Victoria Canada-China Friendship Association
Paula Achtemichuk – Donations to Victoria’s Chinese Canadian Museum and the Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point
Paula Achtemichuk was a member of the Victoria Canada China Friendship Association (VCCFA), who passed away on October 7, 2018. She identified our association, the Victoria Canada China Friendship Association, as one of the beneficiaries of her estate. The funds were designated for upgrades to Victoria’s Chinatown.
The Victoria Canada China Friendship Association has donated $8,000 to Victoria’s Chinese Canadian Museum in Fan Tan Alley and $2,000 to the Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point National Historic Site, in the name of the late Paula Achtemichuk. Her donation to the museum will fund signage for exhibitions and support other museum-related activities. Her donation to the cemetery will fund new signage for the outdoor site.
VCCFA President Carol Charlebois and Treasurer Lisa Bengston, presented the cheques to Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Visitor Experience and Facilities Coordinator at the Chinese Canadian Museum, on Friday April 12, 2024. The generous donations on the behalf of the late Ms. Achtemichuk towards improvements of Chinatown, specifically the Chinese Canadian Museum in Fan Tan Alley and the Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point, will help to maintain and preserve Victoria’s Chinatown history now and for years to come.
Carol Charlebois VCCFA President
L. Bengston VCCFA Treasurer/Speakers convenor
Paula Achtemichuk –
Tam Kung Temple Donation
Paula Achtemichuk was a member of the Victoria Canada China Friendship Association (VCCFA), who passed away on October 7, 2018. She identified our association, the Victoria Canada China Friendship Association, as one of the beneficiaries of her estate. The funds were designated for upgrades to Victoria’s Chinatown.
The Victoria Canada China Friendship Association has donated $10,000 to the Tam Kung Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Canada, in the name of the late Paula Achtemichuk. Her donation will support repairs to the temple roof and other upgrades that are needed at the temple. VCCFA President Carol Charlebois and Treasurer Lisa Bengston, presented the cheque to Nora Butz, president of the Yen Wo Society, on Friday April 12, 2024. Ms. Achtemichuk’s generous donation towards improvements of Chinatown, specifically the Tam Kung Temple, will help to preserve and maintain Victoria’s Chinatown history now and for years to come.
Nora Butz will give the Victoria Canada China Friendship Association members and guests a tour of the Tam Kung Temple on Sunday, August 25, at 5pm. The tour will be followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. More information to come later about the tour and dinner.
Carol Charlebois VCCFA PresidentLisa Bengston VCCFA Treasurer/Speakers convenor
Tong Xiaoling, Consul General for China in Vancouver, BC with Carol Charlebois, President, VCCFA and Jiaxu Wang, Vice-President, VCCFA at Spring Festival Luncheon February 25, 2018.
Mr. Fenghua representing the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Sheila Foster, representing the FCCFA with members of the the VCCFA at the 2015 40th Anniversary Celebration.
A visit to the BC Legislature hosted by Ida Chong, MLA in 2000.
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On Sunday, November 26, 2017, Dr. Tzu-I Chung, History Curator at the Royal British Columbia Museum, gave an interesting and informative overview of several transpacific historical connections and their development in the 19th century, in her presentation, "Chinese Canadian Experiences in the 19th Century: Early Transpacific Material Culture in British Columbia", after a delicious buffet meal at Island Wok restaurant.
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On Sunday, January 28, 2018, Dr. Juana Du, Associate professor at Royal Roads University, presented her illuminating research on intercultural communication and understanding in her talk titled, "Intercultural Experiential Learning Through Community Collaboration and Development", after a wonderful buffet dinner at Purple Garden Restaurant.
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On Sunday, April 29, 2018, Grant Keddie, Curator of Archaeology at the Royal British Columbia Museum, gave a fascinating talk, "Chinese Material Culture in British Columbia". He discussed the early arrival of Chinese people to B.C. and of Chinese artifacts found in B.C., following a delicious dinner at Golden City restaurant.
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On Sunday, May 27, 2018, Jie Hua Morrow, director of the Traditional Chinese Opera Society of Victoria, gave a fantastic presentation, "Introduction to Peking Opera", about traditional Chinese Opera. Her talk included demonstrations of how costume accessories were worn and of traditional dance moves. She also shared two online videos about Chinese Opera. The presentation took place in the private dining room at Island Wok Restaurant, following a delicious meal.