OCCA Communities Association

2025 Asian Heritage Month
2025-05-01 08:00 - 2025-07-01 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
The OCCA Communities Association is excited to invite you to our annual Asian Heritage Month (AHM) celebrations! Join us for the Opening Forum on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Metro Hub, and enjoy a rich lineup of cultural events throughout May and June.
Highlights include:

AHM Opening Forum – May 3 at Metro Hub, 1265 Ellis St.
AHM Showcase – May 31 at Immaculate Conception Church Parish Center, 839 Sutherland Ave.
Asian History Exhibition – Kelowna Downtown Library – May 1- 31
AHM Movie Week – Kelowna Downtown Library – May 12 – 16
Multicultural Family Sundays – Kelowna Art Gallery – May 4, 11, 18 & 25, Sundays
Multicultural Drumming Rehearsals – Weekends in May and June, Ben Lee Park

Full details and the latest updates are available on the Okanagan Asian Heritage Month – Home page.
Our Asian community groups, including the Okanagan Filipino-Canadians Society (OFC) and BIBAK, Okanagan Korean Culture & Knowledge Society (OKCK), Kelowna Japanese Language Society (KJLS), Okanagan Sikh Temple, and the Chinese Freemasons of Kelowna, are all set to celebrate Asian heritage with us. This year’s forum will feature dynamic discussions led by both Asian and non-Asian panelists from UBC Okanagan, Okanagan College, and various industries.
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 4:30 PM (Doors open at 1:45 PM)
Location: Metro Hub, 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna
Forum Moderator: Matteo Stewart (3-time International TEDx Speaker)
Forum Theme:
“Stepping Into Active Allyship: Uplifting Asian Voices in the Okanagan”
Panelists:

Denise Young (she/her) – DEI Specialist
Lady Dia – Co-founder, Africa Ubuntu Association
Dr. Meilan Ehlert – Languages and World Literatures, UBC Okanagan
Saul Gomez (he/him) – Latin Voices Society
Aaron Hemens – Multimedia Journalist
Dr. Delacey Tedesco – Associate Director, EDI, Okanagan College

🔗 Full schedule of Asian Heritage Month events: www.asianheritage.ca
The Asian Heritage Okanagan Committee is grateful for the support of the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, City of Kelowna, and all community partners.

Qing Ming Festival Cultural Gathering
2025-04-29 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9V7
OCCA is pleased to collaborate with the City of Kelowna to co-host a Qing Ming Festival Cultural Gathering, honouring tradition and celebrating the legacy of Chinese pioneers in the Central Okanagan.
This meaningful event is a wonderful opportunity to:

Learn about the Qing Ming tradition
Reflect on and commemorate the Chinese pioneers who helped shape our local history
Discover more about the Chinese community’s contributions to the region

The gathering will be facilitated by Mr. Shui Lee from the Chinese Freemasons. Following the ceremonial tribute and historical storytelling, participants are invited to enjoy a shared roast pig and picnic together.
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Location: Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9V7
Parking: Free roadside parking is available.
Please note: There are no washroom facilities on site.
Directions: When you arrive at the cemetery entrance, drive straight to the end. On the left-hand side, you will see a blue-roofed Chinese pavilion, which marks the gathering spot.
We look forward to seeing you there as we honour the past and celebrate our cultural heritage together.
Special thanks to our sponsor: Dignity Memorial funeral, cremation and cemetery providers are proud to offer unmatched services to families of all beliefs and backgrounds.

清明节文化聚会通知
OCCA 很荣幸与基洛纳市政府合作，联合举办一次清明节文化聚会，共同传承传统文化，缅怀和纪念在中奥肯那根地区作出贡献的华人先驱。
这是一个充满意义的活动，您将有机会:
• 了解清明节的传统与文化
• 缅怀为本地历史发展做出贡献的华人先驱
• 深入了解华人社区在本地区的历史与贡献
本次活动和仪式将由洪门的李瑞栋先生主持。在祭拜仪式和历史讲述结束后，欢迎大家一同分享烤乳猪和便餐。
日期与时间： 2025年4月29日（星期二）
地点： Kelowna纪念公墓（Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery）
地址：1991 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9V7
停车信息： 公路旁可免费停车
请注意： 公墓内无洗手间设施
路线说明： 抵达公墓入口后，请直行至尽头。左侧可见一座蓝色屋顶的中式亭阁，即为聚会地点。
我们诚挚期待您的到来，一同缅怀先人、弘扬中华文化！
特别感谢赞助单位：Dignity Memorial 殡葬服务机构为来自不同信仰和背景的家庭提供专业、周到的殡仪、火化及墓园服务。

Connect with Service Canada: Learn About the New Dental Care Plan and More Sevices
2025-04-23 10:30 - 12:30 (America/Vancouver) | Kelowna Downtown Library | ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
OCCA is excited to partner with Service Canada to bring important federal services directly to our community!
📅 Event Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Information Session)🕦 1-on-1 Support: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM📍 Location: Kelowna Downtown Library, 1380 Ellis Street, Second Floor
Join us to learn more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP):

Who is currently eligible to apply, and how does the phased-in approach work
What services and procedures are covered
Who administers the insurance
Renewal process for existing members
Live Q&A session with Service Canada representatives

🗣️ Need help with more than just dental?From 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, get personalized 1-on-1 support for questions related to:

Dental benefits
Pensions
Employment Insurance
Other Service Canada programs

💬 No registration is needed — just drop in and get the answers you need!For more information, contact Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM).
Let’s work together to connect our community with the services that matter most. We look forward to seeing you there!

Federal Election Vote Pop-Up & Town Hall Meeting Hosted by OCCA
2025-04-17 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kelowna Downtown Library | ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
As part of its civic engagement efforts, OCCA Communities Association is hosting a Federal Election Vote Pop-Up and Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The event will bring together confirmed candidates to connect directly with the community ahead of the federal election. All candidates from both the Kelowna and Okanagan Lake West–Kelowna South ridings have been invited to participate.
The town hall will take place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (with doors opening at 1:30 PM) in the Great Room, second floor of the Kelowna Downtown Library, located at 1380 Ellis Street.
Confirmed candidates include:

Stephen Fuhr – Liberal Party of Canada (Kelowna)
Tracy Gray – Conservative Party of Canada (Kelowna)
Trevor McAleese – New Democratic Party (Kelowna)
Harpreet Badohal – New Democratic Party (Okanagan Lake West–South Kelowna)
Gary Suddard – Canadian Future Party (Okanagan Lake West–South Kelowna)

This non-partisan event is free and open to the public and is designed to engage a wide cross-section of the community, including first-time voters, immigrants, seniors, and individuals from multicultural and marginalized backgrounds. The program will feature pre-submitted questions, which will be shared with candidates in advance, followed by a live Q&A session to allow for direct voter engagement.
To further support community engagement, OCCA will also distribute a Federal Election Voting Toolkit, which includes step-by-step instructions for first-time voters, along with information on Canada’s democratic system and how to participate in elections.
Building on the success of OCCA’s 2024 Provincial Vote Pop-Up and Town Hall, this federal edition continues the organization’s commitment to empowering voters, encouraging informed decision-making, and promoting civic inclusion across all communities.
While no registration is required to attend the event, we encourage individuals who wish to submit questions for the candidates or request special accommodations to RSVP by Tuesday, April 15, via the Question Submission Platform.
About OCCA Communities Association:
The OCCA Communities Association is a registered charity and non-profit umbrella organization serving multicultural communities across the Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, with our region spanning nearly 100 kilometers, from Peachland to Vernon. We offer services to everyone, and our virtual programs reach rural areas across the Okanagan, committing to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and equitable society where immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to building a sustainable community.

OCCA In-person Support Clinic with CRA
2025-03-27 10:30 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kelowna Downtown Library | ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
We are excited to invite you to a Drop-in Clinic with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) & Free tax filing services to learn more about benefits, credits, programs, and tax filing.

1. One on One Support Clinic with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

A CRA Outreach Officer will be on-site to provide in-person assistance with tax-related matters.
📅 Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Okanagan Regional Library – Kelowna Downtown
🛎️ Rooms: Classroom 1 (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) & Meeting Room 2 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

Services Available:
✅ Account updates (address, phone numbers, direct deposit)
✅ Tax slip information (T4, T5007, T4A – Pension, T4A – OAS, etc.)
✅ Guidance on CRA letters received
✅ Printing Notice of Assessments or other CRA letters
✅ Information on benefits and credits, including:

GST/HST Credit
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Canada Worker’s Benefit (CWB)
✅ Assistance with CRA MyAccount and online services

⚠️ Please bring a valid picture ID if account access is required.
⚠️To ensure a smooth CRA service experience, please book in advance. Book time: OCCA In-person Support Clinic with CRA

2. One on One Free Tax Filing Assistance for Low-Income Families

OCCA volunteers are offering free tax filing services for families with an annual income below $20,000. To book an appointment for free tax filing, please contact coordinator@occabc.ca.
Important:

You must bring your laptop for the tax filing session.
Do not share personal confidential information with anyone except CRA officials.

This event is free and open to all community members. To facilitate the service, please book in advance.

Presentation & Drop-in Clinic with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
2025-02-21 10:30 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kelowna Downtown Library | ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
We are excited to invite you to a special Presentation & Drop-in Clinic with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), hosted in partnership with the OCCA Communities Association. This is a great opportunity to learn about Canada’s tax system, benefits, and credits you may be eligible for!
📅 Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Okanagan Regional Library – Kelowna Downtown
Presentation (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM) – The Great Room
Gain insights on:
✅ Canada’s tax system
✅ Benefits & credits (Canada Child Benefit, Disability Tax Credit, GST/HST Credit)
✅ Ways to file your taxes
✅ How to protect yourself from scams
Drop-in Support Clinic (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM) – Meeting Room 3
A CRA Outreach Officer will provide in-person assistance with:
🔹 Account updates (address, direct deposit, etc.)
🔹 Accessing tax slips (T4, T5007, etc.)
🔹 Printing Notice of Assessments
🔹 Guidance with CRA letters
🔹 Help with CRA MyAccount & more!
💡 Reminder: Please bring a valid picture ID if account access is required.
💡 Tax filing: OCCA assisted with tax filing for members earning under $20,000/ Year.
🎯Seats are limited! To reserve and guarantee your spot, please register here:
Register now!
This event is free and open to all. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to get your tax-related questions answered and maximize your benefits!

OCCA SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL
2025-02-09 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4P9, Canada
The annual OCCA Spring Lantern Festival is fast approaching. Join us on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Parkinson Recreation Centre (doors open at 3:30 PM, and the ceremony starts at 4:30 PM ) in Kelowna to celebrate the Lunar New Year as we welcome the Year of the Snake. This event promises to be an evening filled with cultural sharing and community building with a wide variety of activities such as:

Cultural Performances
Dragon and Lion Dance, both Traditional style and Trendy APT. Lion Dance
Festival-exclusive Bubble Tea and food stalls on site
Prize draws and 50/50 raffle tickets （Prizes range from $40 to $125, plus a 50-50 prize draw for one lucky winner!）
Photo booth with traditional costumes
Face painting and crafts for kids
Asian instrument demonstrations
Dumpling-making workshops
Admission is free, but pre-registration comes with the perks of FREE dumplings (limited quantity)! So be sure to pre-register and reserve your free dumplings here:
Click Register Here
Do you want to get even more involved? We are accepting volunteers! Play a role in your community, meet new people, and enjoy a fulfilling day by sharing your time with us.
Register to volunteer here: click Volunteer Registration Form
For booth and sponsorship opportunities, contact events@occabc.ca or call 250-899-5298.
See you there!

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024
2024-12-22 13:00 - 15:15 UTC | Kelowna Downtown Library | ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
The 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the OCCA Communities Association will be held on Sunday, December 22, from 1:00 pm to 3:15 pm. The meeting will take place on the 2nd floor, in the Great Room, at the Okanagan Regional Library | Kelowna – Downtown, 1380 Ellis St., Kelowna, V1Y 2A2, BC.
OCCA AGM Agenda
1:05 pm Group Photo
A. Introduction
1.Review of Meeting Procedure
2.Motion to Adopt the Agenda
3.Motion to Accept the 2023 AGM Minutes
B. Reports
1.Executive Director’s Report
2.Finance and Audit Report
3.Presentation of OCCA 2023 Financial Statements
a. Motion to Appoint the Auditor
C. Other Business
1.Changes to OCCA’s Board Directors
a. Update on the resignation of OCCA Board Directors, Renxian Tan and Jason Nie, who served from January 4, 2024 to July 9, 2024.
b. Introduction of new Board Director, Jimmy Yan, starting July 15, 2024.
2.The OCCA Updated Mission, Vision, and Values
D. Question & Answer Period
E. Motion to Adjourn

