Nikkei Place Charity Classic golf tournament raises over $300,00 net!
It was an inspiring and record-breaking year — the 2023 Golf Committee extends a big thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and golfers for the instrumental support!
Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society Celebrates a Record-Breaking Year
Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society is proud to announce that the 16th annual Nikkei Place Charity Classic golf tournament, presented by Google, Rogers Kinetic Wireless, and Fido Skynet Wireless, on Friday, May 26, 2023, was a tremendous success, with over $300,000 net raised!
120 golfers enjoyed a fun day out on the links, raising funds for dementia friendly programs, activities, and resources for the Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society. We were honoured to have Mayor of Burnaby Mike Hurley, Consul General Maruyama, and Deputy Consul General Okagaki in attendance. Global BC meteorologist Yvonne Schalle joined as our premium reception emcee, CPGA Golf Professional, Seymour Golf & Country Club’s Lindy Miyashiro, hit it close on #15, and the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre team served up refreshments.
It was an inspiring and record-breaking year — the 2023 Golf Committee extends a big thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and golfers for the instrumental support! They helped raise $75,000, which was more than what the tournament has raised in previous years.
Many thanks, to our Tournament Matching Donors, Ken & Junko Shinozaki for their $75,000 donation to bring the tournament total to $150,000. In 2024, our programs will be realized.
With an unexpected donation from Jane Nimi & Family of $150,000, this will enable more programs and initiatives to help meet the increasing needs of seniors, for which we are very grateful.
We also extend a special thank you to the City of Burnaby for their partnership and support.
With this funding we can expand our “Iki Iki” social day programs, “Outfight Parkinson’s” boxing, and “Kenko Talks” seminars. More information about programs are available online at seniors.nikkeiplace.org/programming
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Donors
A Lasting Legacy: Nikkei Centre Events Hall Renamed The Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi Hall
On May 6, 2023 a commemorative event was held in honour of Mitsuo and Emmie Hayashi.
A Lasting Legacy: Nikkei Centre Events Hall Renamed The Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi Hall
Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi
林光夫・恵美子夫妻
Nikkei Place and the Japanese Canadian community in Vancouver are grateful for the many contributions by Mitsuo and Emmie Hayashi. They leave behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich future generations. In their honour, Nikkei Centre’s Event Hall was renamed the Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi Hall.
On May 6, 2023 a commemorative event was held in honour of Mitsuo and Emmie Hayashi. The couple was known for their tireless efforts to build strong relations between Canada and Japan, as well as their dedication to the Nikkei Place community since the 1990s. To honour their legacy, the Event Hall was renamed the Mitsuo and Emmie Hayashi Hall. About 50 attendees, including volunteers, Board Directors, Auxiliary, and friends, gathered to pay tribute.
L-R: Frank Kamiya, Akiko Gomyo, Kohei Maruyama, Kayoko Ihara, Herbert Ono, Ruth Roles, Karah Foster
(左より、敬称略) フランク・カミヤ、五明明子、丸山浩平、伊原香代子、ハーバート・オノ、ルース・コールズ、ケーラ後新門フォスター
Photo by Manto Artworks.
Keiko Funahashi, the Development Director of the Nikkei Place Foundation, delivered welcoming remarks, and special guest Kayoko Ihara, Mits Hayashi's niece from Japan, was in attendance.
Karah Foster, the Executive Director of NNMCC, spoke about the couple's generous contributions to the Nikkei Place community from the early days of visioning and fundraising to its opening and development as an active cultural gathering place. Upon their passing the couple left a generous legacy gift.
Consul General Maruyama paid tribute to Mitsuo and Emmie Hayashi's significant contributions to Nikkei Place and the Japanese Canadian community, including Mr. Mitsuo Hayashi’s receipt of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by the Japanese government in 2012 for his outstanding contributions to the Japanese Canadian community and the Japanese in Canada.
Frank Kamiya, who served on the board of NNMCC with Mits and knew the couple since the beginning, spoke about their involvement with the centre and how they supported the NNMCC Auxiliary. He also highlighted Mits's role in building bridges between Nikkei Place and Japan through his business network.
