This February, HF Care’s Lunar New Year celebrations brought together more than 100 community members, long-time volunteers, and civic leaders in a powerful series of events.
At our Mental Wellness Group gathering on February 7, 106 members attended and presented original performances organized around the theme “Stress, Emotions, and Health.”
Participants were divided into four teams and asked to perform their pieces for a live audience, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who recognizes the importance of fighting the stigma faced in our shared community.
Beyond One Celebration
Later in the month, Mayor Chow met with our volunteers and staff at the Don Valley North Lunar New Year celebration, as they led an interactive mental health quiz booth to draw in community engagement.
She went on to invite 10 of our Mental Health Ambassadors to her Lunar New Year reception at Toronto City Hall, celebrating Chinese Cultural Heritage Month with local community leaders, including Councillor Lily Cheng and MPP Chris Glover, as well as HF Care board member Hillson Tse and co-founder Ted Lo.
Amongst our Ambassadors were two volunteers who’ve been active members of our community for more than twenty years each.
Two Ambassadors, Four Decades of Support
Sujun connected with HF Care in 2004 during a difficult transition after arriving in Canada. Unable to speak English and adjusting to a new environment, she found both practical tools and community through the Ambassador training program.
“When I first came to Canada, I couldn’t speak English. I was very lonely. I didn’t know what to do. After the training, I realized I could actually help other people, too.”
She soon began supporting others. Now in her seventies, she remains actively involved, describing HF care like a “family”.
“People say I look younger now. I think it’s because of this community.”
Sam joined the Ambassador training program in 2005 after immigrating to Canada in the late 1990s. Having witnessed the pressures new immigrants face — language barriers, employment challenges, and cultural adjustment — he quickly understood the importance of mental health education within the community.
“Many people had a decent life back home, but here they can’t find work. That pressure affects families and their mental health.”
For Sam, volunteering has never been separate from personal growth. It is both service and self-reflection — a commitment he has sustained for two decades.
“If I didn’t get this training, maybe even I could have fallen into depression. I’m lucky, because I learned that when you help others, you get a lot back for yourself.”
We are deeply grateful to our Ambassadors and to Mayor Olivia Chow for helping bring visibility and leadership to culturally grounded mental health support in our communities.
Their continued presence reminds us that meaningful change is built over time – and that sometimes, it pays to simply show up.
