On September 12, the Welcoming Week – Welcome & Connect: Cultural Wellness Fair, organized by the International Psychological Association of Canada (IPAC) with support from the York Region Community Investment Fund, was successfully held in Richmond Hill.
From 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the event welcomed more than 200 participants, including over 50 newcomers who were attending an IPAC community event for the first time.
We sincerely thank every vendor, community partner, volunteer, guest, and community member who joined us and contributed to the success of the event.
The Welcoming Week event was designed to help newcomers better understand and navigate local resources and services available in Canada, while also giving long-time residents an opportunity to rediscover the wide range of services and supports available within their community.
Throughout the event, elected representatives from different levels of government joined us to deliver remarks and engage with vendors, volunteers, and community members.
We would especially like to thank Richmond Hill Mayor David West and Deputy Mayor and Regional & Local Councillor Godwin Chan for attending the event in person. We also sincerely appreciate Member of Parliament Vincent Ho and his team for their support and participation, including hosting a community service booth to share information about relevant resources and services with local residents.
We would also like to thank Councillor Simon Cui and Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola for expressing their support for the event through greeting letters.
We would especially like to thank Richmond Hill Mayor David West and Deputy Mayor and Regional & Local Councillor Godwin Chan for attending the event in person. We also sincerely appreciate Member of Parliament Vincent Ho and his team for their support and participation, including hosting a community service booth to share information about relevant resources and services with local residents.
We would also like to thank Councillor Simon Cui and Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola for expressing their support for the event through greeting letters.
Vendor Highlights
Community Resources | Bringing Services Closer to the Community
The event brought together organizations and vendors from a wide range of sectors, including housing, insurance, telecommunications, youth services, financial services, community support, health, and cultural programming.
Participants had the opportunity to speak directly with different service providers and learn more about resources that may be useful in everyday life in Canada. Topics ranged from renting and purchasing a home, auto and home insurance, banking and mortgages, financial planning, mobile and internet services, youth programs, and other community resources. In just one afternoon, attendees were able to gain a clearer and more practical understanding of the many services available to them.
Beyond sharing information, we also hoped that Welcoming Week could become a space where people could genuinely connect with one another. Many participants not only left with useful information, but also discovered new community organizations and made new connections.
IPAC provided mental wellness kits with practical tools to support emotional wellbeing, while Teacher Fang from the Toronto Caring Lions Club offered hands-on first aid demonstrations, giving participants practical and accessible skills to support both physical and mental wellbeing.
The Canada-China Federation of Entrepreneurs (CCFOE) also introduced youth programs and opportunities to local residents. Alongside the resource booths, participants of all ages were able to enjoy cultural and interactive activities, including traditional lacquer fan making, milk tea giveaways, and face painting, creating a welcoming space where both adults and children could find something they enjoyed.
Another highlight was the interactive community recommendation wall presented by the Sudbury Chinese Community Oral History Project (SCCOHP) team. Participants marked and shared their favourite local “hidden gems,” creating a community-generated trail of places to explore across the Greater Toronto Area and helping people connect through shared recommendations and local experiences.
Stage Highlights | From Migration Stories to Community Connection
The stage program began with a story about migration and belonging, opening with a documentary screening presented by the Sudbury Chinese Community Oral History Project (SCCOHP).
The documentary, Sudbury Chinese Community Oral History Project, shared the real-life experiences of five interviewees and documented the uncertainty, adjustment, and challenges they faced while building new lives in Northern Ontario, as well as their search for a sense of home, community, and belonging.
The stories on screen created a meaningful opening for the day. For many people who have experienced migration themselves, the moments of starting over, finding connection, and building a sense of belonging felt familiar and relatable.
Following the documentary screening, IPAC introduced mental health and healthcare resources, including the differences between OHIP and Extended Health Care (EHC), as well as information about psychotherapy, mental health services, and insurance coverage.
To address practical settlement and everyday living needs, 房大师 shared information about renting, homeownership, and housing, while Allstate introduced auto and home insurance services. iTalkBB and 365 Pro also shared information about mobile services, home internet, telecommunications, and home security.
In the area of youth and community engagement, the Canada-China Federation of Entrepreneurs (CCFOE) and Mon Sheong Foundation introduced youth programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to become involved in the community. Mr. Fang from the Lions Club also shared practical first aid knowledge and provided an on-site demonstration.
