Charity In-Focus was formed in May 2007 by a group of volunteers (a.k.a focusgroup) who share a common interest in photography and passion in charity. The ulitimate goal is to increase awareness of our social needs, ignite compassion, and inspire more charitable acts.

Below is a short bio of each focusgroup member and their experience from working on this project:

Stephanie Chang [founder] (Flickr: izewine) / Program Analyst / Being able to inspire others and to enroll everyone's participation in this event has been the biggest success for our group in making this project impactful.

Beatrice Wong (Flickr: bwong_03) / Financial Institution, Strategy / Sometimes we forget how lucky it is to have what we have. This project reminds me of the needs out there and the various ways I can do something to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Also, nothing beats a group of friends working together, striving to make a difference to our world!

Edward Chen (Flickr: fourteencards) / IT Manager / People have often questioned the amount of impact they can make as individuals. I hope this endeavor highlights how a little CAN go a long way. Awareness brings about action, action brings about change.

Edwin Leung (Flickr: koolbe) / IT Manager / Interested to see through other Photographer's eyes the world of the underprivileged which we easily ignore.

Eujin Ong (Flickr: g8atlas) / Software Designer / The  highlight of this event for me has been the positive feedbacks from non-profit organizations and individuals; and knowing that  we may have made a difference. 

Gopal Kharbanda (Flickr: gokhart) / Technology Auditor / One of the main objectives of the exhibit was to inspire people, and given the great response we had, I think it was successful. Personally, I felt overwhelmed by the photographs, which highlighted some key issues our communities face. Famine, despair, suffering...I struggled to look through the photos. However, I also saw hopeful pictures of volunteers and charities bringing relief to many, showing what compassion can achieve. Maybe in future years we'll see more of these hopeful photos as people become inspired and involved...then we'll know we're making a difference.

Jina  Hong Amateur Life Student / Colossians 3:12-14 - "...clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive grievances. And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all in perfect unity." What is truly awesome is, thanks to Stephanie, even a brief glance at each photo united all those who viewed and joined us at the exhibit with a common purpose. Imagine, if everyone in this world reached out in kindness, compassion and love for just 1 second in our lives, how overwhelming the flow of charity and compassion could be...

Katherine Cao (Flickr: katcao) / Financial Engineer / I have been involved with the project out of support for my colleague and friend, Stephanie Chang. From the onset of the project, I have been fully inspired to see so many people -- from the focus group members to the featured photographers to the patrons and donors -- get together to raise awareness for so many worthy causes. I am confident that their passion for their respective causes will ignite compassion in others during the course of the exhibition.

Lily Chan (Flickr: llychan)

Maya Sudharkaran

Feel free to contact us at info[at]charityinfocus.org regarding:

• questions about the event
• involvement with the team
• sponsorships
• press coverage
• comments or feedbacks

We look forward to hearing from you.