Welcome Magazine - Richmond

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HOME-GROWN RICHMOND BUSINESS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Asian jerky Soo good

A RESOURCE FOR NEW CANADIANS

a special guide committed to building bridges in immigrant communities and inclusion in Canadian society

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2 | welcome May 2010

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A Guide for Newcomers

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF RICHMOND

PREPARED BY:

THE CITY OF RICHMOND

Welcome to Richmond!

Crossroads of cultures.Welcome to Richmond - population 188,100 plus you. The City of Richmond is one of Canada’s most livable and culturally diverse cities and has been honoured worldwide for its commitment to healthy lifestyles, innovative planning, great community services and much more. You can learn about all the great things Richmond has to offer by visting our website or by checking out the information displays at any of our City facilities. Our Richmond Newcomer’s Guide is now available with all the information you will need to live, work, play and succeed here in Richmond. Visit www.richmond.ca (City Services > Social Planning > Newcomer’s Guide)

Where opportunities take fl ight.

Corporate Services www.richmond.ca

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Michelle hopkins

All Philip Wong wanted was to support his young family of four.

As a labourer working a hardware assembly line, he wasn’t bringing in a lot of money.

So when their friends and family kept raving about his young wife Soo’s pork jerky - a favourite chewy meat snack in their homeland of Malaysia - the entrepreneurial couple decided to see if there was a market for their product.

Out of their modest, 700-square foot house on Princess St. in Steveston, Soo began to cook batches of her famous Asian-style jerky.

The year was 1985.

“We went to a store in Chinatown called the Mancheong to try out our recipe on their customers,” says Philip, who immigrated to Canada with Soo in 1974. “They liked it so much that the store owners asked us for more.”

Two months later, their product was in a number of Chinatown stores.

Soo Singapore Jerky Ltd. was born.

“At that time, Chinatown was the only place where you could sell Chinese products,” says Wong. “We named our company after Soo, since it was her cooking that started it off.”

Early on in their budding business, the couple began with two varieties of jerky — Singaporean and Malaysian-style beef and pork.

“Our Chinese clients really liked the Asian-style jerky because it is sweeter than North American jerky,” he says.

They soon found themselves adding new items as the demand kept growing.

“We slowly expanded, offering more choice and then we got into the shredded pork market,” says Soo, the creative mind behind the product line.

Twenty-five years later, the mom-and-pop cottage trade has blossomed into a diversified manufacturing plant, producing more than 40 varieties of beef, pork and salmon jerky and a line of the frozen Asian meals. Flavours include wild salmon and South African style jerky, which is a little spicy.

“My family and friends are my guinea pigs.”

They have also diversified into nearly two dozen different frozen Asian products, as well as ready-

to-eat products such as barbecued pork, Filipino style Longaniza and Asian pork sausage.

“I also have many more products in the early trial stages,” says Soo, who was recently nominated for an Ethel Tibbits Women of Distinction Award.

“I’m always testing new products,”

Last year, the factory shipped 400,000 pounds of its jerky across Canada and down into the United States.

The 30,000-square foot state-of-the-art building houses the production and warehouse for final products awaiting shipment.

Today, the company is expanding once again – the fourth since its inception.

“In the early 2000s, we purchased more property, which gave us more room for production and shipping,” says Soo.

As business grew, so did her family.

The couple’s sons, Joseph, 31, is the company’s assistant general manager and Jacob, 28, is the web guy as well as overseeing the running of both the office and food manufacturing plant.

“They are both married, and we now have five grandchildren, ages six to three months,” says Philip.

Both believe their success was born out of knowing their market and anticipated what their clients wanted. In the early days, both worked 12, sometimes 14 hour a day, seven days a week.

“As time has gone on I’ve learned to delegate and take more time off to spend precious time with my family,” adds Soo.

Philip is quick to add that another important component to their success is Soo herself.

“She has always been eager to continue to learn more and strive to improve,” says her proud husband. “She welcomes challenges and is never afraid to try out new products.”

A look at Soo’s past sheds light on how her entrepreneurial spirit blossomed.

Born one of 10 in a small, poor town in Malaysia, life from the beginning was difficult. There was never enough food to go around and chores were endless.

Like many teens, Soo dreamed of breaking out of the cycle of poverty and hopelessness.

With $100 in her pocket and a passion to escape

her life, Soo made her way to B.C.

Along the way she met Philip, a dreamer like her, one who wanted to one day own his own company.

As Philip made a living first as a carpenter, then later as a labourer, Soo went abroad to study and research food development. Her studies took her to Japan, Taiwan and back to Malaysia.

The rest, as the cliché goes, is history.

Today, they are able to take more time off for leisurely pursuits because they have nurtured a team of dedicated staff to smoothly handle operations when they aren’t there.

Meanwhile, Soo is a self-described perpetual gastronomic student.

Never satisfied with the status quo, Soo keeps expanding her culinary repertoire. She’s taken numerous courses and workshops, honing her international cooking skills.

Recently, Soo used her culinary prowess during the 2010 Winter Games at Quebec House, where she prepared and served French cuisine to visiting dignitaries.

Today, both Philip and Soo agree that its challenges, going forward, are to sustain the business to pass onto the next generation.

“We want it to keep growing and diversify into the mainstream marketplace,” adds Philip. “Our main market is the Asian one, and we really want to break further into the North American market.

“We want to change the perception that we are just jerky; we’re more than that.”

