Donated Banner to the Chinatown Long Term Care Centre

A few months ago at a market, I learned that a customer had worked as a nurse at the Chinatown Long Term Care Centre for many years. Curiously, I inquired if she knew my Grandma, who had spent her final years there. Funnily enough, I didn't know my Grandma's name; I simply referred to her as "Po Po" (Grandma on my mother’s side in Cantonese)! Fortunately, my Dad knew her English name, and I was so impressed to learn that she remembered Grandma’s room number and everything! She introduced me to the Recreation Coordinator, and we quickly began brainstorming ideas to brighten up the space.

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I'm thrilled to finally unveil this big vinyl banner of Fan Tan Alley! Dad designed this wood system to mount the top and bottom of the banner to ensure it hangs straight. It was heartwarming when, during the hanging process, some residents exclaimed excitedly, "That's Chinatown here!" The staff also mentioned that having artwork of a local spot would benefit the residents' memories, especially since they take them on excursions there!

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I'm so proud to donate my art here. Years ago, my Grandma had been on the waitlist for months, and when she was finally admitted, it brought huge relief to my family. Having a care team fluent in Chinese who understood her needs made a world of difference. Plus Grandma was so grateful to eat Chinese food again every day and it was so convenient that @wlyvictoriabc was nearby for her favorites - soy sauce chicken, BBQ pork, and honey buns!

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My Grandma raised my brother and I when our parents were managing the family restaurant. I recall playfully "lion dancing" with her under blankets in the living room, pretending to nap because I knew she wanted to rest, and her persistent offer of a fork and knife to my friends whenever they ate with us. Grandma remains one of the strongest, most resilient people I know and helped us establish our lives here when we immigrated from Hong Kong. Seeing Chinese grandparents walking their grandkids to and from school now always reminds me of how much she’d loved us.