Akiko Gomyo, past President of NNMCC, expressed gratitude for Mits's contributions, including his establishment of the Nikkei Community New Year's celebration, and described him as her mentor in volunteering in the community.
Ruth Coles, past President of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society, highlighted their support for the development of the organization through financial contributions, mentorship, and team building. She described them as dignified and respectful individuals who left an enduring legacy for the community.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the Mitsuo Emmie Hayashi Hall sign, followed by the display of exquisite Ikebana in the newly named hall. The commemorative event was a touching tribute to the Hayashi’s significant contributions and lasting legacy.
2023年5月6日、林光夫・恵美子夫妻を称える記念式典が行われました。夫妻は、カナダと日本の関係構築や、日系プレースと日系カナダ人コミュニティへの献身で知られていました。この式典では、夫妻の遺贈を称え、イベントホールが「林光夫&恵美子ホール」と改称されました。50人の参加者が集まり、日系プレース基金の船橋敬子氏が司会を務め、林夫妻の姪である伊原香代子さんが日本より特別ゲストとして出席されました。
日系文化センター・博物館の事務局長のケーラ後新門フォスター氏は、夫妻が設立初期のビジョンと資金調達から、センターの活発な文化的な集会場としての発展に至るまでの、日系プレースと日系カナダ人コミュニティへの多大な貢献について語りました。丸山浩平在バンクーバー日本国総領事は、林夫妻が日系プレースと日系カナダ人コミュニティに与えた重要な影響、特に2012年に日本政府より旭日双光章を授与したことについて言及しました。
林光夫氏とともに日系文化センター・博物館（以下、NNMCC）の理事を務め、NNMCC活動補助グループの一員であるフランク・カミヤ氏は、夫妻のグループへの貢献や、林氏がビジネスネットワークを通じて日系プレースと日本の架け橋をになったことを強調しました。
NNMCCの前理事長である五明明子氏は、林氏が日系コミュニティ・ボランティア活動のリーダーであり、林氏が設立した日系合同新年会などへの貢献に感謝の気持ちを表しました。また、日系シニアズ・ヘルスケア＆住宅協会前理事長のルース・コールズ氏は、林夫妻が財政的な貢献やメンターシップ、チームビルディングを通じて組織の発展を支援したことを強調し、夫妻を尊敬し、品格ある人物であると表現しました。
当日「林光夫&恵美子ホール」の看板の除幕式に続き、新しく名前が付けられたホールで生花ショーが開催されました。
Save the Date: Nikkei Place Charity Classic
Golf for Dementia on Friday, May 26, 2023
Nikkei Place Charity Classic returns to Beat the Odds of dementia on Fri. May 26!
The Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society is excited to bring back the 16th Annual Nikkei Place Charity Classic on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Riverway Golf Course in Burnaby! We return to a full tournament this year. Visit nikkeiplace.cbo.io for event details and updates.
All proceeds of our Charity Classic support our dementia-friendly programs, which provide social connections, education, and exercise for 60 seniors per week at Nikkei Place and through outreach within Burnaby and Vancouver.
In 2020, more than 597,000 Canadians were living with dementia1; by 2050, that number is expected to triple2. With an increase in people living with dementia, the need for supports will only grow.
Our goal this year is to raise $75,000 to fund our dementia-friendly programs in 2024, and grow our program capacity.
Join us for a fun-filled day out on the green with on-course contests, online silent auction, swag bag, raffle, bbq lunch, and 19th hole premium reception with canapés and prizes, and to-go bento! Space is limited. Click below to learn more or register today.
Register online to golf: nikkeiplace.cbo.io
To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or donate items to our silent auction or raffle, please contact us here.
You’re Invited to Robert Nimi Nikkei Home Virtual Open Houses
Robert Nimi Nikkei Home is hosting virtual open houses, and will provide an overview of their Assisted Living.