Mom’s delicacy becomes financial stable


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Natural and economic environmentfertile for Thomas FungMichelle hopkins

In 1967, Thomas Fung’s parents decided to immigrate to Canada because they saw the country as the

land of opportunity. Fung remembers well his first impression of his adopted country. He recalls thinking that the natural scenery was just like out of the movies; it was so picturesque.

“I still remember arriving at the airport and being greeted by people welcoming us with big banners ... as a newcomer it was a really good feeling,” Fung said.

Fung loves Canada, believing it to be one of the few countries in the world to truly embrace different cultures.

“It is such a peaceful country and the environment is so clean,” says Fung, who loves to ski, fish and play tennis whenever he gets the chance. “Canada offers a healthier lifestyle than China.

“Canada provides opportunities for people to enjoy life, peace of mind and one of the best natural environments in the world.”

While many of us complain of rain, Fung also appreciates the fact that Canada’s weather generally lacks hurricanes and heavy storms.

Canada is also where Fung, chairman and founder the Fairchild Group, has grown his company into a successful business empire with an investment portfolio of more than $350 million.

Today, Fung is considered one of the richest men in Metro Vancouver. His business acumen has been featured on CNN, CBS, NHK, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, just to name a few.

Welcome Magazine asked Fung to answer a few questions about his phenomenal 25-year rise as a Canadian entrepreneur, given that he

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himself is an immigrant. Here’s what Fung had to say.

You came to Vancouver from Hong Kong in 1967 as a teenager. What were some of the obstacles, if any, you had to overcome?

In those days, I was the only Asian in my class. The language was definitely an obstacle, but since I had no other choice, I had to use it every day in school, so it was soon overcome.

What do you attribute your phenomenal success to?

What I have been doing so far is capitalizing on the thorough understanding of East meets West, both in business and networking, targeting both mainstream and

ethnic. It gives me a niche edge to do something unique and face less competition. The fact that I foresaw new immigrants and new investors coming into the country, bringing with them enormous opportunities in every sectors, that put me one step ahead of the others.

What do you see as some of the major issues facing new immigrants who want to be entrepreneurs in Canada?

Newcomers sometimes underestimate local traditions and they lack the knowledge of the ways of doing business in Canada. They still use their previous successful formulas from their home country, and soon they learn the lesson that if they don’t

make enough effort to understand Canadian business practices, they will fail.

Many of your businesses target Asians. What are some of their concerns when they immigrate here?

Most new immigrants prefer to stick to their own community; they shop and eat at places where they feel a sense of belonging and ease of communication. As a business concern, you have to address such issues in order to bring new immigrants to your door.

When you understand the local people’s habits, their likes and dislikes, the demographic of your target customers, that’s the very basic but important first step to

starting a business, anywhere.

If you had to list some of the businesses new immigrants should consider getting into, what would they be?

There are such wide spectrum of business varieties, do something you feel comfortable and have interest in, find a capable partner, then you can start a business with little experience, and learn fast as you move along.

You have achieved so much. What are you most proud of?

Achievement is always subjective, I can only say that I am glad to be part of a vibrant community, that my work has been recognized, and it’s a win win situation for all.


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Little Russia growsin RichmondAlAn CAmpbell

In the beginning, it was just Olga Bukharova and her two teenage children.

Now, five months after Bukharova launched Club Erudite — a cultural club for all things Russian — it has grown to a complement of 18 teenagers, not including their Russian-speaking parents.

“It’s our own little community,” Bukharova said.

They meet every Friday evening at the Cambie Community Centre to discuss, debate and learn about Russian history, culture and literature.

And there are nights when the parents are invited into the fold as well, with special outings arranged, such as a recent trip to the zoo.

“Two of the parents know a lot about animals, so they came with us to make it very educational,” Bukharova said.

“And another is a music teacher and she brings her guitar and gets us singing Russian songs and will be giving guitar lesson also.

“But it’s also about getting the children to express themselves in Russian with regard to controversial issues.”

Bukharova said that, when the children are not at the club, they connect, communicate and socialize in their native tongue via a forum.

“It’s interesting for parents to see what their kids are discussing and what interests them,” she added.

“It’s wonderful how the club has grown and we really do have a lot of fun as well.”According to the latest Census snapshot, Richmond has the most

concentrated Russian community per head of population anywhere else in the Lower Mainland.

The Russian tongue ranks fourth — only behind Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog — in the city’s non-official language table at two per cent of the population or around 1,850 people.

In some of the city’s neighbourhoods, Russian is the second or third most spoken non-official language.

It was such a presence in Richmond that convinced mom-of-two Bukharova — who emigrated from Moscow 10 years ago — that the city is crying out for a Russian cultural centre.

Not only did Bukharova feel Richmond was ready for such a facility, she felt it was vital for

her children and other Russian immigrant families to stay in touch with their rich culture and heritage.

“There are more and more Russian families moving here and we can’t let our history slip away with the generations,” Bukharova said.

“Our history keeps our family together as it means we can share a common set of values.”

Her kids, aged 15 and 12, attend McRobert’s secondary and Williams Bridge elementary. They were just five and two when they packed up and left Russia.

To ensure her children don’t lose touch with their roots, Bukharova set up Club Erudite.

“The main challenge is that we don’t have any Russian-speaking

cultural places for us to go to, a place where our children can get a proper feel for their heritage,” she said.

