Latest News
Queenie Choo is CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., which helps new immigrants learn about Canada’s culture.
Photo by Al Lau, Asian Global Press
Gala a great success for immigrant services organization
—
Queenie Choo is on a mission. She wants to help newcomers adapt to Canada.
As the chief executive officer of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Immigrant Services Society, Choo works to give newcomers the tools to feel at home.
“It’s certainly important to learn the language and really learn the culture, and be part of the cultural fabric of that country,” she says.
Choo hosted the 2020 Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala Feb. 29 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel. With 700 people in attendance, the $509,000 raised will support programs for youth, family, women, and seniors’ care. This adds to the $20 million in funds raised over the past year.
“The support shown to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. continues to amaze us,” said Brandon Hui, chair of the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. foundation. “It’s remarkable to see so many people support the most vulnerable members of our community.”
One S.U.C.C.E.S.S. program—based in Richmond but available to anyone with a phone—is their Chinese language helpline. Trained community volunteers provide help in Cantonese and Mandarin. The service answers over 6,000 calls annually.
“In the beginning, we had Chinese roots and an open heart,” says Choo. However, she explains that their services are available throughout the Lower Mainland to other newcomers as well. Today, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. serves immigrants from 139 countries.
When many refugees arrived from Syria, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. partnered with Hockey Night in Canada. “We took them to watch their first Canucks game. We had the announcer say, ‘Please offer a warm welcome to the new Canucks fans in the audience’,” says Choo.
Choo says it was all part of her plan to teach these newcomers what Canadian culture is about.
“If you really want to truly integrate with a country, you have to learn the language, you have to access their media, listen, watch and be able to be part of it,” she says.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
