. 

At the event venue, visitors can experience many soft, inflatable and interactive glowing art installations. Each piece is crafted with eco-friendly materials to raise environmental awareness and preserve the planet for future generations. The team at Foffy’s Wonderland has worked diligently to create a safe environment and a calming experience designed to ease anxiety and fear in autistic children. 

In addition to the glowing art installations, there are many other attractions at Foffy’s Wonderland, including the Corridor of Stars — a path paved under a starry night; the Starlight Lavender Mare — a field lit by countless shining, breathing lights; and an outdoor holographic cinema. The event also features fun, creative and engaging workshops where children and adults can enjoy meaningful time together. 

Looking ahead, Shang plans to continue spreading messages of altruism and environmentalism through various media, including mobile games, music, animation and short films. 

For more information about Foffy’s Wonderland, please visit foffyfoffy.com.