Bukharova has no idea why Richmond is a magnet for Russians. But she wants her fellow Russians to take steps of their own and believes she’s helping to create a little piece of the motherland right here.

“Every ethnic group should keep in touch with their roots, not just Russian. Your culture is your inner strength,” she said.

Call Bukharova on 604-626-9903 for more information or drop into the club which runs every Friday at Cambie Community Centre from 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. Alternatively, log onto their website at www.cluberudite.com.


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Substance over sparkle

Melanie Ho

Recently, I went on Facebook and found that many of my girlfriends

in Hong Kong (HK) own a high-end name brand handbag. Just like diamonds to women over the world, luxury handbags are HK girls’ best friends. Simply speaking, it’s easier to find a woman carrying a Gucci or an LV than to find a coffee shop in Central (HK’s equivalent of downtown Vancouver).

To give you an idea of how important luxury bags are in HK, there are at least two dozen second-hand luxury handbag stores that accept installment payments. One of the stores’ slogan goes like this “Everyone has a dream. Girls always want to carry stylish high-end brand bags which differentiate themselves from others.” Ironically, there are so many women who own a luxury handbag that the latter become more like a commodity than a scarce good. In other words, a woman may have a better chance of setting herself apart by wearing a no name brand handbag.

Not long ago, I wanted to have my own luxury handbag. Although I was not a fan of luxury clothing, I felt that a luxury handbag is kind of a must-have for a girl. That was when I was still living in HK where pressure for social

conformity is so high that if your friends have it and you don’t, you would feel left out or worry about how people think of your financial status.

I was not the only one who was vulnerable to peer pressure. My mom bugged my dad to buy her first a Gucci bag, then a two-carat diamond ring because everyone in her office had them. Needless to say, her co-workers did a good job showing off their possessions in the workplace.

In Hong Kong, the population density is high and most people commute to work. Therefore, a luxury handbag can garner a high degree of exposure despite the cost. In Canada and other “less face conscious” western countries, you don’t have to worry too much about what your friends/neighbours would think when

buying a handbag. It’s not that people don’t carry nice handbags in Canada, but they just don’t care as much if you have a no name brand handbag or not. In Canadian culture, it’s even okay to tell acquaintances that you are broke.

There’s no point of buying a $500 Coach bag when a $50 North Face backpack can do the same. Now when I go down to the Seattle premium outlet, I would bypass Burberry and go straight to Aldo to get my handbag. Having the freedom to choose what I want to wear/carry without first worrying about what others think is one of the benefits of living in Canada.

Melanie immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong 2.5 years ago. She can be reached at [email protected].


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Useful InformationCitizenship and Immigration Canada — 1888-242-2100 Service Canada Centre (Richmond) —— 604-273-6431 Address: Suite 350, 5611 Cooney Road, Richmond Service Canada Multi-Language Extension ServicesCantonese —————— 604-526-4511 ext 230 Punjabi —————— 604-526-4511 ext 240 Revenue Canada Tax Information Phone Service ——— 1800-267-6999 Individual Income Tax Enquiries ——— 1800-959-8281 Passport Canada —————— 1800-567-6868 Address: Suite 310, 5611 Cooney Road, Richmond

Contact Alice Wong: Address: Room 360, 5951 No.3 Road, Richmond Tel: 604-775-5790 Fax: 604-775-6291 E-mail: [email protected] website: alicewong.ca

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No shame in putting nutrition first

Margaret Hewlett, executive director, ricHMond Food Bank Society

For many newcomers to Richmond, there’s a dazzling array

of choices and often an overwhelming number of decisions to make. Sometimes the decision can be whether to choose paying rent or buying food.

The volunteers and staff at

the Richmond Food Bank work hard to make it a safe and welcoming place for people who need a little help. The people who come to us include those who are new to Canada, are unemployed, working at low wages, or are on small disability or old age pensions; people whose income does not cover the basic cost of living.

The Richmond Food Bank encourages everyone to think about nutrition and health when they make food choices. We offer a mixture of pre-packed parcels and items to choose from sufficient for about three days: fresh vegetables and fruits, bread, biscuits and other cereals, tinned soups and fish, drinks, and

baby food. We often have cleaning and personal care products. Children receive healthy snack packs. And for children and nursing mothers, we have fresh milk.

We offer more than just food parcels at the Richmond Food Bank. Our volunteers read stories to children while their parents pick up their groceries — popular with both parents and kids. Samples of delicious, nutritious, and economical recipes introduce foods that might be unfamiliar. Other activities at the food bank are the Richmond Public Library’s mobile lending library, periodic dental and vision screening and flu inoculation clinics, and

outreach workers from other service agencies that help newcomers to find local services.

Our registration process is simple and confidential: we need to see recent proof of Richmond residency and personal identification for each member of the family. We don’t receive any government funding and don’t share any personal information with the government or anyone else. The only restrictions are that we serve only Richmond residents, and service is limited to once a week.

We have two locations: one in East Richmond on Daniels Road and one in Central Richmond on

Cedarbridge Way. We are open to give food assistance Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at 11571 Daniels Rd. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5800 Cedarbridge Way. Once a month – on the third Wednesday of each month – we are also open from 6 to 7 p.m.

Our office is open to accept donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We also welcome donations by cheque, credit card, or on-line through our website. For more information about receiving help, volunteering, or making donations, go to www.richmondfoodbank.org.


