2024 Annual Spring Banquet & Celebrating of the Lees Ancestral Birthday
March 2024
The Lee Family came together to celebrate their ancestral heritage and usher in the Chinese New Year. The Spring Banquet unfolded seamlessly, leaving lasting impressions on all who attended.
Gratitude flowed for the strong turnout of Lee’s association members and their families. Prizes, lucky money, and Pink Pearl Restaurant Gift Certificates were distributed generously. The rhythmic beat of the Traditional Lion Dance and the grace of martial arts performances by Lee’s Athletic Association captivated the audience.
Karaoke filled the room with laughter and camaraderie. And the feast! The Pink Pearl outdid itself with a sumptuous 10-course meal, each dish a culinary delight.
The stage belonged to eloquent voices—Richard Lee, the Burnaby City Councilor, shared insights, followed by Michael Lee, the MLA, and Daniel Lee, the Former Vancouver City Councilor. Their speeches wove tradition, community, and hope for the future.
2024 Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
February 2024
Lee’s Benevolent Association of Canada actively participated in the 50th Anniversary of the Vancouver Chinatown parade. The parade commenced at 11 am on February 11, 2024. The 1.3 km route began at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street (between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street), proceeded east along Pender Street, turned south onto Gore Street, and then west onto Keefer Street, concluding on Keefer at Abbott. This vibrant event was the 2024 Chinatown Spring Festival Parade, celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Approximately 20 members of Lee’s participated, and the atmosphere was filled with joy. Notably, our pet dog Zoey stole the show, adorned in her Traditional Chinese costume!
2023 Christmas & Seniors Birthday Party
December 2023
On Sunday, December 10th, 2023, the Lee’s Benevolent Association of Vancouver celebrated Christmas and the Lee’s Seniors Birthday party in our newly renovated building. The association office had been closed for many years due to renovations, so many members were delighted to return and see the updates. They were also given a tour of the three renovated floors.
The younger kids occupied the second floor, where all the fun activities for younger Lees happened. They played board games, did coloring, solved Christmas puzzles, and even tried banging the drums for the Dragon dance. Christmas music was played.
The first floor was where the main activities happened. There was a Christmas tree, lots of festive lights, and of course, this is where each child visited Santa. The party was very well attended by many families of multiple generations. The younger kids got a nice present from Santa and even got to take a photo with him. Afterwards, all attendees enjoyed a very tasty lunch.
To end the party, there was a lucky ticket draw where attendees won many gifts.
We would like to thank all who attended and appreciate the Directors of the Lee’s Association for arranging this wonderful and memorable party.
Vancouver City Mayor Ken Sim visits the Lee's Benevolent Association
July 2023
The Vancouver City Hall Outreach Department (Chris Qiu) initiated contact with the Lee’s Association to arrange a visit by the Mayor Ken Sim. Accompanied by his Director of Outreach , Ken Sim arrived to meet with the Lee’s Association Executive team and directors.
The event began with brief speeches, including one by James Lee (President Lee’s of Canada), expressing gratitude for Ken’s presence and the opportunity to engage with him and his team on matters of significance. Ken also shared a personal speech, reflecting on his youthful experiences in Chinatown. The discussions encompassed critical topics such as the revitalization of Vancouver’s Chinatown, plans for an Outreach office within the area, and amplifying the voice of Benevolent associations in communication with the mayor’s office.
The visit involved a comprehensive tour of the Lee’s Association building across three newly renovated floors. James Lee and Maurice (President Lee’s of Vancouver) elaborated on their floor-specific plans, with a particular emphasis on involving seniors from the Lee’s community in diverse activities. Permit concerns were raised by Joni Tom (Director) regarding permitting challenges prompted a swift response from City Hall. After assessing potential venues and activities, Ken expressed his alignment with the positive prospects of the renovated Lee’s Association building.
