Our Story

They came face to face with street children struggling to survive harsh winters by wrapping themselves around underground heating pipes. Following their involvement in helping this local community establish foster family solutions for many of these children, they started to become involved with local schools and teachers who wanted to help the poor children in their communities.

Captivating International was founded as a Hong Kong charity with partnership links to Australia and the US. To date, the work of Captivating has supported projects in the Chinese Provinces of Heilongjiang, Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Guangdong. In addition to China, Captivating’s work has expanded to the Philippines and Nepal. The Colquhouns currently reside in Australia focused on growing Captivating’s Australian and global support base. Andrew, still serving as Captivating CEO, and Julie as Project/Finance Manager, work closely with the Captivating Board, employees, volunteers, and charity partners across all regions.

Andrew states, “The Captivating story is one that has unfolded organically over the years – not necessarily through careful strategic planning so much as working hard to remain responsive and flexible to address an issue when it comes to our door. That ‘issue’ always has the face of a child on it, and it’s our job to respond. It’s such an honor leading a group of such wonderful staff, volunteers, sponsors, and project partners. Every day has challenges, but behind it sits a girl saying, ‘please, help me.’ Our greatest moments are whenever we say, ‘this child’s problem stops with us.’”