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Welcome… now let’s sign you upDe whalen

My ancestors came over from Ireland during the Irish

potato famine in the 1850s. I imagine was it must have been like coming to a new country, knowing no one, not speaking the language. They spoke Irish Gaelic and came with just the clothes on their backs. They settled in Ontario, then later moved to Manitoba where they found other Irish immigrants who helped them feel welcome in this new land. Back then, people connected through kitchen parties, barn raisings and by attending church, temple or mosque.

Today things are different. When’s the last time you were at a barn raising? But there is still a lot going on in the community. A myriad of community service groups in Richmond work together to help new comers and residents feel welcome, safe and comfortable. There are a variety of programs and services for different groups such as youth, seniors, disabled, women, families, ethnic groups and people who have time to volunteer.

People also connect through religion. There are regular opportunities to meet new friends and share with each other on the “Highway to Heaven” and various other

locations. In fact, many diverse religious groups in Richmond work together to offer community meals, community kitchens, youth groups, activity nights, community gardens, etc. The Muslim school and the Jewish day school even play basketball together — what a wonderful city this is!

If you don’t think you can afford to take part in community activities, think again. The City of Richmond refuses to let finances bar people from participating. City subsidies are available for many sports and community centre programs — and you don’t have to bare your soul to access

them.

Many community services agency also offer free programs. Richmond Women’s Centre, for example, offers free information and referral, computer access, and income tax services.

“Air and Share” is a free weekly noontime, walking program for women. Although there are lots of walking groups around, this one is different because of its “share” component. Women share a bit about themselves to help break the ice. I think the physical component really fuels conversation. Another

project, “Let’s Read Together,” invites South Asian mothers, aunties and grandmothers to bring the kids to Cambie Library once a week and learn to read together. We are reaching women who may be isolated and providing them with an entry point into the community, their local library. You can find out more about these programs by calling the Richmond Women’s Centre at 604-279-7060.

Imagine a city where everyone feels welcome. Richmondites are working hard to help people feel they own this vibrant community.


A magical,multicultural city.

Linda Reid, MLA Richmond East#130-8040 Garden City Rd.

604-775-0891 • Email: [email protected]

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Richmond FOOD BANK SocietyA safe and confi dential place for people who need a little help.

Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm at 11571 Daniels RoadWednesdays or Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm at 5800 Cedarbridge Way3rd Wednesday of each month 6:00pm-7:00pmat 5800 Cedarbridge Way

For ways you can help, see www.richmondfoodbank.orgor call 604-271-5609.

a caring community sharing with neighbours in need0

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Curveball transforms ‘computer geek’ into Queen of JeansMichelle hopkins

Growing up in her native Venezuela, Rocio Garcia loved to draw and dabble in fashion design with her seamstress

mother, Rosalba de Garcia.

Little did the Latino beauty know that someday she would parlay her love of art and design into a thriving business.

Although she had a passion for haute couture, her parents stressed that to succeed in life, she must arm herself with a university degree.

“I always loved fashion, but my parents — dad’s a doctor and mom a teacher — told me that if I wanted to get ahead in life, I needed a career as either a doctor, engineer or some other professional,” she says.

So off to university Garcia went and came home with a computer engineering degree. Immediately after finishing her degree, Garcia began looking into immigrating to Canada.

“My uncle lived in Montreal and he kept telling me how wonderful Canada was,” she says. “My intention was always to come to Canada because I felt it provided women with many more career opportunities than in my country,”

The rampant violence against single women in the larger metropolis was another reason for leaving Venezuela, Garcia adds.

“My parents didn’t want me living on my own, and I am very independent.”

Equipped with her degree and a steely will to make it on her own, the 21-year-old left all the comforts of home for the unknown.

“I initially landed in the United States for a month-long vacation, which turned into a three year job,” she says. “I met a fellow Venezuelan who owned a computer programming company and he offered me a job.”

Three years later, Garcia — who speaks three languages fluently and a few others conversationally — was approved to come to Canada.

She immediately found work in her field at Richmond-based Imtoo Software (which later became Meridex Software Corporation).

“I was a computer geek.”

Through her work, she met her husband, Ricardo

Montes, a Californian who immigrated here to work as a computer programmer.

“I worked for two years as a project manager. I developed unique skills as a consultant for IBM but I needed to learn how to articulate why customers should migrate from one software company to another,” she says.

Seeing that gap in her business knowledge, she went to the University of B.C. to acquire a Masters in business administration.

“My MBA experience taught me some valuable skills, which helped me put together a business plan for my Queen of Jeans venture,” she adds.

Then, a few years later, carpal tunnel derailed her career.

So, after life threw the 30-something expert in database migration (one of only four across North America) a curve ball, she decided to follow her dream — fashion.

Thus, Queen of Jeans — Garcia’s designer jeans — was born.

Throughout the years, Garcia says she was frustrated at the lack of “well-fitting jeans for curvy women like me.”

“I complained about it all the time to my mom, so each year on my one-month visit home my mother and I would work on jean designs,” Garcia says.

By 2005, the two had tweaked a design and a prototype was developed.

“My husband loved them and told me they looked great on me.”

Garcia began working on a number of samples and by early last year, she had 50 ready to sell.

“I started by producing them from my home and showing them to my friends and acquaintances for feedback and to sell,” she says.

At the same time, Garcia began volunteering for

Latincouver (a website for networking and events for Latinos).