You are invited to “Virtual Open House and Pathways to Robert Nimi Nikkei Home”
This will be a great opportunity for to learn in depth about Nikkei Home, how to apply and ask some questions. The virtual open houses will be conducted over Zoom. Please share this with anybody in the community that could benefit from this Virtual Open House.
Open House Dates:
Open House #1 (English)
Date: March 10, 2023
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Open House #2 (English)
Date: March 13, 2023
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
オープンハウス#3 (日本語)
開催日 2023年3月17日（金曜日）
時間：午前10時30分〜午前11時30分
オープンハウス#4 (日本語)
開催日 2023年3月20日（月曜日）
時間：午後6時30分〜午後7時30分
How to Register
If you would like to join us for any of these virtual open houses, please contact Shihori at sscottmoncrieff@nikkeishc.com. Please indicate which open house you would like to participate. Once you register, we will send you a link.
ロバート新見日系ホーム バーチャル・オープンハウス
バーチャル・オープンハウスでは、日系ホームの介護付き住宅の概要をご説明します。日系ホームに関してご質問のある方は、絶好の機会です。
オープンハウスの日程
オープンハウス#1 (英語)
日付 2023年3月10日（金曜日）
時間：午前10時30分～午前11時30分
オープンハウス#2 (英語)
開催日 2023年3月13日（月曜日）
時間：午後6時30分～午後7時30分
オープンハウス#3 (日本語)
開催日 2023年3月17日（金曜日）
時間：午前10時30分～午前11時30分
オープンハウス#4 (日本語)
開催日 2023年3月20日（月曜日）
時間：午後6時30分～午後7時30分
場所 ズーム
これらのバーチャル・オープンハウスへの参加をご希望の方は、sscottmoncrieff@nikkeishc.com （Shihori）までご連絡ください。 その際、どのオープンハウスに参加されたいかをご指示ください。登録後、リンクをお送りします。
皆様のご参加をお待ちしております。
Job Openings for Health Urgent Guide Services (H.U.G.S.) Program
Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society is launching a new program to provide health navigation services to Survivors.
Job Openings for Health Urgent Guide Services (H.U.G.S.) Program
Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society is launching a new program to provide health navigation services to Survivors.
Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society is recruiting three key staff members to develop and implement a new program named H.U.G.S. (Health Urgent Guide Services). H.U.G.S. is a 3-year program funded by the BC Government for Nikkei survivors of the Internment of Japanese Canadians during 1942-1949.
The program is funded by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society in its role to implement a set of legacy initiatives for Japanese Canadians with funding from the BC Government.
Please see below for new job postings for this program. All inquiries can be directed to hiringmanager@nikkeishc.com
Job Postings:
Ruth Coles steps down as President of Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society
Change is in the air at Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society (NSHCHS), as we head into 2023 with new Board leadership.
Change is in the air at Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society (NSHCHS), as we head into 2023 with new Board leadership. After 12 years of service, Ruth Coles has stepped down as President.
“I have been honored to serve as President and Vice President since 1986. It has been a privilege to work with so many dedicated Directors over the years,” she says. “We all have shared a common goal, that is, to explore, develop and provide programs to seniors in the Japanese Canadian community that meet their health and cultural needs.”
Robert Nimi Nikkei Home, an assisted living residence, New Sakura-so, an independent living residence, and outreach programs were all developed to meet some of these needs. However, there are still many unmet needs in the community; Ruth will continue to serve as a Director and Past President on the NSHCHS Board, so that “we can begin to look to the future to fill some of these unmet needs.”
““Ruth has dedicated her life to Nikkei Place and was here from the very beginning. We are excited that she will stay on the Board for her valuable experience and leadership” says Jay Haraga, NSHCHS Executive Director.”
The Board has elected Cathy Makihara as the new President of the NSHCHS. Many of you have known Cathy – she served as the NSHCHS Executive Director since the early development of Nikkei Place, and was present when New Sakura-so, Robert Nimi Nikkei Home, and outreach programs were initiated. Cathy is familiar with the needs of Japanese Canadian seniors, and the many gaps in services to them. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of seniors, and will bring her knowledge, expertise and commitment to the role of President.
