Warmth and Care Usher in Year of the Dragon


Red Happy New Year 2024 card with gold dragon statue and orange

The Warmth and Care Initiative will reach out to over 100 isolated Chinese seniors to help welcome the Year of the Dragon. Coordinated by the Chinese CRN, Lower Mainland multicultural agencies will distribute gift packages and hold a news conference to raise awareness of elder abuse, neglect and self-neglect, showcase active aging and highlight the work of local partners and volunteers.

The Chinese, or Lunar, New Year is celebrated by many Asian communities worldwide. In Mainland China, this time of year is known as Spring Festival. In Korea, it’s Seollal and in Vietnam it’s called Tet. While local customs may vary, the one uniting theme is honouring a fresh start to the new year. Based on the lunar calendar, each year is represented by one of 12 animals. Beginning February 10, Chinese New Year 2024 is the Year of the Dragon.

The dragon is related to success, intelligence and honour in Chinese culture. The Year of the Dragon is believed to be one that fosters growth, progress and abundance. There will be Chinese New Year events in many B.C. communities during the 16-day festival. Lion or dragon dances, special meals and other cultural events will usher in the new year.

Helping Vulnerable Chinese Seniors Welcome the New Year

It’s appropriate that the Chinese CRN would start this new year by honouring the most vulnerable of the older people it serves. Working with community partners, the CRN has coordinated 100 gift packages with traditional Chinese New Year items and resources for seniors with the highest needs. The collaborative efforts resulted in gifts such as knitted items from MOSAIC, food items sponsored by the Chinese Policing Centre and more.

Local volunteers will hand deliver each package to provide comfort to seniors, but also raise awareness of abuse and neglect, the need to foster social connections and the benefits of active aging. The initiative also strengthens the relationships of local partners and volunteers who work collaboratively when an older or vulnerable adult needs support.

Raising Community Awareness of Adult Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect 

Lower Mainland CRN Coordinator Daisy Au reports the group will hold a news conference at the constituency office of MLA Henry Yao. The focus will be elder abuse awareness and prevention, inviting MLA Yao to address the issue in Richmond.

BC CRN will highlight its work by sharing its mission and values, and shine a light on the collaborative achievements among its partners. The benefits of healthy, active aging will be showcased by performances by local seniors.

 

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