It was during an event last fall that the business savvy entrepreneur caught the attention of the United States consulate. During that momentous meeting, she was asked if she’d be interested in being nominated for a unique program, Pathways to Prosperity Women Entrepreneurs, fronted by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

“I was one of three Canadian women selected into the program, which is geared to Western Spanish-speaking women entrepreneurs,” Garcia says, adding she spent a whirlwind 10 days in Washington D.C. and New York meeting with successful business people.

“My mentor is Julia Stamberger, co-founder of GoPicnic, which produces boxed meals for the airlines, hotels and schools,” Garcia says. “She helps me focus on my business priorities and gives me great advice.”

Meeting Clinton was also a thrill, Garcia adds.

On Nov. 12, 2009 Queen of Jeans opened its doors in Richmond Centre, with herself and her mother as the sole employees. (The store recently closed as the mall is undergoing renovations).

Today, her line of designer jeans, Queen of Jeans includes three different cuts in 12 styles — some limited editions as well — are available online (www.queenofjeans.com) and at four stores across the Lower Mainland.

“I am planning on opening at a new location in Richmond, hopefully this year.”

“My intention was always to come to Canada because I felt it provided women with many more career opportunities than

in my country,”


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Richmond Multicultural Concerns SocietyRichmond Multicultural

Concerns Society (RMCS) is an agency that provides

a variety of services to immigrant and refugee communities in Richmond and South Delta, and works with more than 5,000 clients per year.

RMCS plays an important role in the settlement, education, and integration of immigrants from the day they arrive in Canada.

With a highly qualified and dedicated staff of more than 25 and more than 250 committed volunteers, RMCS is a friend to newcomers, assisting with their initial settlement needs in their language and job search and helping to establish networks in their communities.

RMCS runs a variety of programs aimed at helping new immigrants. The most popular program with the new immigrants is the

Settlement Program, funded by the Government of Canada and the government of British Columbia.

Settlement program: RMCS’s multilingual settlement workers provide support to immigrants and refugees in British Columbia. Their expertise, professionalism and familiarity with issues affecting immigrants and refugees are great assets to assessing the needs of newcomers.

In an effort to better serve their clients, at RMCS multilingual settlement workers constantly update their knowledge about resources available in the community. This up-to-date expertise allows them to provide adequate and effective referrals to clients.

The settlement workers assess the settlement needs of newcomer clients and work with them to identify an appropriate course of action. Our dedicated and efficient team of settlement workers and labour market

counselors, offers services in 16 languages and can:

• Orient immigrants and refugees to their new environment and provide support to access various community and government services Canadian society including British Columbia’s legal system, employment and labor market opportunities, health care services, housing, education and ESL training;

• Provide information on schools, the health care system, housing, social services, parks and

recreation;

• Assist in completing government forms such as Medical Services Plan, Application for ELSA, Canada Child Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Income tax, Citizenship, Renewal of Permanent Resident Card , sponsoring family members i.e. parents and spouse, online EI application and visa and passport applications;

• Provide referral services to various community and government services and programs;

• Provide adjustment support to new and not so new immigrants; and,

• Conduct outreach and information sessions to clients and community service providers.

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Local notary helps immigrants in troubleAleksAndAr lescAn

Locally known as Richmond’s immigration go-to guy, Alex Ning finally received

national recognition for his tireless work with immigrants in need.

The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants shined the spotlight on Ning last month for his work with detainees and refugee claimants in Canada who had little or no money and faced prosecution if deported.

A notice about Ning’s contribution to the CSIC will be posted on their website, but according to Ning the real awards come from helping people in need.

“Getting recognition is a nice touch but it does not affect what I’m doing,” said Ning.

Ning, now 56, first got a taste of

immigration work in the 1970s, after he left Hong Kong in the search for a better life abroad.

Ning worked with various organizations that helped refugees bring their family members to Canada.

By the end of 1977, Ning took it upon himself to get a real-estate license in order to support himself while also continuing his volunteering efforts.

Finally by the time 1983 had crept around Ning was a notary public officer.

His reputation for providing quality immigration support soon followed him, and CSIC, a regulatory body for certified Canadian immigration consultants, came knocking on his door.

“Clients would come to me thinking that I knew everything about anything and they would ask me to help them with immigration,” said Ning.

Seven years later, Ning branched off in to the immigration litigation

side of things.

“Life gives you all kinds of surprises,” said Ning. “A lot of immigration consultants make permits, application and try and get sponsors, where I only work with people when they get in to trouble with the system.”

Prior to the establishments of the CSIC in 2004, anyone could call themselves immigration consultants.

“Certification made being a

consultant a legitimate profession,” said Ning.

Currently Ning is working with a number of Russian refugees, Tibetan religious figures and journalists who face prosecution in their home countries.

“I remember one of my first cases where I helped a number of people who emigrated from Vietnam and settled in Canada,” said Ning. “I had no training in court room etiquette and I represented them just because no one else wanted to do it. In the end, they received status.”

Although Ning has not kept in touch with all the refugees he has worked with over the years, he says that he considers them all friends.

“You want to back off once they get their life together,” said Ning.


Richmond Centre for Disability

RCD welcomes all newcomers to Richmond!

