Shaanxi Association Writes New Chapter in Respecting and Caring for the ElderlyCanadian Shaanxi Association

May 29, 2025

[Toronto, Canada] On May 25, 2025, under bright sunshine and vibrant spring scenery, the “Golden Years in Bloom: Seniors' Spring Outing” social gathering was grandly held at Milliken Park in Toronto. The event was hosted by the Canadian Shaanxi Association's Senior Services Center and co-organized with support from the Elderly Department of the Chinese Canadian Federation of Associations. Sponsored by Shaanxi Xifeng Liquor Co., Ltd., preparations for this event began early this year. Originally planning to invite 100 seniors, it ultimately drew over 200 fellow countrymen and friends. The lively atmosphere was filled with continuous laughter and cheer, with everyone exclaiming: “It's absolutely wonderful!”

Meticulously Prepared, Wholeheartedly Supporting Seniors At 9:30 AM, Director Xu Chun and volunteers arrived early at the venue. They divided tasks efficiently, setting up the space, posting signage, and establishing guidance paths, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly. The audio and aerial live-streaming team, including Liu Xiaobin and Li Yuanming, also arrived early with sound equipment and computers to conduct sound checks and prepare for drone live-streaming. The medical team, led by Wu Chun, set up Red Cross roll-up banners early and thoughtfully prepared “emergency kits” for each senior. These kits contained essential medications, anti-slip shoe covers, and bilingual assistance cards, demonstrating care in every detail. A specially enlarged “Check-in” sign was displayed at the registration desk. Many volunteers joked, “The letters are as big as a slogan—easy on the eyes and mind!” It was precisely this thoughtful attention to detail that earned unanimous praise from the seniors.

Ansai Waist Drum Performance Makes a Stunning Debut, Kicking Off the Grand Event At exactly 12 noon sharp, the event officially commenced with the resounding beats of the Ansai Waist drum. The moment the Waist drum and Yangge dance took the stage, they instantly ignited the crowd's enthusiasm. Participants raised their phones and cameras to capture this exhilarating moment. Led by Captain Zou Cheng, Wendy, and Lei Jihua, all attendees joined the waist drum troupe to form the number “25” symbolizing the 25th anniversary of the Shaanxi Provincial Association. Professional drone photographer Kevin Niu was specially invited to capture aerial footage, preserving this precious collective memory.

Subsequently, President Zhou Zhijun delivered an impassioned speech, expressing gratitude for everyone's enthusiastic participation. He outlined the association's 25th-anniversary celebration series and future plans, drawing waves of applause.

Distinguished Guests Attend to Extend Congratulations and Chart the Course for Senior Services Several prominent political figures and community leaders attended the event and delivered speeches, including Raymond Cho, MPP for Ontario's Ministry of Seniors; Linda Zhu, assistant to Toronto City Councillor Nick Mantas; Liu Xi, Acting Executive Chairman of the Federation of Chinese Canadian Associations and President of the Sichuan Association; and co-chairs overseeing the Federation's Senior Services Department, including President of Liaoning Association, Cathy Liang, Director of the Senior Services Department at the Federation of Chinese Associations, Temur, President of the Canadian University Federation, and Cindy Meng, Senior Social Worker at the Multicultural Centre of Toronto. They extended their blessings to the seniors and expressed high praise for the work of the Shaanxi Association Senior Services Centre.

Personalized Meals: Thoughtful Care in Every Bite To ensure healthy dining for seniors, Dang Weihong's team specially prepared authentic Shaanxi delicacies like Ai Xue Rou Jia Mo (spicy pork bun), Liangpi (cold noodle dish), Tianjin Baozi (steamed buns), and Muslim-friendly pizza—all featuring low salt, reduced sugar, and mild spice. To ensure orderly meal distribution, specially designed food vouchers were printed and distributed to registered seniors in advance. Under Sunny Huang's coordination, food was distributed systematically. As the number of attendees far exceeded expectations, Secretary-General Gao Rong decisively mobilized resources and procured additional food on short notice, ensuring every guest could enjoy the meal.

Spectacular Performances Showcase Talent Tai Chi Recitation Touches Hearts The cultural performances were equally dazzling. Yang Xi'an, President of the Huashan Lunjian Tai Chi Club under the Shaanxi Provincial Association, along with Guo Lin and Du Yunfeng, the Grandmaster of Huashan Lunjian Tai Chi, led a demonstration of the “Thirteen-Form Tai Chi Chuan.” Their movements were graceful and fluid, complementing the Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan routine performed by the Senior Citizens' Division of the Provincial Association. National-level coach Li Huilan presented an “Age-Friendly Adaptation of the Eight Brocades,” integrating principles from Ontario's Senior Health Guidelines. During the recitation segment, Yu Renqing and Du Yunfeng delivered a heartfelt rendition of Wang Guozhen's “I Love Setting Out,” while An Wensheng and Ai Xue performed Xu Zhimo's “The Joy of Snowflakes,” captivating the entire audience.

The culinary competition showcased creativity and heartwarming local flavors. The event was bustling with activity as the organizing committee—comprising May Wang and Ai Xue—led six judges in tasting and selecting the winners. Ai Xue took first prize with her homemade “liangpi/roujiamo”; Second prize went to Liu Yizhong's fermented fish and Lei Jihua's Zhen cake; third prize was awarded to Pang Ping (Jesus's Sesame Leaves), Guan Jian (Sweet and Sour Pork), and Wang Xiubing (Char Siu Pork). Additionally, 11 dishes received “Excellence Awards,” including Xu Chun's Spinach Scissors Noodles, May Wang's Red Bean Congee, Du Yunfeng's Vegetable Stew, Lu Boling's Tangyuan, Wu Baozhen's Fortune Turns, Cathy Liang's Asparagus and Wood Ear Mushrooms Stir-fried with French Sausage, Gao Rong's Creative Plating, Zhang Shuhua's Northeastern-style Dapai, Joseph Chang's Wheat Rice, Chen Yousheng's Spicy Peanuts, and Li Shurong's Fried Rice. Each dish radiated rich hometown affection and the warmth of skilled craftsmanship.

Paving the Way for Silver Seniors, Keeping Warmth Ever-Present As the first event exclusively tailored for seniors in the 25-year history of the Shaanxi Provincial Association, the “Golden Years: Seniors' Spring Outing” not only championed the traditional Chinese virtue of “honoring one's own elders and extending that respect to others' elders,” but also built a platform for mutual support and shared experiences. It helped seniors understand government benefits, establish social connections, and transition from being ‘served’ to “actively participating.” As President Zhou Zhijun stated: “Our Shaanxi elders deserve to live vibrant lives, even in a foreign land!”

The Shaanxi Association of Canada solemnly pledges

to ensure every senior:

understands welfare policies,

accesses service resources,

and relies on a supportive network.

We firmly believe—

Respecting and cherishing the elderly is not a slogan, but a beacon passed down through generations;

The silver years need not be silent—they will surely resonate with warmth!

Silver age is not old age; life flows like a song.

With love and respect, warmth fills the heart.

The Shaanxi Association will continue to walk alongside our elders with concrete actions, helping them go further and live better, writing a new chapter in overseas elder care and respect.