Known in the Sarnia-Lambton community as an entrepreneur and passionate advocate, Li's journey is one shaped by resilience, hope, and the generosity of those around him. Through Habitat, he found not just a home but a turning point that allowed him to transform his life.
Born in Toronto, Li experienced a turbulent childhood. His mother, who fled violence both abroad and domestically, sought refuge in Canada with her children. They moved to Sarnia from Toronto with the promise of government housing, and had periods where they had to live in local shelters. For Li and his siblings, the experience of housing instability left a lasting impact. “You don’t have that foundation; it’s just missing,” he shared in his speech, reflecting on the insecurities he carried as a young boy.
The turning point came when his mother applied to Habitat for Humanity for housing assistance. With a bit of hope and optimism, they opened their doors to Habitat volunteers and showed them the reality of their living conditions. Habitat showing up "was like a dream,” Li recalled, comparing it to the life-changing moments seen on TV shows. When the family received the news that they had been selected for a house, it was “like Christmas,” he said, a moment filled with joy, security, and the promise of stability.
With Habitat’s help, Li finally felt the stability of a permanent home. "You get to start thinking about living and striving,” he said, remembering how he was able to focus on academics, friendships, and eventually even his career ambitions. He went on to build a successful marketing agency, TMRRW, and software startup Welcome Platform Technologies, and has remained committed to the community that gave him a fresh start.
Today, Li is a Habitat board member, giving back to the same organization that changed his life. “There’s no social contract that I had to sign, and no one’s watching the things that I do every day, but I have a loyalty to my community,” he expressed with a sense of gratitude and responsibility.
Li’s story serves as a profound reminder that Habitat for Humanity does more than build homes; it builds hope, stability, and the foundation for future success. His speech, available in full in the audio clip accompanying this article, is a testament to how one act of kindness can ripple through generations.
Listen to Li's Speech:
