SHARING THE WEALTH: While Canadians are blessed to live in a country where we have access to leading cancer research, knowledge and treatments, others are less fortunate — particularly in resource-challenged countries such as Nepal, Peru and Brazil. That’s where the Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration Foundation comes in. A registered charity founded in 2010, the organization led by founder and president Dr. Simon Sutcliffe aims to work with care professionals in developing areas to reduce the burden of cancer. Volunteers give of their time to share their expertise and skills for the betterment of all. To facilitate their mission, the organization recently staged its flagship fundraiser. The sold-out event attracted 500 guests for the Rhythms of India Dinner and Dance. Yours truly emceed the colourful affair — the fourth annual — to support palliative care efforts in India. The night of music and dance, sponsored by Onni Development, looked to raise $100,000.
UBC HOMECOMING: More than 200 attendees gathered for Nikkei Place’s Sakura Gala to raise funds in support of the Japanese community centre, an impressive facility in Burnaby that houses the National Nikkei Heritage Centre, the Japanese Canadian National Museum and Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. UBC’s 15th president Santa Ono was the night’s keynote at the Feels Like Home-themed dinner and auction staged at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Ono spoke fondly of his return home last August — at a considerable pay cut — to join the institution that was transformative in his family’s life. Ono was born in St. Paul’s Hospital when his father was a professor at UBC. The memorable night also honoured another illustrious UBC member. Henry Wakabayashi — an engineer graduate — was cited with the Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award for his cannon of work improving B.C.’s largest infrastructure projects.
BOILING OVER: The Holy Crab is the latest to join a growing list of restaurants offering the traditional seafood boil to Vancouverites. Setting up shop in the former 7-Eleven space at Robson and Cardero in Vancouver’s West End, the store’s opening marks the Holy Crab’s first Canadian foray by the Indonesian-based franchise. For the uninitiated of the Cajun Louisiana-style seafood boil, it can appear chaotic. Diners are handed a pair of gloves, a bib and all the necessary tools to dive into a smorgasbord of local and imported seafood placed right on the table. For the inexperienced there is even a dummies guide to de-shelling. Forget table manners, and don’t even dare ask for a plate or fork. This truly is a hands-on experience says Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»owner and chef Henri William. The menu includes a variety of seafood, from Dungeness crab, King Crab and lobster, to shrimp, clams and oysters sold by the pound, boiled and served with a choice of garlic pepper or the Holy Crab’s signature Cajun sauce. Finger lickin’ delicious, not to mention fun, the Holy Crab is a great place to experience with friends and those not afraid to get their hands dirty.
STRENGHTHENING TIES: Named after Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, Zhongshan in the south of the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province boasts a population in excess of $3 million people. Many of its citizens made their way to Canada in the 1950s, part of a wave of Chinese immigration to Canada when the discriminatory head tax was repealed. The Zhongshan Allied Association was formed in Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»to strengthen the connections within the Zhongshan community, and to share the history and culture of the region with the next generation. More than 300 members and friends piled into Pink Pearl Restaurant for the society’s 15th anniversary celebrations. Technically it was the 14th says society vice president Allen Wong. “We didn’t like the number four for superstitious reasons so we called it our 15th.” The philanthropist, along with association chair Eddie Chan, welcomed esteemed members of the Chinese community to the multi-course dinner and karaoke fest. Net proceeds from the community gathering will go towards member activities including dancing and singing classes, all showcased at the raucous affair.