Community CONNECT Webinar
2024-11-21 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm (PST)
Location: Online via Zoom
Are you interested in building a stronger, more connected community? Join us for the Community CONNECT Webinar, a virtual event designed to bring people together for an interactive session focused on community connections, civic engagement, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. This event is perfect for anyone looking to learn, connect, and be part of a movement that drives positive change.
Why Attend?
This session is packed with opportunities to engage with like-minded individuals and dive into practical, inspiring discussions. The webinar features dynamic breakout rooms on essential topics, including:

Engaging with Local Government: How to effectively communicate with City Council and make your voice heard.
What is Civic Engagement?: Understand the value of participating in elections and how it benefits your community.
Persuasive Leadership: Learn leadership strategies to inspire and bring about meaningful change.
Empowering Immigrants and Newcomers: Discover ways to enhance civic engagement and empower individuals from all backgrounds.

This event is open to everyone, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to share ideas and gain insights. Don’t miss out on this chance to CONNECT with others and contribute to a more engaged and inclusive community!
Register Now to secure your spot. Let’s work together to make a difference!

Understanding Local Government
2024-10-26 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | Online, Canada
We are excited to announce an upcoming free online Zoom workshop in collaboration with the WTC (Women Transforming Cities): “Understanding Local Government.” This workshop is designed to provide valuable insights into the local government ecosystem and empower you to engage effectively within your community.
Workshop Highlights:
Responsibilities of Local Government: Discover the key roles and duties of local government entities and how they impact your daily life.
Decision-Making at City Hall: Learn how decisions are made, who is involved in the process, and the factors that influence these decisions.
Impacting Change: Explore practical ways to advocate for change and make your voice heard at the local level.
Date & Time: Oct 26th, 2024 Saturday| 9:00am -10:30 am
Platform: Zoom
The event is open to the public, but registration is required to reserve a seat for the online meeting.
Register: Event Link
Translation Services: Simultaneous English-Chinese translation will be provided to ensure an inclusive experience for all participants.
This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of Canada and local governance and to connect with fellow members who share your interest in community engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or new to local issues, your participation will enrich the discussion.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to foster positive change in our communities!
好消息！OCCA 与 WTC 将联合举办一场免费的线上Zoom研讨会，主题为 “了解地方政府”。本次研讨会旨在详细介绍加拿大的地方政府系统，帮助您更有效地参与社区事务，了解如何向政府机构提出自己的问题及疑问， 维护自己权利。
此课程适合任何想了解加拿大政府运作方式的新老移民、居民及希望了解如何在加拿大维护自身权益的人士。
研讨会主要内容：
地方政府的责任：了解地方政府实体的主要角色和职责，以及它们如何影响您的日常生活。
市政厅的决策过程：学习决策的形成过程、参与者以及影响这些决策的因素。
影响变革的方法：探索实践方法，倡导变革并让您的声音及意见在地方层面被听见。
日期和时间：2024年月26日 星期六， 上午9点至10点30分。
会议平台： Zoom
会议免费对公众开放，但需提前注册预定席位！
注册及席位预定（点击此链接）： Event Link
翻译服务： 我们将提供英语-中文的同步翻译，以确保所有参与者都能充分理解内容。
此次研讨会是您了解加拿大，深化您对加拿大地方治理理解的绝佳机会，同时也是与同样关注社区参与的会员们交流的良机。
无论您是深谙加拿大政府运作的专家还是刚进入加拿大的居民，您的参与都将丰富我们的讨论。
我们期待您的参与，共同推动我们社区的积极变革！