Ruth Coles awarded ‘Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays’ decoration by Japanese government
On December 27, 2022, Ruth Coles, President of Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society, was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays…
Ruth Coles Awarded ‘Order Of The Rising Sun, Gold And Silver Rays’ Decoration By Japanese Government
On December 27, 2022, Ruth Coles, President of Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society, was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, by Consul General Maruyama. The ceremony was held at his official residence as part of the 2022 Autumn Conferment of Decoration on Foreign Nationals, with fellow Nikkei Place directors and colleagues among those in attendance.
Ruth is recognized for her contributions to enhancing the welfare of the Japanese Canadian community and promoting friendly relations between Japan and Canada.
““To this day, you lend your wisdom, ensuring that those who follow in your footsteps are always compassionate, looking at an issue not only the easy way or ‘our way’ but from the people’s perspective. You ask yourself and us questions that we need to look at to have a positive place to start from to get to a positive outcome. No one is hurt along the way. ””
former Executive Director of Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society
Congratulations Ruth!
Nikkei Place Charity Golf Day raises over $130,000 for dementia-friendly programs!
Proceeds benefit Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society
Nikkei Place Charity Golf Day raises over $130,000 for dementia-friendly programs!
On Friday, May 27, 2022, Nikkei Place Foundation and Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society hosted the Nikkei Place Charity Golf Day at Riverway Golf Course in Burnaby! Every dollar raised at the event helps fund dementia-friendly outreach programs run by Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society. Read more about the programs that are supported by this event here.
It was the first Nikkei Place golf event in two years due to the pandemic. Despite being smaller in scale, our sponsors and supporters rallied for our cause, and enabled us to exceed our fundraising goals!
We raised over $66,000 in net proceeds before DOUBLING it to over $130,000 thanks to our matching donors Ken & Junko Shinozaki!
The 2022 Golf Committee greatly appreciates the tremendous generosity of all our sponsors, donors, golfers and volunteers for answering the call to Beat the Odds of Dementia! Together we are changing the lives of seniors for the better.
This funding helps to bring dementia-friendly programs to seniors and caregivers that need them. Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society had to shut down during the pandemic and reimagine how to do community lead in-person programs. Through enhancing technology and upgrading the internet, we introduced hybrid virtual programming — a combination of in-person and virtual participants. The return of our "Iki Iki (Lively, Lively)" social day program was welcomed with open arms. This program consists of a delivered bento box, exercise, art class and chat time.
We have always taken pride in our dementia-friendly Outreach and Activities programs. Hybrid programming has helped seniors feel less isolated as participants make more connections with fellow seniors. These programs help seniors live a more extended, more fulfilled lifestyle.
OpenRoad Honda Middlegate Team
It was a sold out day with 104 golfers, door prizes, and various on course activities and tents. Special thanks to our honoured guests Mayor of Burnaby Mike Hurley, Councillor James Wang, Consul General of Japan Takashi Hatori, and Global BC Meteorologist Yvonne Schalle for joining us!
This year we were delighted to welcome new sponsors Kinetic Wireless Rogers & Samsung, who hosted a smartphone giveaway and phone protectors, and Joe Fortes, who provided delicious appetizers at the 19th Hole!
Back by popular demand was the Caesar Station hosted by The Keg Steakhouse, and team photo op sponsored by Bosa Properties! All team photos can be viewed on the golf website.
We also wish to thank the City of Burnaby for their support, and our other executive sponsors Fujiya, Anthem Properties, Appia, Strand Development and Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation, and premium sponsor Kami Insurance for their vital support!
Tournament, Contest & Door Prize Winners
Congratulations to the winning team Randy Koyanagi, Ken Nishi, Al Koyanagi, and Perry Nishihata!
We also had many door prize and on-course contest winners. All prize winners are contacted individually, and their names have been posted to our website seniors.nikkeiplace.org/golf. Congratulations to all the prize winners!
