Gala Dinner in celebration of Chinese New Year

Sunday, Feb. 21^st February 2010 at Golden City Restaurant

President Kit Wong, Distinguished Guests, My Good Friends in the Chinese Community.

GONG HAY FAT CHOY!!

XIN NIAN GUAI LE!!

Thank you for inviting us to celebrate with you at the auspicious gathering.

I am hounoured and delighted to represent the City, the Council and our fellow Victorians as we mark the beginning of the Metal Tiger Year.

Tiger’s characteristics of luck and courage bodes well for us in these challenging times. The combination of metal with the charm and vibrancy of the tiger means a year of sharp and speedy action. Once a goal is determined, all that is necessary to achieve it follows.

It has been two years since we celebrated the 150^th Anniversary of the arrival of your splendid predecessors to Jin Shan. We must pause and recall their bravery and glorious achievements despite suffering overwhelming obstacles.

The people of Victoria, and indeed all British Columbians, have gained a deep appreciation of the immense contributions the Chinese community has made in building this city and this province, often under horrendous conditions.

These sturdy, indefatigable sons of Guangdong exemplified the spirit of the tiger in facing adversity and challenges in a new and distant land.

Their spirit of adventure, bravery, loyalty, love of family and dependability served them and all of us very well indeed.

It was in the early years of our Province’s history that the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association was born – in 1884. The CCBA has provided well needed care and assistance to these early citizens under the most trying and harrowing circumstances in a strange and often inhospitable land.

After a century and a quarter this splendid Association is still contributing to the welfare of the Chinese Canadian community.

The Chinese Canadian Benevolent Association serves as the umbrella institution for the many worthy organizations serving the Canadian citizens of Chinese origin.

May I take this opportunity to congratulate you - the present leaders and members - who are carrying on an illustrious and honourable tradition.

Thanks again for letting me join you at this festive celebration.

Wan Shi Ru Yi

He Jia Huan Le