OCCA 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival
2024-09-14 13:30 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Grizzli Winery, 2550 Boucherie Rd,, West Kelowna, BC, V1Z 2E6, Canada
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with OCCA!Join us for an enchanting afternoon at Grizzli Winery on Saturday, September 14, as the OCCA Communities Association hosts a vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. This family-friendly event includes: Free Admission for Everyone! Live Performances by Multicultural Groups Complimentary Mooncake and Tea Tasting Festival-Themed Family Photo Mooncake Making Workshops ($2 material cost) Prize Draws (50/50 raffle + prizes ranging from $10 to $125; $1 per entry) Multicultural Activities for All Ages Ring Toss (free with toy donation) Date: Saturday, September 14 Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM for games and workshops; the ceremony starts at 2:00 PM) Location: Grizzli Winery, 2550 Boucherie Rd, West KelownaDon’t miss this fantastic celebration of culture, community, and fun! For more details, visit OCCA 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival. See you there! Thank you to our sponsors, Grizzli Winery, Enze Pro HVAC Support Ltd, Aptex, Mr.Lu Restaurant, Ancient Alternatives Okanagan, and Canada Sea Air Logistics Inc for making this event possible!

Asian Heritage Bus Tour to Vancouver and Victoria Historical Sites
2024-08-31 08:00 - 2024-09-02 20:00 UTC
2024 AHM Bus Tour to visit historical sites of Chinese pioneers is from Aug 31 to Sep 2. The cost is $600 pp including chartered bus rental, ferries, 2 nights of hotel, tips and admission to scheduled sites, excluding meals and admission to self arranged sites. Early bird discount 5% for registering and paying before Jul.15, plus 5% discount for groups of 4. To register and e-transfer payments, please email info@occabc.ca

Asian Heritage Community Showcase
2024-05-25 17:00 - 20:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk) | Parkinson Recreation Centre,1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, Parkinson Recreation Centre Apple Hall 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, Canada, BC V1Y 4P9, Canada
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Parkinson Recreation Centre
1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna
Door opens at 5:00 PM
Asian Heritage Exhibition
Cultural Stage show
Asian food booth available
Free Admission: Everyone Welcome

Asian Heritage Month Movie Week
2024-05-14 18:00 - 2024-05-17 19:00 (America/Denver) | Kelowna Downtown Library | ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
Free movie. Register your seat at Eventbrite.
AHM Movie descriptions 2024
May 14 -Under the Willow Tree ( Pioneer Chinese women in Canada ) By: Dora Nipp ( 1997 ) 51 minutes.
History unfold through the stories of the first Chinese women to come to Canada. They left their families behind knowing they would never see them again. Facing the many forms of racism they faced in Canada. These women defined what it means to be Chinese-Canadian.
Please enjoy this film provided courtesy by NFB films.
Come and watch at the Okanagan Regional Library-Kelowna branch 1380 Ellis St. 6:00PM

May 15 -Home Feeling ( Struggle for a community )
By: Jennifer Hodge & Roger McFair ( 1983 ) 57 minutes.
Toronto’s North York the area evolves images of vandalism racial tension despair and crime. A powerful view of community contrary to it’s popular image of better living condition during those times. Hard to find your true self and identity.
Please enjoy this film provided courtesy by NFB films.
Come and watch at the Okanagan Regional Library-Kelowna branch 1380 Ellis St. 6:00PM

May 16 -Aftermath ( The Remnants of War )
By: Daniel Sekulich ( 2001 ) 51 minutes.
Reveals the unspoken truth about war. Lingering devastation of war the miners who risk their lives soldiers distraught. The war doesn’t end even when the fighting stop.
Please enjoy this film provided courtesy by NFB films.
Come and watch at the Okanagan Regional Library-Kelowna branch. 1380 Ellis St. 6:00PM

May 17 — Seven Shades of Pale ( Black communities of Canada ) By: Les Rose ( 1975 ) 28 minutes.
From a quiet neglected corner of Nova Scotia meeting with the Black community that shows both the traditional attitudes of older generations and more alen young ones. Common hope is the key for a fuller life.
Please enjoy this short film courtesy by NFB films. Watch it on line 6:00PM
Register on Evenbrite ( provided link follows ). Thank you.

May 17 – Movie discussions at 7:00 PM ( After the last film viewed ).