Great Moments from the Tournament
Don't forget to check out the photo gallery for some of the great moments from the tournament, generously sponsored by Bosa Properties. A full photo gallery, including team photos, is now posted to seniors.nikkeiplace.org/golf and the NPF’s Facebook page.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver awards Ms. Cathy Makihara with the Commendation Award of the Consul General
We extend our sincerest congratulations to our friend and colleague Cathy Makihara on this auspicious occasion!
On March 29, 2022, the Consul General of Japan in Vancouver, Mr. Consul General Takashi Hatori conferred upon Ms. Cathy Makihara the Commendation Award of the Consul General.
The Consul General’s Commendation is an honorary award bestowed upon individuals and groups who have contributed to the promotion of mutual appreciation and friendly relations between Japan and various foreign countries. It is presented by Ambassadors and Consuls General of Japan stationed in various countries and regions.
We extend our sincerest congratulations to our friend and colleague Cathy Makihara on this auspicious occasion! As former Executive Director and current board member of Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society, and steering committee Chair of the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health & Wellness Fund, her leadership has been instrumental to bettering the lives of seniors, and strengthening our Japanese Canadian community and Japan-Canada relations.
This commendation is well-deserved, recognizing Cathy’s efforts and long-time service to the community. Congratulations Cathy!
Tom Teranishi: Paying It Forward
Tom has been a long-serving member of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society's board since their incorporation in 1986, and our community has been fortunate to benefit from his perspective, wit, and expertise. In this story, he shares how the pandemic has highlighted the needs of seniors, and his hopes for Nimi Nikkei Home.
Tom Teranishi: Paying It Forward
From a young age, Tom Teranishi has wanted to be able to give back and help others. Having received a lot of help himself because of his own visual impairment, he has chosen to pay that support forward throughout his life through his work and volunteerism.
Tom was born in Minto during the internment, and returned to Steveston in 1949. His first job was in grade 12, working with the Parks Board in recreation at Camp Capilano, a camp for children with downs syndrome. During university, he worked at a summer camp at Crescent Beach for underprivileged kids from the east side.
He developed an interest in social work, and became an ad hoc interpreter for Steveston Japanese seniors applying for old age pensions. He recalls that “there were no real services for the majority of Japanese speaking Issei’s” in the early 1980’s.
It was through his profession as a social worker that he met Ruth Coles, the current Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society’s Board President, and decided to join the Society’s board of directors. Tom has been a long-serving member of the board since Nikkei Senior’s incorporation in 1986, and our community has been fortunate to benefit from his perspective, wit, and expertise.
Tom says that spending a lot of time in hospitals, both as a social worker and as a patient, has given him a rather unique viewpoint, which has influenced his work with Nimi Nikkei Home.
“I try to make information on programs and services as accessible as possible because providers and resources are always changing”, he says.
Tom has volunteered his time over the years writing Nikkei Senior’s articles for The Bulletin.
Tom feels the pandemic has really highlighted the need for socialization amongst the elderly — for someone to be there to reach out to them, and see how they’re doing.
“The pandemic has pushed isolated seniors even further into isolation which brings on depression and anxiety. How the pandemic has affected seniors’ mental health issues needs to be looked at especially”, he says.
What are your hopes for Nimi Nikkei Home in the short or long term?
“My short term hopes are that Nikkei Home can begin returning to a pre-covid state, with families being able to visit, and seniors able to go out into the community again”, he says.
“In the long term, I think we need to start looking at how our culture at Nimi Nikkei Home is changing, and how we can be more inclusive of peoples of other cultures”, he says. “Another trend we will need to address is that the average age of new residents is becoming older, so we will need to adapt to having more frail residents and how to allow their time at Nikkei Home to be as comfortable as possible.”
In his down time, Tom can be found enjoying music, concerts, plays, and art clubs. He also enjoys watching and playing sports, such as blind cross country skiing, blind curling, Vancouver disabled sailing, and doing yoga.
Thank you Tom for everything you have and continue to contribute to Nikkei Seniors!