Tel: 604 232 2404Fax: 304 232 2415Website: www rcdrichmond.org100-5671 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC

We Provide:

“2010” marks the RCD’s 25th Anniversary

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tourism richmond

Did you know that this former Venue City for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is now a growing tourist destination? This means there is so much for you to experience in this unique multicultural newly revitalized city – here the Far East meets the West Coast. The influence of Richmond’s 65 per cent Asian-Canadian population can be seen in the city’s Asian-inspired malls, specialty grocery stores, many temples and over 375 Asian restaurants. By contrast, Richmond is also home to waterfront boardwalks, sandy beaches, working farms, seaside trails, Western-style restaurants and shopping centres, and some of the best West Coast sunsets. So why not act like a tourist and discover Richmond for

yourself.

To get you started, here is a list of Top 10 things to do in Richmond:

One of BC’s most charming getaways, Steveston, located in the southwest corner of Richmond, is a family-friendly neighbourhood and charming destination for West Coast shopping, dining and exploring. Established in the early 1800’s during the fishing cannery boom, the now historic village is still home to Canada’s largest commercial fishing port. Stroll Fisherman’s Wharf and buy fresh seafood or visit the very popular Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market in summer.

Heralded as a Mecca for all things Asian, the Golden Village is a bustling commercial district in the heart of Richmond with three Asian malls featuring the latest designer fashions from Hong Kong, Tokyo and Taipei, authentic Asian grocery stores and cultural attractions. Within a four-block radius, there are 300+ shops and services including 200 Asian restaurants on Alexandra Road or “Food Street”. Located between Aberdeen and Lansdowne Canada Line Stations.

Have you ever seen a whale up

Top 10 sites of Richmond


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close? You can from Richmond! Go on a whale-watching adventure or tour with professional naturalists from April to October to see Orca Whales, Killer Whales, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, seals and other wildlife. Two local operators – Steveston Seabreeze Adventures (www.seabreezeadventures.ca) and Vancouver Whale Watch (www.vancouverwhalewatch.com ) – offer daily whale watching excursions with an over 90% sighting success rate. Both companies are based out of Steveston Village in southwest Richmond.

Step into the peaceful and beautiful world of the second largest Buddhist Temple in North America. This temple has many impressive statues including the 26-metre-long (85-foot) Seven Buddha Mural. Drive up No 5 Road known as the “Highway to Heaven” and find another 20 temples, mosques and churches. 9160 Steveston Hwy, 604-274-2822, www.buddhisttemple.ca.

Step back in time and visit Steveston’s two impressive National Historic Sites celebrating BC’s fishing past. Built in 1894, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, the largest of 15 salmon canning

plants, is a tribute to the fishing industry through fascinating, child-friendly interactive displays and exhibits. Drop by Britannia Heritage Shipyard, featuring 11 buildings that tell the story of the multicultural lives of workers and their families. 12138 Fourth Avenue, 604-664-9134, www.pc.gc.ca/gulfofgeorgiacannery

With over 90 parks and greens paces, Richmond holds the bragging rights as one of the healthiest cities. Go cycling, picnicking, or bird watching at Iona Beach Regional Park, and watch 300 species of birds feed and rest on Iona’s beautiful sandy beaches. Iona Island, near Vancouver International Airport, www.richmond.ca/parks/

The 80 km of connecting dyke trails virtually encircle Richmond and are used by walkers and cyclists to access heritage sites, dykes and parks. Pick up a trail map and explore Richmond’s seaside trails. All the trails are relatively flat, so travellers of all ages and abilities can experience these beautiful natural environments. www.richmond.ca/parks.

With its multicultural population

and fascinating history, Richmond’s annual festivals and events are high-energy, family-friendly and full of culture. Three of the most popular annual events include the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Steveston Salmon Festival, and the Asian-inspired Summer Night Market. www.tourismrichmond.com.

Did you know that Richmond is home to three wineries? They produce delicious fruit wines in fresh flavours like blueberry and cranberry. Drop by for a tour and tasting. Lulu Island Winery (www.luluislandwinery.com ), Sanduz Estate Winery (www.sanduzwines.com, ), and Isabella Winery (www.isabellawinery.com)

Now that the 2010 Olympic Winter Games are over, this iconic venue is being transformed into a world-class, multi-purpose international centre of excellence for sports, health, and wellness. Tours are available. No reservations required. www.richmondoval.ca.

Visit Tourism Richmond’s website www.tourismrichmond.com, one of our Visitor Centres, call toll free at 1-877-247-0777, or email: [email protected].

Tourism Richmond Visitor Centre (Annual)Hwy 99 - 11980 Deas Thruway

Steveston Visitor Centre (Seasonal)3rd Avenue and Moncton Street


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CHIMO can answer your many questions

CHIMO has been operating in Richmond for more than 35 years, providing a variety of community services to local residents including education, peer support, and counselling.

CHIMO’s newest program, The Newcomer Assistance Centre, helps newcomers with settlement related issues in more than 20 different languages including Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Farsi, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi, Tagalog, Spanish, Japanese,

French, and Italian. Professionally trained advocates assist with issues such as housing, completing forms or applications, enrolling in programs, connecting to resources, employment, family violence, income assistance, immigration, mental health, and disabilities.

The Newcomer Assistance Centre is located at 8151 Park Road with new extended evening hours and is open on Saturdays! Drop-ins are welcome! All services are FREE.

Neena, the program coordinator, has more than 10 years of experience helping newcomers gain access to resources they need to build a better life for themselves and their

families. In the following “Dear Neena” column she discusses common challenges about settling in Canada including tips on how to deal with them.