In the financial resources segment, representatives and professionals from BMO, Sun Life, May, and other service providers shared information related to newcomer banking services, mortgages, financial planning, taxation, and long-term financial planning.
Beyond information and resources, Instructor Ping also led participants through a Shaolin Baduanjin session. Through movement, breathing, and body awareness, participants were introduced to the connection between traditional qigong practices and physical and mental wellbeing. The session also brought a relaxed, interactive, and cultural element to the overall event experience.
Also, special thanks to Domimi Senior Band for their performances.
Special Thanks
We are also very grateful for the support of elected representatives from different levels of government.
Member of Parliament Vincent Ho and his team joined us at the event and hosted a community service booth, where they shared information about relevant resources and services with Richmond Hill residents. MP Ho also presented IPAC with a certificate in recognition of the event and its contributions to the community.
Richmond Hill Mayor David West and Deputy Mayor and Regional & Local Councillor Godwin Chan also attended the event, engaging with vendors, community members, and volunteers throughout the afternoon. They also presented certificates to recognize and support the event.
We would also like to sincerely thank Councillor Simon Cui and Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola for their support and for providing greeting letters in recognition of the event.
Special Thanks
We would like to sincerely thank the nonprofit and community organizations that joined and supported this event, including the York Region Community Investment Fund, the Canada-China Federation of Entrepreneurs (CCFOE), the Canada Caring Lions Club, and the Sudbury Chinese Community Oral History Project (SCCOHP) team.
We are also grateful to Mr. Fang and Ping for supporting and leading stage activities throughout the event.
Special thanks to our photography and media supporters, Dr. Peng and Felice Guo, for helping us capture the memorable moments of the day.
We would also like to thank Liam for interview support, Shereen for hosting the event, and all IPAC volunteers and event volunteers whose time, energy, and dedication helped make the event possible.
Special Thanks to Our Partnership Organizations
We sincerely thank the following organizations, businesses, community partners, and individuals for their support and participation.
York Region Welcoming Week Initiative & Community Investment Fund
We sincerely appreciate the support of the York Region Welcoming Week Initiative and the Community Investment Fund, which helped make this community event possible.
Canada Caring Lions Club
The Canada Caring Lions Club is the first Mandarin-speaking Lions Club in York Region. Guided by Lions Clubs International’s motto, “We Serve,” the organization is committed to bringing hope, support, and positive change to the community through care, volunteer service, and leadership.
Its community programs include English conversation groups, CPR and first aid training, reading groups, senior support, and other community initiatives. Community members are warmly welcomed to get involved.
May Liu
As a personal financial planner, May Liu provides financial planning and financial literacy education for individuals and families. Her services cover areas including TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP, investment planning, family insurance, retirement planning, and wealth transfer.
As a licensed insurance agent in Ontario, May provides one-on-one financial reviews and financial education in both English and Chinese, helping young adults, newcomers, and families better understand the Canadian financial system.
Lingyu International Psychology Centre
Lingyu International Psychology Centre provides professional mental health and counselling services that may be covered by many Extended Health Care (EHC) plans.
Services include support for individuals, couples, families, children, and youth, as well as concerns related to trauma and stress, emotional regulation, immigration adjustment, and relationships. The centre is committed to providing professional and culturally responsive mental health support to diverse communities.
Canada-China Federation of Entrepreneurs (CCFOE)
The Canada-China Federation of Entrepreneurs (CCFOE) operates a youth volunteer project support centre funded by Canada Service Corps.
The program provides youth under the age of 30 with access to project funding of up to $5,000, along with workshops, practical experience, and mentorship to support youth-led community projects and strengthen leadership and social responsibility.
LingoAce
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, LingoAce specializes in online education for children and youth ages 3 to 15.
Serving families in more than 110 countries and regions worldwide, LingoAce offers Chinese language and mathematics programs that use animation, games, and interactive learning to increase engagement and support overall learning development. The platform works with more than 5,500 professional teachers globally.
Mon Sheong Foundation
Founded in Toronto in 1964, Mon Sheong Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to senior care, youth development, and the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture.
Responding to the needs of Canada’s multicultural communities, Mon Sheong provides a wide range of community services and programs for people of different ages.