Asian Heritage Month Family Sundays
2024-05-05 12:00 - 2024-05-26 16:00 (America/Denver) | Kelowna Art Gallery, 1315 Water St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9R3, Canada
May 5 Turkish Rope Art Painting by Feyza Nur Erol
Unique Turkish craft using ropes and watercolor. See how the design unfolds on the paper!
May 12 Japanese Origami Flower Bouquet by Luna Taniguchi
Japanese Origami Flower Bouquet. Perfect gift for Mother’s Day!
May 19 Korean Traditional Wrapping Style by Yewon Yin
Making a traditional Korean packaging of bottles. You will experience how to beautifully and sophisticatedly wrap wine oil or vinegar bottles using Korean-style wrapping cloth and traditional knots!
May 26 Paper Plate Filipino Parol Craft by Bella Fermin
A star shape parol glued into a white paper plate with streamers nice hanging ornament especially for Christmas.
KAG Entry Fee: $5

Asian Heritage Month Opening Forum
2024-05-04 14:00 - 16:30 (America/Denver) | Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6Z1, Canada
A Celebration of Asian Canadian Histories and Contributions
Features
– Leaders’ greeting and Asian Heritage network
– Display of Local Asians’ stories
– Sharing experiences and Discussion facilitated by Dr. Shirley Chau – Associate Professor of Social Work at UBCO.
– Stage Performance
– Compliment soft drink & refreshment
– Free admission all welcome.

OCCA Spring Lantern Festival 2024
2024-02-10 17:00 - 20:00 (Asia/Shanghai) | Parkinson Recreation Centre,1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, Parkinson Recreation Centre Apple Hall 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, Canada, BC V1Y 4P9, Canada
Illuminate your night at the OCCA Spring Lantern Festival!
Date: February 10, 2024, 5:00 PM Location: Parkinson Recreation Center Apple Hall, Kelowna✨ Featured Activities: Dive into Authentic Chinese Cuisine Mesmerizing Singing and Dancing Performances Live Raffle Draw with Exciting Prizes? Tickets: Adults: $25 each Children (5-17 years old): $15 each Kids under 5: FREE entry!Join us for an evening of cultural splendor, delicious flavors, and thrilling entertainment! Book your tickets now for an unforgettable experience!

Ticket Purchasing Methods:

1. Eventbrite, online ticket purchase.

2. Bank E-transfer to: info@occabc.ca (Please indicate Lunar New Year ticket, name, and number of tickets).

– Limited availability of tickets, please purchase early to secure your seat.

Lunar New Year Traditions Across Asia

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a vibrant and significant celebration observed by various Asian countries including China, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and North Korea. The festival marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for families to come together, pay respects to ancestors, and usher in good fortune for the coming year.

China
In China, Lunar New Year, or Chunjie, is the most significant and widely celebrated festival. Preparations begin weeks in advance, with families cleaning and decorating their homes to welcome good luck and fortune. Red lanterns, symbolic of joy and happiness, adorn streets and buildings. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a lavish reunion dinner, featuring traditional dishes like dumplings and fish, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
The highlight of the celebration is the iconic dragon and lion dances, accompanied by firecrackers, which are believed to ward off evil spirits. The Chinese also exchange red envelopes, known as “hongbao,” containing money to bring good luck and prosperity. The festivities continue for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival, where communities come together to admire colorful lantern displays.
Korea
In Korea, the Lunar New Year, or Seollal, is a time for family reunions and paying respects to ancestors. One of the most important traditions is the ancestral ritual called “charye,” where families gather to offer food and perform rituals at ancestral graves. The traditional game of “yutnori” is played, bringing families together for friendly competition.
A special dish called “tteokguk,” a soup with thinly sliced rice cakes, is commonly enjoyed during Seollal. Eating tteokguk is believed to bring good luck and longevity. Families also participate in “sebae,” a deep bow of respect to elders, during which they receive blessings and well-wishes for the new year.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Lunar New Year, locally known as Chinese New Year, is a festive celebration embraced by the Filipino-Chinese community, and nowadays even Non-Chinese Filipinos have become accustomed to taking part in the Lunar New Year celebrations and traditions as well. The streets are adorned with red decorations, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. The highlight of the celebration is the Dragon and Lion Dance, which parades through the streets, accompanied by firecrackers.
Filipino-Chinese families gather for a festive feast, featuring traditional dishes like tikoy (sweet glutinous rice cake), pancit (noodles), and lumpia (spring rolls). Red envelopes containing money, similar to the Chinese hongbao, are exchanged for good fortune. The celebration extends to vibrant parades and cultural performances, showcasing the diverse and harmonious blend of Filipino and Chinese traditions.
Lunar New Year is a joyous occasion celebrated by millions across Asia, with each country adding its unique cultural flavors to the festivities. Whether it’s the elaborate dragon dances in China, the family-centric traditions in Korea, or the vibrant street celebrations in the Philippines, Lunar New Year reflects the richness and diversity of Asian cultures, fostering a sense of unity and hope for the future.