Dear Neena,

I want to volunteer, but as a new immigrant, I work two jobs just to get by and don’t have a lot of time to give. Even if I wanted to volunteer, where could I start?

Thanks, Wai Ming

Dear Wai Ming,

Volunteering is one of the best ways to become connected to your community, find resources for yourself, build social networks, add valuable experience to your

resume, and scope out employment prospects. For example, many of the current employees in our organization started off as volunteers.

Many new immigrants who are adjusting to their new lives in Canada ask, “What is the benefit of volunteering when I still feel like I am struggling?” For some newcomers, the best time to start exploring volunteer options is after they have lived in Canada for a few years and have developed a good understanding of how Canadian society works.

Think of volunteering as a minimal risk investment. Most often, you end up getting back just as much, if not more, than what you

gave. Many organizations provide professional training for you, which you might otherwise have had to pay. Often people start their volunteer journey when they are in a transition period and are exploring a line of work to pursue.

It’s important to be strategic in your approach; do some self-reflection to determine what you want out of this experience, what kinds of people you are comfortable working with, what type of volunteer work is right for you, what kind of skills do you want to develop.

Do you have a question for Neena? Please e-mail [email protected]


Sportstown BC is an indoor sports facility and is home to indoor soccer leagues (artifi cial turf), a tennis club, a

soccer academy, a soccer shop and a tavern. Everything you need is here under one roof.

• INDOOR SOCCERadult leagues for men’s competitive teams,

co-ed recreational, and others.• TENNIS CLUB

a private club for juniors and adults.Five indoor courts, fi rst class amenities.

• SOCCER ACADEMYTSS Player Development Academy. TSS player

groups range from age 6-18 and is designed for motivated, determined, competitive players.

Programs run September to June.• SOCCER SHOP

The best choice for soccer footwear, apparel and equipment.

• SPORTSTOWN TAVERNRichmond’s #1 Sports Bar features

plasma TV’s & 102” projection screen.Great food, great fun, great

beverages. Kids allowed.

4991 No. 5 Road

604.273.7366www.sportstownbc.com

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Creating a Better World

A world of new friends A world of excitement A world of the outdoors

Call (604) 879-57211-888-Scouts-Now

www.scouts.ca

Scouts is SoCool!“In Beavers and Cubs we

make crafts, play games, learn new skills and make some great new friends. When you’re older, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers do awesome things like backpacking, rappelling and whitewater rafting.”

Canada

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Shelley CivkinCommuniCationS offiCer riChmond PubliC library

Newcomers to Richmond will be happy to know that there’s one place they can go

to learn, relax and meet new people, and that’s the library! At Richmond Public Library, the services are free and the books, movies, CD music, newspapers and magazines are plentiful. With four branches to serve you – Brighouse (Main), Steveston, Ironwood and Cambie – the options are convenient, with great hours and friendly staff to help you. We’re open seven days a week and every weekday evening. And of course library cards are free, just visit any of our branches and bring in a piece of identification with your address on it.

Library resources for newcomers include books and other resources in 11 languages (French, Chinese, Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Tagalog, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, and Russian); free programs in different languages for adults and kids; access to CJK compatible computers and the Internet; homework help for students; lots of quiet study space and comfortable reading lounges; and an ESL collection for students at every level. And it’s all free.

For families with children, the library offers daily storytime at all

our branches, where they can learn stories, songs and rhymes. We also have a Sing & Play drop-in program for children ages 0-5; a Play & Learn Drop-in program for kids ages 0-6 where parents can find out about community resources and get parenting support; and a Let’s Read Together program in Punjabi and English for preschool children, where stories, songs and activities help build your child’s first reading skills.

Adult newcomers can enjoy our free, practical, weekly New Immigrant Orientation programs in English and Mandarin, where they can learn about landlord and tenant law, Canadian culture and etiquette, how to buy a house, and lots more. We also offer employment counselling for immigrants and youth in English, Cantonese and Mandarin; computer classes in Punjabi, Cantonese and Mandarin; diabetes health programs in Mandarin and Cantonese; Chinese reading clubs in Cantonese, Mandarin and Taiwanese; a Read, Speak, Succeed program for ESL learners; Philosophers Cafes in Russian and more. And our Language Learning Centre is a great place for ESL learners and people who want study other languages.

To see what else we offer come to any branch of Richmond Public Library or visit the library’s website at http://www.yourlibrary.ca.

Library has resources for newcomers to Richmond


Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society (RMCS) is a non-profi t organization serving new comers in Richmond for the past 22 years. RMCS provide services, classes and hosts meetings of groups such as the Multicultural Seniors and Women.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Settlement services: orientation, basic counseling and information on immigration, citizenship, housing, transportation, legal matter, daycare and education for all new immigrants and refugees at no cost. Our staff speaks French, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Spanish, Tagalog, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, Ukrainian, Swahili, Farsi and Dari.

Labour Market Services: there are 2 Labour Market staff that assist in resume and cover letter writing and in job search. Please contact MARIA or EVELYN at 604-248-0433 for more information.

Volunteer Training: this is a continuous program where an immigrant can help at our offi ce and get a certifi cate for the hours worked. It would help them in practicing their language skills and gaining Canadian work experience.

