If there is one thing that sets CSLI apart from any other language school, it is the commitment of the directors, staff, and teachers to make the world a better place in as many ways as they can. At CSLI we are continually hosting fundraising events and charity auctions, and volunteering our time to many non-profit organizations throughout the world.

For more than a decade, CSLI's Directors Lawrence and Lori-Ann Keenan have been part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentorship Program, an organization that matches volunteers with children and teens. As role models, the volunteers have the responsibility of providing friendship, encouraging the development of self-esteem, and ultimately having a positive impact on their Little Brother/Sister.

CSLI proudly contributes to:

• The Terry Fox Foundation: In memory of a heroic Canadian who ran across Canada with only one leg to raise money for cancer research.

• The Jin-Won Park Interest Fund: This fund supports continued rehabilitation efforts of a Korean student injured in Canada.
• The Empty Stocking Fund: A local charity that collects toys and food for those who may not otherwise be able to celebrate Christmas.

• Children International: CSLI has been sponsoring four children for over 10 years through Children International, helping to provide them with food, clothing, medicine and education (including a scholarship to CSLI when they are 18 years old).
• The Tsunami Disaster: The Tsunami disaster in Asia brought a strong response from the CSLI community. CSLI co-director Lawrence Keenan flew to Sri Lanka to devote a month of his time to helping this country in need. He was featured on CNN and Global TV News, and back in Canada is continuing to ensure that proper help gets to those in need. CSLI will be helping an orphanage in Kalmunai, Sri Lanka, while continuing to assist communities to rebuild by connecting them with Canadian businesses and charities. CSLI's involvement in helping Sri Lanka raise money after the tsunami continues with an exciting project. We are helping distribute and sell Friendship Bracelets that were made by Sri Lankans to help raise money, 100% of which will go directly to the people of that country. Vancouver's school boards have taken CSLI's lead and will be selling them in their schools. CSLI students have been helping package, sell, and buy these bracelets in an effort to bring revenue to those in need. www.unitingtheworld.org

• An Orphanage in Mexico
• A school for underpriviledged students in the Phillipines
• Sudanese refugees
• The Yaletown Seniors' home

There are always a lot of activities going on at CSLI, and if you are ever asked to bring a can of food or a children's toy, participate in an auction, purchase an ice cream cone or a cookie, give a dollar to join a Bingo game, or, in extreme cases, shave your head (as was done in one Cancer fundraiser), it is because we want you to help us to help others. Such charitable actions are part of Canadian culture and help to make the world a better place.