Mandy Wong of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
By Ned Kelly
She is also a community outreach coordinator for the Shanghai Make-A-Wish Charity Foundation, an organization that grants life-changing wishes to seriously ill children.
With their Sweat for Wishes – Charity Workout going on at Aboro each Sunday this month, we reached out to find out more about fighting the good fight, and how people can help support and get involded.
How did you first get involved with Make-A-Wish?
I started working with Make-A-Wish in 2017, after I was contacted to provide a make-over for one of the children.
As a Community Outreach Coordinator, I have continued to work closely with Make-A-Wish over the past seven years, running events from my hair salon and assisting them in any way possible.
What is it about Make-A-Wish that inspires such passion?
We strongly believe in this charity because the experiences that are created inspire hope and strength for children and their families, and provide an opportunity and the ability to experience life beyond illness.
Make-A-Wish Foundation child visits the Great Wall
Making a wish come true
In the fight against a critical illness, each wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and their family on their journey.
Make-A-Wish taps into a child's imagination, and this is at the heart of everything we accomplish. The Make-A-Wish mission is something I feel very strongly about.
Make-A-Wish "taps into a child's imagination"
There are many wishes pending, and a lot of critically ill children waiting to have their wishes granted. So we hope that this and future fundraisers will go towards some of those.
Scan the QR code on the poster above to follow Make-A-Wish Shanghai on WeChat
How did the collaboration with Aboro come about?
It began with Aboro participating in one of our Sweat for Good events.
Aboro is consistently seeking opportunities to give back to the community, and this partnership is a wonderful way for us to grow a community committed to making a positive impact together.
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What can people expect from the classes?
Our classes feature boxing-based fitness that is both fun and challenging. You'll get a great workout, work up a good sweat, and leave feeling truly satisfied with your effort.
Since everyone comes together to support a meaningful cause, the atmosphere is energetic, uplifting, and full of positivity.
It's a rewarding experience that combines fitness with giving back.
How can people get involved or help support Make-A-Wish Foundation?
We warmly welcome support through donations, volunteering, or fundraising. We also partner with companies and welcome referrals of children with critical illnesses.
Sharing our stories and raising awareness also makes a big difference. We are deeply grateful for every form of support, as each contribution is a step closer to bringing another wish to life.
Scan the QRs on the poster above to make a donation or become a volunteer
What other collaborations do Make-A-Wish have going on?
We actively collaborate with international schools, universities, and corporate partners.
One of our key initiatives is the Wish Challenge Program, where students or corporate teams participate in designing and helping to grant wishes as part of team-building activities.
It is a meaningful way to engage, inspire creativity, and bring hope to children in need.
You are a hairstylist when not making wishes come true...
As much as I love volunteering for Make-A-Wish, it is my work as a professional hairstylist that pays the bills.
I've been in the industry for 24 years and truly cherish the time I spend with my clients, many of whom have been with me for years.
You can find me at Mirage.M & Charly's Hair Studio, located on the second floor of The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai.
I'd love to welcome you there!
We hear you have cut a few famous heads of hair in your time?
I have cut and colored Orlando Bloom's hair as he was in town for a movie. I've styled Keanu Reeves' hair during an event.
From the Chinese side, I've worked with Li Bing Bing, Celina Jade, Fan Bing Bing and Yang Mi.
Mandy with Fan Bing Bing
Yang Mi styling it
Who was the most memorable?
Orlando Bloom. He was great with dogs—my dog Juno was in the salon, and he also rescued one of the dogs on the film set he was working on!
He was very fun, and he was polite.
Mandy cutting Orlando's hair
Mandy with Orlando's cut hair
Orlando looking dapper on set
Sweat for Wishes – Charity Workout
Join Aboro, the boxing and fitness community founded by world champion Michele Aboro, for a high-energy charity workout this June in support of Make-A-Wish Shanghai.
This special event brings people together to move with purpose—helping grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
It's more than a workout; it's a chance to make a real impact through strength, solidarity, and compassion.
Let's sweat it out and lift each other up—one wish at a time. Together, we can change lives.
Sun June 15, 22, 29, 10.30am; RMB100
Aboro S6-S9, 2/F, 667 Changhua Lu, by Anyuan Lu, Jing'an District 昌化路667号2楼S6-S9室, 近安远路
[All images courtesy of Mandy Wong]
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