
In China, Maria Yee employees are paid living wages with retirement benefits, subsidized room and board plus on the job training. They also work with local communities to better the environment and their livelihood.
When Maria Yee pioneered making solid BambooTimbre™ furniture, they educated and treated the bamboo farmers fairly and with respect. Prior to their inventive endeavor, bamboo products consisted primarily of commodities such as chopsticks and mats. Local government praised that Maria Yee maximized the economic value of bamboo and raised the living standard.
In 2007, Maria Yee began working with aid organization Assist International to help establish the first-ever cardiology department in a hospital in rural China. U.S. Rotary District 5170, the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Hong Kong, the Wheelchair Foundation, and others also joined the effort.Maria Yee led the group to select a small hospital in the heart of one of the largest bamboo growing areas in China. State-of-the-art medical system was donated and installed, doctors were trained, and 200 wheelchairs were distributed. The project was completed in May 2008.