On the afternoon of July 28, guided by the Beijing Changier Education Foundation, the inaugural 2024 "Stories About Mum" Public Welfare Essay Contest and Award Ceremony was hosted by the New Zealand Sunshine Culture Trust at the New Zealand Chinese Culture and Arts Exchange Centre in downtown Auckland.

The attendees, including Wang Jianwen, Director of the Auckland Chinese Culture Center; Dr. Yang Jian, President of the Federation of New Zealand Chinese Business Associations; Li Fen, Chairperson of the New Zealand Chinese Culture and Arts Exchange Centre; and Leo de Graaf, Vice Chairman of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, gave speeches congratulating the event and highly praised the "Stories About Mum" essay contest.

Zhang Yinjun, President of the Beijing Changier Education Foundation, sent a congratulatory video for the event.

At the event, guests read aloud the winning entries with heartfelt expression, each piece celebrating maternal love filled with warmth, passion, and affection. Attendees were profoundly moved, reminded that there is a force, subtle yet profound, which touches and stirs our souls – the selfless, boundless love of a mother.

The atmosphere at the award ceremony captivated everyone. Ms. Xie Jinjin, the winner of the essay contest, said emotionally, "I am very honored to have won the award. It feels like recognition of the profound emotions that I hold within. During the process of writing the article, I revisited and reflected upon the countless moments of sacrifice and selfless dedication my mother showed during my upbringing. Her love and care have always been the driving force and a source of comfort for me as I move forward. I am especially grateful for this essay contest, as it has given me the opportunity to express my deep appreciation and love for my mother, and has made me cherish every moment I spend with her even more. I am truly thankful to the organizers for providing such a platform where we can share our heartwarming stories and pass on the strength of love."

Liu Fangfang, the President of the Sunshine Culture Trust, stated, "Since the launch of this essay contest, it has received widespread attention and active participation from all sectors of society, with submissions coming from various places in New Zealand and our homeland. Every piece is full with genuine emotion. The expressions of remembrance, gratitude, and reverence for mothers are abundant, reflecting the authors' deep love for their mothers. During the evaluation process, the judging committee was not only moved by these stories but also profoundly understood the greatness and power of maternal love. Family bonds are priceless, and a mother's love is boundless. We hope that through this essay contest, everyone will cherish every moment spent with their mothers even more and repay the kindness of their upbringing through concrete actions."

President Liu Fangfang extended special thanks to Ms. Chen Ansheng, the President of the New Zealand Sheng Xi Charity, for her efforts in advancing the contest, to all the participants and judges of the essay contest, and to every guest attending the event.