The tour concluded, transitioning back to the first floor where attendees enjoyed Chinese pastries while engaging in final discussions and exchanging contact information. Overall, the meeting with the Mayor and his Outreach Coordinator left a highly favorable impression, marked by productive dialogue and positive engagement
Reflections on the 100th Anniversary of Canada's Chinese Exclusion Act and Celebration Gala of the 156th Canada Day
June 2023
The Gala dinner took place at the Floata Chinese Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. With a fully occupied seating capacity, the event saw a notable presence of 13 representatives from the Lee’s Association, alongside members of the Lee’s Executive team and a select group of directors. The Gala held special significance as it commemorated Canada’s 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the 156th Anniversary of Canada Day. The evening unfolded with insightful speeches by government representatives and local organizations. The program was further enriched by captivating performances, including singing, a traditional Lion Dance, and the singing of national anthems. Attendees were treated to a traditional 10-course Chinese dinner. Notably, the Lee’s Association’s active participation in this Gala and Remembrance event underscored their commitment to fostering meaningful community involvement.
Exploring Family Connections: A Visit to Lee Family Association in NYC’s Vibrant Chinatown
May 2023
We are excited to share a special experience that one of our esteemed Board Directors, David Lee, had during his recent family trip to New York City. As part of his visit, he had the opportunity to explore the Lee Family Association of USA, located in the vibrant Chinatown district on Mott Street. The warm welcome he received from Ho Kew Lee, one of the elders, made it a truly memorable experience.
When Chinese immigrants arrived in North America, they carried with them the tradition of Clan Associations. These associations became essential in helping individuals maintain a sense of identity and community amidst the challenges of living in a new country.
These associations serve as pillars of support and unity, preserving the heritage and traditions of a particular clan. They provide a space where members can gather, connect, and strengthen their family bonds.
The Lee Family Association of USA, nestled within New York City’s Chinatown, continues this tradition by providing a platform for Lee family members to come together and celebrate their shared heritage. It serves as a hub for connecting with other branches of the Lee family, fostering a sense of belonging and kinship. Beyond fostering connections, Clan Associations offer a range of services to their members.
It was heartwarming to see that the Lee Family Association of USA like our association serves as a bridge between generations, allowing younger family members to learn about their roots and gain a deeper understanding of their cultural identity.
At our organization, we value the importance of cultural heritage and family connections. David Lee’s positive experience visiting the Lee Family Association of USA highlights the significance of Chinese Clan Associations in preserving and celebrating our shared history.
We invite you to explore our website further to learn more about our commitment to preserving cultural heritage, fostering family ties, and creating a community that cherishes its roots.
2023 Annual Spring Banquet
Greetings and happy new year!
We are thrilled to share with you the joyous celebration of the Annual Spring Banquet for the Lee’s Benevolent Association of Canada that took place on Sunday, March 4, 2023, at the Pink Pearl Restaurant in Vancouver, BC.
It was a momentous occasion that marked the start of the new year with enthusiasm! Members along with friends and family came together to celebrate the arrival of 2023. The atmosphere was lively, and it was so heartwarming to see everyone reconnecting and catching up warmly with each other after a long hiatus due to COVID restrictions.
The Board of Directors gave a heartwarming toast to everyone’s good health, fortune, and prosperity. We were all grateful to be able to gather together after three long years and start the new year with such positive energy and spirit.
Dinner guests were treated to a performance of traditional Lion Dancing, which symbolizes good luck and fortune for the year ahead. It was an awe-inspiring sight to see the lion dancers perform with such grace and agility, as the beat of the drums and cymbals filled the air. It was an auspicious start to the festivities!
To make the evening even more exciting, there were lucky draw prizes given away, including red envelopes with money, which is a traditional Chinese New Year gift. The lucky winners were ecstatic, and the smiles on their faces brought so much joy and happiness to the event.
As the night came to a close, we felt grateful to be able to mingle, make new connections and catch up warmly with each other. It was lovely to exchange well wishes after not seeing each other for so long, and it was a night to remember. We are so grateful to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community. Thank you to our dedicated Board Members for their hard work and planning of this event.
Overall, the Annual Spring Banquet for the Lee’s Benevolent Association was a spectacular event that brought our community together in celebration of the new year. The Lion Dancing, the delicious food, the lucky draw prizes, and the warm and friendly atmosphere made it a night filled with happiness, joy, and positive energy. We wish everyone a happy and prosperous year ahead!
We look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Photo credits: William Lee
December 2022 Luncheon at the Pink Pearl
