Since 2020, the Global Youth Advancement Network (GYAN) at MSU has partnered with the Sunwah Foundation —the philanthropic arm of the Sunwah Group, a Hong Kong based international conglomerate. The Sunwah Foundation supports the Global Young Leaders Network (GYLN), a diverse, global community of outstanding young leaders between the ages of 18 and 25 who volunteer themselves to grow and develop global awareness, leadership skills, and commitment to public and social services. The GYLN chapter at MSU is the first chapter based in the USA, joining a network of ten existing chapters across the globe.

This year, the GYLN chapter at MSU submitted a project proposal to the Sunwah Foundation for  “Project Clean and Warm: Blankets and Hygiene Kits for the Unhoused Lansing Community.” On April 15, 2024, the GYLN chapter made this proposal a reality by hosting a 1-day blanket and hygiene kit-making event to directly support three homeless shelters in the Lansing area. This project stemmed from the GYLN’s interest in expanding their reach beyond the MSU campus, while also increasing awareness of the vast amount of homelessness facing the Lansing community. Recognizing the pressing need of the unhoused community, this event involved assembling fleece-tie blankets and putting together care kits that included essential items such as toiletries, hygiene products, non-perishable food items, and socks. By mobilizing resources and volunteers to create these blankets and care kits, MSU GYLN aimed to contribute to the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness while fostering empathy and solidarity within the community. 

“The idea for this project came about at a club brainstorming meeting. A new member, Ryan, originally suggested the idea. We were all energized by the proposal, and this prompted a more serious discussion for a plan of action, which culminated in the creation of Project Clean and Warm. I would say our main motivation for the project came from our collective enthusiasm for helping the community. Homelessness is a growing issue in the US, and as a club we felt the need to support in any way we could.” said GYLN President, Grace Urban. 

This endeavor exhibited the organization's commitment to social responsibility and inclusive leadership, amplifying the impact of its efforts beyond the confines of Michigan State University, and extending compassion to those in need throughout the broader community. 

The GYLN chapter members spent several meetings planning the event, writing a proposal for review by the Sunwah Foundation, communicating with shelters ahead of time to accurately plan for their needs, and ordering supplies. During the event, the members were joined by fellow student and staff volunteers from across campus, who together created 100 hygiene kits and 26 blankets which were distributed between: 

• Haven House, an East Lansing shelter that focuses on providing temporary shelter to houseless families while offering support to find them permanent, stable homes;
• Hannah House, a Lansing home that serves expectant mothers and their new born children through six months old;
• City Rescue Mission, a well-established mission in Lansing that serves meals and offers shelter to thousands of men, women, and children each year. 

During distribution, the students were able to meet with Susan Ayers, Director of Hannah House, to learn more about their services and current needs.  After the meeting, Susan shared, “It was a delight to meet the students who brought blankets and hygiene kits to our door.  The blankets are being shared with the women residents (the moms) at Hannah's House.  Because they are with us for several months, their hygiene needs are provided for by Hannah's House, but we have many more who come to our door to ask for personal need items and who are struggling with housing.  It is wonderful for Hannah's House to be a conduit to pass along the hygiene kits that the GYLN members have prepared.  And they thought of everything in putting together the kits -- razors, deodorant, shampoo, tissue, lip balm and even protein bars and bottled water!  

The goodness of the GYLN members is being passed along to those in need. Thank you GYLN, we are grateful for your reaching out to us and to the others who knock on our door!”

GYLN at MSU would like to thank the Sunwah Foundation for sponsoring the project, allowing them to purchase all necessary materials to bring the event to fruition. The chapter will reconvene at the start of the 2024-2025 school year to welcome new members and plan additional events that will focus on global exchange, leadership, and service.