OCCA Golden Age Summer Event at Grizzli Winery
2023-08-01 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Date & time: August 1st. 1pm-3pm
Location: Grizzli Winery
2550 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna
Participants: age 55+
Activities (to be confirmed):
o Opening speech: introducing our program; welcome speech from Grizzli
o Snack food
o Music performance
o Wine tasting by the group. Discount offered by Grizzli to buy the glass or the bottle
o Fun Game
o Showcase: Taichi
o Price draw for the Porcelain Tea Set (photo attached as displayed at Golden Age booth at Folkfest Canada Day.)
Admission: free, limited to 50 people, first come first serve. RSVP to secure your seats at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/occa-golden-age-multiple-events-tickets-654386426417
Or call 778-484-6222 to leave your name, areas of your residence, and phone number.
Carpool transport assistance is subject to availability in your areas. $10/return trip, and is free for OCCA members.
This event is financially assisted by the governments of Canada and British Columbia and sponsored by Grizzli Winery.

OCCA Supporting KGH Front Line Workers - Aug 24 2021, 11:30 am
2021-08-24 11:30 - 12:30 UTC
The OCCA volunteers and participating restaurants will distribute over 300 lunchboxes in pre-packaged large batches according to the number of recipient departments on Royal Road near the Emergency Building and staff parking (location photo attached).

Asian Heritage Opening Forum
2021-05-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Online, Canada

OCCA Spring Festival Celebration 2021
2021-02-06 18:30 - 20:30 UTC
The annual Spring Lantern Festival will be held online on Feb.6, 6:30 pm. The event is detailed in the attached Poster.

2020 Spring Lantern Festival
2020-02-08 06:00 - 21:00 UTC | Parkinson Recreation Centre,1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, Parkinson Recreation Centre Apple Hall 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, Canada, BC V1Y 4P9, Canada
Time: ​ Feb 8, 2020, Saturday, 6 – 9 pm
Location: Parkinson Recreation Centre Apple Hall 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna
Featuring: Chinese New Year dinner(Supplied by Grand 88); stage performance; multicultural lantern display; lantern riddles/calligraphic booth/games for children; door prizes
Admission: $20/person. $12/kid between 5-11. Free for kids under 5
If you need reserve tickets for your children, please email [email protected] or [email protected] Or check our ticket sale locations.
Ticket Selling Locations
Mekong Restaurant, 1030 Harvey Ave, Kelowna (250)763-8000
88 Grand Buffet, 325-2339 Hwy 97 N, Kelowna (250)762-8088
Sun Asian Market, 2009 Enterprise Way, Kelowna (778)478-7388
Wendy’s West Kelowna, 220-2330 Highway 97 (250)768-8988 (Mon-Fri, 7-2:30)
Chopsticks Restarurant, 10071 Main St, Lake Country (250)766-1111
Dinner Menu

Fried noodles
Fried rice
Dumplings
Mixed vegetables
Sweet and Sour Pork
Black pepper Beef
Salt and pepper fish
Salt and pepper shrimp

Golden Age Group Activity Announcement

Dear friends,
The OCCA Golden Age Group Activities (for seniors) will start in April. Most activities will be scheduled on Monday to Friday, 9 am – 3 pm. Activities are grouped as the following:
A. Learning: cell phone, ipad, computer & internet
B. Fitness & Recreation: Taiji, out door (square dance, parks & picnic)
C. Cultures: Calligraphy and painting, Music instrument & singing
D. Entertainment: mahjong & card game
E. Short trips – bus tour in town or to surrounding areas
All age welcome. Car pool transport is provided for 55 years and older. Please register and indicate your interest group. Wechat network group will be established.
More activities will be hold upon demand. These activities are financially assisted by Service Canada/New Horizons for Seniors Program.
