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Fundraising Campaign for Haiti’s Earthquake in the Calgary Chinese Community
January 24, 2010
by Paul K.P. Wong
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Since the earthquake occurred in Haiti on January 12, the Chinese community has started the fundraising campaign for those unfortunates in the island currently.
The United Calgary Chinese Association (UCCA) and the Calgary Chinese Community Service Association (CCCSA) are holding this drive in the Chinese community.
According to the Volunteer & Program Coordinator of CCCSA David Tam said, the total collected funds from this event will be sent to the Red Cross in Alberta, after the affair is over on February 8.
There are also a few other community associations and charitable organizations such as the Alberta Chinese Community Congress and World Vision are doing the fundraising drive at this moment, to support those unlucky Haitians.
ISC and CCCC to launch the "After School Program for Immigrant Children"
January 21, 2010
by Paul K.P. Wong
Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Mosaic After-School Program in partnership with the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (CCCC). The program is funded by the City of Calgary -- the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
 (L-R) Samantha Yang, Jason Luan, Jake Louie, Dr. Bob Robinson, Din Ladak, Wendy Auger and Johnson Opoku. |
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Bob Robinson, the chair of the board of ISC, Din Ladak, the CEO of ISC; Jake Louie, the Chairman of CCCC, and Samantha Yang, the Executive Administrator of CCCC. Jason Luan, the social planner of FCSS, Wendy Auger, the manager of the Mosaic Family Resource Centre, and Johnson Opoku, the coordinator of the In-Home Family Support Program, attended the signing ceremony; which was held at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre in Chinatown.
According to Samantha Yang, this program will commence on March 1, 2010, it will provide daily after-school activities for immigrant and refugee children between the ages of six to twelve at the Centre.
 (L-R)Jake Louie, the Chairman of CCCC, Jake Louie and Dr. Bob Robinson was signing the Memorandum of Understanding. |
Many families often lack the resources to provide their children with after-school activities during these critical hours. What children do during these hours can have a great impact on their long-term academic and social development. All children are vulnerable to negative influences, and often benefit from specific programs designed to increase their social and cultural integration. To meet these needs, the Mosaic After-School Program, funded by Family and Community Support Services, and the City of Calgary, will provide experiences that will enhance the inclusion of participants’ in program and recreational activities.
The after school program will included live drama, arts and crafts, music, cooking, sporting games and homework help. Yang said.
Dr. Bob Robinson said, this is a good opportunity for ISC to extend their immigration services to the Chinese community. This is a right time and right match for this program between ISC and CCCC.
 (L-R)Jake Louie, the Chairman of CCCC, Jake Louie and Dr. Bob Robinson shake hands after the signing ceremony. |
Jason Luan stated, the City is glad to see that both strong organizations can made up this program so quickly, and willing to support both organizations’ vision and commitment for the community.
Din Ladak also mentioned, Wendy Auger and Johnson Opoku from their organization will assist the program, and make sure it runs as an admirable after school program for immigrants’ children in the area.
The goals of the program for both organizations are designed to further the children’s self-esteem, social engagement and success. For additional information about the program and the registration, please feel free to call the Centre: 403-262-5071.
ABOUT IMMIGRANT SERVICES CALGARY:
Immigrant Services Calgary was founded in 1977, and it is a comprehensive settlement and integration agency that provides a wide range of programs and services to Calgary’s immigrant and refugee population. We are dedicated to ensuring that immigrants and their families have the opportunity to become full participants, as beneficiaries and contributors, in Canadian society. For additional information, please visit their website: www.immigrantservicescalgary.ca
ABOUT THE CALGARY CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE:
The mission of the Centre is to establish and maintain unique facilities for the public to promote communication, educational, recreational and cultural activities. Since its grand opening in 1992, the Cultural Centre has remained the focal point for community activities and a premier venue offering a stimulating environment for cultural activities, arts talents and quality programs to the public. For additional information about the Centre, please visit their website: www.culturalcentre.ca
CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance Team Grand Ceremonies, and to welcome Calgary Schools and Associations’ Invitation
January 10, 2010
by Paul K.P. Wong
 CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance Teams – Male & Female. |
The Chinese New Year – “the Year of the Tiger” -- is coming; this will be the 4,708th year in Chinese lunar calendar. The New Year day will be on February 14; according to the Gregorian calendar and western tradition, it is St. Valentine’s Day. There is a few of chances for both festivals are occurred on the same date. The last time was happened on February 14, 1953 (the Year of the Snake); the difference between the last one and this one is 57 years. Between this one and the next one will be on February 14, 2048 (the Year of the Dragon), the variation will be 38 years.
The Lion Dance is one of the most unique and traditional Chinese arts; it’s often to perform in celebrations or ceremonies, especially in Chinese New Year. The Lion Dance is combined with physical exercise, martial arts, music and cultural arts; it is good for keeping the body healthy and enjoyable.
Starting from October 14, 2009, the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens Association (CCECA) has already started a senior “Lion Dance Training” course, the training class will occur once per week. English speaking people are welcome to join into the team for work out and fun.
 The grand ceremony of the CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance Team. |
According to the Chinese tradition, any new “lion” purchased have before to do the performance, it has to get a blessing first by those sponsors, supporters or any social well-known person(s). The grand ceremony of the CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance Team held on January 9th 2010 at 2 p.m. at the centre. After the ceremonies, they also performed with two lion groups -- male and female and other martial arts demonstrations which were lead by the head coach, Grand master Bob Kho‘s students.
 The head coach Grand master Bob Kho. |
According to the coordinator Stanley Tse told, they already established a “CCECA Seniors’ Lion Dance” team. The main reason for them to set-up the training class, is because they would like more people who are interested to participate in the team for fun and physical exercise. The grand master of the Teck Guan International Gong Fu Federation in Calgary, Master Bob Kho is the mentor of the team.
Tse also acknowledged that the team would like to promote Chinese culture to other groups of people; this is a part of their cultural exchange programs. They are willing to go to any school, association or non-profit organization in Calgary to perform the lion dance show to the students on the weekdays or weekends.
To the interested school that would like to invite the team to perform this traditional Chinese art, please feel free to contact Stanley Tse (403-269-6122, ext. 233) or email: stanley.tse@cceca.ca for the details.