Finest Fleet
Finest Fleet specializes in high-quality transportation services across the Greater Toronto Area, providing safe, reliable, and flexible travel solutions for individuals, families, and business clients.
Services include corporate and VIP transportation, airport transfers, event transportation, designated driver services, intercity travel, and customized charter transportation.
365 Communications
365 Communications provides one-stop telecommunications services for Chinese-speaking communities, newcomers, international students, and local families.
Services include mobile phone plans, home internet, business internet, and home security solutions, helping families manage their communication needs through a convenient and accessible service experience.
Allstate Canada
Serving Canadians since 1953, Allstate Canada is a major provider of home and auto insurance, offering coverage options including auto, home, condo, and tenant insurance.
The Richmond Hill office has a diverse team of advisors who can provide service in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and other languages, offering personalized insurance consultations, quotes, and policy support to residents in Richmond Hill and surrounding communities.
Scotiabank
Scotiabank provides banking consultations for newcomers and individuals, covering services such as everyday banking accounts, savings, credit cards, mortgages, and other financial products.
Newcomers can also learn more about eligible account-opening incentives and available offers, helping them become more familiar with banking services in Canada.
iTalkBB Canada
iTalkBB Canada provides one-stop communication and home services for newcomer families, including home phone, high-speed internet, Chinese television, multi-number communication apps, smart home security, and senior safety services.
Participants were able to learn more about services and promotional offers available to new customers during the event.
Sun Life
Sun Life provided complimentary one-on-one financial planning consultations covering topics such as government benefits, savings strategies, tax planning, healthcare and retirement needs, cross-border funds, and wealth transfer.
Participants were able to receive information and consultations without being required to complete any applications or bring personal documents.
Sudbury Chinese Community Oral History Project
The Sudbury Chinese Community Oral History Project (SCCOHP) documents the life experiences of Chinese immigrants in Sudbury through oral histories and documentary storytelling.
The project preserves valuable personal and collective histories while helping more people understand the development, experiences, and cultural heritage of the Chinese community in the region.
房大师
房大师 focuses on housing and settlement services in Canada, providing newcomers and local families with information and guidance related to renting, buying, selling, and homeownership.
The platform helps clients better understand the housing market, clarify their needs, and explore housing options that fit different stages of life.
BMO
BMO provides banking and personal financial services for newcomers, including information about mortgages, home financing, everyday banking accounts, and building credit in Canada.
Participants were also able to learn about eligible newcomer banking offers and incentives, helping them better understand the Canadian banking and financial system.
一程金融
一程金融 provides customized financial analysis and wealth planning for individuals and families.
Its services cover investments, loans, tax planning, real estate, cash flow, risk management, trusts, and other areas of financial planning, helping families better understand their finances, clarify their goals, and make more informed financial decisions.
K.T Face Painting
K.T Face Painting provided complimentary face painting during the event, offering festive designs for both children and adults and adding a colourful and interactive element to the community celebration.
Eyes on Mi Art & Fashion Academy
Eyes on Mi Art & Fashion Academy specializes in art, fashion, and creative education for children and youth.
Through drawing, design, crafts, and multidisciplinary art programs, the academy helps students develop creativity, artistic appreciation, and self-expression through engaging programs designed for different age groups.
金信
金信 provides estate planning and wealth transfer services, supporting individuals and families in organizing their assets, planning for intergenerational wealth transfer, and understanding areas such as wills, trusts, and related planning options.
Overseas Basketball
Overseas Basketball specializes in basketball training and athletic development for children and youth.
Through structured programs, participants can develop basketball skills, physical fitness, teamwork, and an interest in sports, with training designed for children of different ages and skill levels.
Thornhill Toyota
Thornhill Toyota provides consultations related to new and pre-owned vehicles, leasing, financing, and vehicle purchasing.
Participants were able to learn about different vehicle models, purchasing options, financing and lease plans, and compare choices based on their personal budget and transportation needs, helping newcomers and families better understand the vehicle-buying process in Canada.
HungryPanda
HungryPanda is a food delivery platform serving international students and Chinese communities in 12 countries around the world, connecting customers with familiar Chinese food and local dining options.
We sincerely thank all of the organizations, partners, businesses, community groups, and individuals above for their support and contributions to the event.
特别感谢
合作机构
