Celebrating five years of inspiration and change with Simon Chang

When Simon Chang’s business consultant Faye Swift reached out to Inspirations six years ago, we were curious to Know why a renowned Canadian fashion designer would be interested in our work. When we met Chang, we discovered that we shared the same vision, and learned of the impact that his foundation, the Simon Chang Foundation for Change, was making in our community. 

In the first article that we featured about Chang (Fall 2020/Winter 2021), he said, “I was compelled to help, to do something different, creative; and that’s why we started the Simon Chang Foundation for Change. We can make a difference by doing very personal things.” That article describes the Foundation’s Arc of Life, which supports causes from birth to senior years. Inspirations fits right in the middle. 

Five years later, the Simon Chang Foundation for Change remains our most devoted supporter, showing how creativity paired with compassion can brighten entire communities. And our readers agree! Our readership surveys show that stories about Chang are among the most read and anticipated pieces in the publication. 

We have enjoyed many collaborations over our five years together, some small, others grand, all impactful. In the spring of 2022, for example, Chang acted as guest fashion advisor for the Mackay Centre School’s Fun for All Fashion Show. This initiative was spearheaded by reverse integration student Bella Flanz, whose mission was to make fun fashion accessible to her Cycle 3 classmates. In the months leading up to the show, Chang motivated the models to use fashion as a tool to share their own stories. “I told them to take chances and create something new with their own vision. There is no wrong way to be creative.” 

On June 9, 2022, Mackay students took to the runway as Chang cheered them on. “In our society today, there is very much a sea of sameness. In this show, each student made their own individual statement,” he said. 

Chang’s message, inspired by his own life experiences, carries through with every interaction whether it is leading a painting on jeans workshop at L.I.N.K.S. High School or filming his motivational video A to Z. (The video was filmed by students in Summit School’s TECC Video Model Productions program in January 2023). 

Early on in our partnership, inspired by Chang’s outlook and perseverance in life, we created the Simon Chang Difference Maker award, Recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment within the special needs community. Recipients of the award often have a synergy in drive and creativity akin to that of Chang. 

The Simon Chang Foundation for Change has done far more than provide financial support to Inspirations. They’ve helped us create experiences that celebrate  individuality, community and ability. Chang and Swift’s example continues to inspire our team, our readers and the broader community, to dream bigger and to act with heart. Their early belief in Inspirations set the stage for everything that followed, and for that, we will always be grateful. 

Simon Chang continues to create. Stay tuned to read about exciting developments in our Spring edition! 
 
Info: A to Z with Simon Chang is available for viewing on YouTube. 

Wendy Singer is the managing editor of Inspirations.