Page 58 - Maddie

IG - misssarahchan Sarah Mom

Musician
Philanthropist
Chan
Edmonton’s First Lady

Exclusive Interview by Sophia Wojdak

any notable Canadian figures these unprecedented times, and how she their own poverty fighting projects, and
are well rounded, but Sarah is thankful to still be able to engage in marking those youths achievements
MChan seems to have knowledge her many projects despite lockdowns. in the community. “I’ve been working
and expertise about everything under the Among other organizations, Sarah Chan with young people my whole life and
sun. Some may know this talented mu- works heavily with the United Way and often feel that they are underestimated.
sician and philanthropist as the wife of the BGCBigs. “ My interest in community We need to make sure we give space
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson, but today building is poverty elimination as it is and opportunities so that people can
I was introduced to an educated, talent- related to support of students and fami- demonstrate what they are capable of.”
ed, working mom and community builder lies, and early intervention and educa- Adding on to her statements about youth,
that has inspired many. We discussed tion for students. All of that is still ongo- she spoke about how much a learning

everything from the changing dynamics ing, and the social aspects of how I get experience mentorship has been for her.
of education during the Covid-19 pan- that stuff done have made a transition to “What you really get out of that relation-
demic to her work with charities under a virtual landscape very well.” She also ship is friendship and connection. It’s
the United Way, as well as how she has discussed how her husband’s job has about having someone else who can
maintained her integrity and self-respect changed, whereas he would typically be come in and still listen and reflect and
throughout her career. We also got the out of town and collaborating with fed- connect with the things that are import-
opportunity to discuss how she hopes to eral officials, they now have more time to- ant to you.”
leave a lasting impact on impressionable gether as a family. Sarah also comment- We then shifted our conversation to the
youth in her community. ed on how both she and her husband’s arts, something both of us are very large
We began the interview by discussing jobs have been shifted farther away from proponents of. Sarah Chan works as a
how she has been balancing her chari- public events to just the core projects and piano teacher and has an Arts degree in
ty work and teaching business during responsibilities they have. Literature and Music Performance, and
Sarah Chan’s charity resume is miles a Masters in Integrated Studies. She was
long, but we focused on Denton’s Make eager to share not only the social and
your Mark which is a youth initiative emotional benefits of the arts for youth
that she created with the United Way. but the scientific impact that comes
Edmonton was launching its “End along with music. She spoke about the
Poverty Edmonton,” campaign importance of developing new neural
around the time she decided pathways through music--especially for
to form this initiative and was youth who are developing or youth who
given a unique perspective suffered from trauma. “It’s the only way
on how to tackle it. “We are to scientifically rebuild your brain which
talking about ending pov- is pretty phenomenal. An arts edu-
erty in a generation, but cation is often underrated. It teaches
who’s talking to young peo- you to learn how to communicate and
ple? If you want people to think critically.” She also spoke about
know about it, first people the cultural significance of art and its im-
have to be educated about portance to multiple communities. We
it. Young people have a lot also discussed the specific arts opportu-
to offer. It isn’t just about nities available in Edmonton, and what
writing cheques, it’s about was so unique about them. Sarah Chan
involving yourself in works with many theatres and organiza-
the community.” The tions across Edmonton, and was eager to
granting program respond, “I like that the Edmonton arts
works to support scene is so collaborative. I have gotten
applicants forming invited to do a lot of theatre things and

Photo - Ryan Parker
58 teenlook | fall edition