OCCA Communities Association

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 | BC
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 | BC
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 | BC
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.
