Markham councillor's spring gala celebrates Year of the Rabbit in community

Over 400 community representatives and residents attended the Jan. 27 event

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 6, 2023
Irene Wong

As there is a significant Chinese population in Markham -- close to half of the residents are of Chinese descent --Lunar New Year is one of the significant celebrations in the city.

When Ward 6 councillor Amanda Yeung Collucci held the Markham Spring Gala at the NKS Banquet Hall on January 27 to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, tickets sold out in a flash in light of rising recognition of the cultural tradition.

“I was thrilled that so many people were interested in attending the event,” Collucci said.

More than 400 community representatives and residents of Markham attended the event. Representatives of the three levels of government as well as consulates and staff from York University were invited to participate in the “eye-dotting” ceremony. The tradition symbolizes good luck, happiness and prosperity for the new year.

The highlight of the event was the donation ceremony, with donations ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 being given to four seniors groups and three ethnic, cultural and community groups in Ward 6. The beneficiaries included Happy Life Seniors Association, Markham Xianghe Starlight Association, Optimistic Me To We Cultural Organization, Markham Ward 6 Seniors Association, Canadian Intercultural Association for Community Development, Vedic Cultural Centre and Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre.

As an alumnus of York University, Collucci also set up a $25,000 student scholarship for the universitywhich is going to open the new campus in Markham.

Performances at the gala ranged from martial arts and dance performances to traditional Chinese songs, dances and ethnic group costume shows. The famous tenor singer Cheng LU sang "Sleepless Tonight," along with many exciting multi-cultural programs, including Filipino, Brazilian, Mexican, Indian and Greek cultural performances.

There was also a celebration corner for attendants to send blessing messages to seniors in the community during the gala.