Grandparenting in Canada Program: This is a unique program that provides socialization and edu-cational resources to 3 groups of immigrant grandparents (South Asian, Filipino and Chinese). Please contact BALWANT ([email protected]) for more information.

Youth Education, Employment and Empowerment (YES) Program: youth (15 to 25 year of age) who have recently immigrated to Canada and need guidance in navigating the education and career system should enroll for this program. This is a free program that offers counseling, career training and mentoring and access to recreational activities.

Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) Program: this is a comprehensive program for all immigrant women that aids them in gaining confi dence and helps them make a productive impact on society. Please contact Meena ([email protected] ) for joining this program.

Surfi ng Grannies Computer Classes: this is a weekly training course free for all Richmond seniors.Please contact EVELYN ([email protected]) if you are interested.

‘Chai at Chaupal’ Meetings: it is a program where concerned South Asian seniors meet to discuss socially relevant topics and to volunteer as community outreach coordinators. Please email GURPIN-DER ([email protected] ) for more information.

Seniors Group Meetings: any senior can join this weekly group of participants for creating social networks over a cup of tea or coffee whatever your choice may be.

English Conversation Classes: as English is the spoken language in Canada, we provide conver-sational classes which are based on real life scenarios that would be of relevance to all immigrants.There are 3 levels and this is our most popular program so please enroll early to avoid disappointment!

Multicultural Women’s Group: these meetings are for all women interested in networking, learning the Canadian system and in being involved with the community in a proactive manner.

MulticulturalRichmondMulticulturalRichmond

Richmond MulticulturalConcerns Society

210-7000 Minoru Blvd., Richmond, BC

Tel: 604-279-7160 or 604-248-0433 Fax: 604-279-7168 Web: www.rmcs.bc.ca

WOULD YOU LIKE TO:

• Increase employee loyalty• Expand your customer base• Increase and strengthen your community connections through networking • Understand multiculturalism and diversity

RMCS OFFERS THE FOLLOWINGTWO PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT YOU

Safe Harbour promotes an inclusive BC that celebrates strong, vibrant and diverse com-

munities. It trains staff members on ways of better responding to their diverse community

members. RMCS is a Safe Harbour organizer. We facilitate training sessions in timing and

location convenient to you.

TRAINING INCLUDES:

• Going through real life scenarios dealing with different barriers;• Providing useful techniques on managing tough situations;• Preparing employees to welcome and celebrate diversity.

Contact person: Evelyn, [email protected]

Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces Program (WICWP) is meant to foster inclusive,

welcoming and vibrant communities in BC where immigrants can realize their full potential, racism is

eliminated and cultural diversity is valued and celebrated.

Contact person: Andrea, [email protected]

MulticulturalRichmondMulticulturalRichmond

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Richmond is well known for its high quality parks.

In fact the city just recently won a provincial Award of Excellence from the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). The Parks and Open Spaces Award was presented for the innovative and creative development of the Garden City Community Park Play Environment.

The city’s new Play Environment has changed the way parks are planned, designed, and constructed and provides residents and visitors with an extraordinary outdoor place that is unique within the city, and perhaps even the local region, according to the association.

The design of the site brings elements of nature back into the scene, bringing forth a playground that not only encourages new ways to play and have good fun, but also healthy social interaction, and cognitive and physical development. Going beyond the confines of a traditional play area, it also provides a setting conducive to community based events and functions and recreation programs.

“The City of Richmond has created an environment that engages not just the young of age, but the young at heart,” comments BCRPA chief executive officer Suzanne Allard Strutt. “This new and innovative play

environment provides users with a space that encourages and facilitates physical activity and engagement; a place that through its universal accessibility helps improve the quality of life of all residents and visitors.”

The Garden City Park is only one of 90 parks throughout the city. The Richmond park system totals 1,400 acres.

A searchable database of all City of Richmond parks is available at www.richmond.ca/ptc/parks/about.htm.

A series of perimeter dykes and more than 80 kilometres of trails and

interconnecting routes showcase many interesting sites in Richmond. Walk, run or cycle along any trail and take in the city’s scenic beauty. For local walking trails information visit www.richmond.ca/parksrec/ptc/trails/exploring.htm.

Information on leisure and cultural programs is provided in a free City of Richmond Parks, and Recreation Guide. This is available to all community facilities and is updated and printed three times a year. It is also available at Safeway’s, Save-on-Foods grocery stores and on the City of Richmond website at www.richmond.ca/

guide.

There is also an easy guide to registration, which can be sound on the same web page as above. This guide is a brief introduction to Richmond’s facilities and what services and programs are offered and explains how to register for community programs. It is currently available in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Tagalog. To receive a free copy of the guide, call City of Richmond Parks and Recreation at 604-276-4300.

The City of Richmond encourages residents to participate in fun, affordable and healthy activities.

Get active in one of Canada’s healthiest cities


WE’LL HELP YOU REACH YOUR DESTINATION.

www.commissionaires.bc.ca/fingerprinting

Visit us at our convenient office locations or call 604 646 3351 today!

> Surrey at 1650–13401 108th Avenue (Gateway Station)> Surrey at 205–12725 80th Avenue> Vancouver at 801–595 Howe Street> Vancouver at 8157 Main Street

Commissionaires makes the process easy with our competitive prices and friendly, reliable service.

> Digital fingerprinting–results in as little as 10 days> Police clearances (CPIC) and security licence services> Multi language service

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Welcome Magazine - Richmond