GUNG HAY FAT CHOY
January 5th, 2021 will forever be a special day in the history of Kinsmen Lodge as that is the day we vaccinated 265 Elders, staff and essential visitors with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. For the Elders and staff that were unable to receive the first dose on that day, FHA is working on alternate arrangements to make sure they also get the vaccine. The second dose is scheduled to be administered within 35 days after the first dose. We are proud to report that 88% of Elders and 85% of staff have now received the first dose. We want to thank our partner, the Fraser Health Authority, for facilitating the clinic and helping with the immunizations.
Construction of the City Centre 3 tower behind KL is nearing completion and continues to cause noise and parking challenges. We meet monthly with the builder to address these issues and ask for your patience. CC3 will eventually be a 12-storey building and is the final phase in the Lark Group’s Health and Technology District design plan on 137A Street. There is concern that, with the additional congestion being brought to the area, parking issues will remain even once the building construction is done. We will keep you posted.
Kinsmen Lodge continues to host live events for our Elders. We recently celebrated the Scottish poet, Robbie Burns, with our piper of 35 plus years, Colin Barrett, who performed in our courtyard and at the front entrance. The video of him playing several songs is posted on our Facebook page for all to enjoy. We were also treated to some traditional haggis and Scotch whisky. The Elders enjoyed hearing many favourite tunes including Scotland the Brave, Auld Lang Syne, Loch Lomond and Caledonia. Colin also performed a perfect rendition of the famous Robbie Burns poem, Ode to the Haggis, written in 1786. The famous bard celebrated his 262nd birthday on January 25th.
Another upcoming event is Chinese New Year on February 12th. This is the Year of the Ox which is the second of the twelve zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to bet he first to arrive, but Rat (2020) tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal, but is revered as hard working and methodical. A good luck dish called Nian Gao or Tikoy (glutinous rice cake) is said to bring health and prosperity.
We want to give additional thanks to all of our supporters who this past year donated $100,000 which has gone towards the enhancement of our music and art therapy programs as well as supporting social visitations and the purchase of medical equipment. Special thanks to the BC Care Providers Association, SafeCare BC, Vancouver Canucks Sports & Entertainment and the SurreyCares Community Foundation.
Happy Valentine’s Day!