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
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.
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:
Spotlight on Marcia Carr: Nursing career, the pandemic’s effect on seniors, and more
We recently caught up with Marcia Carr (nee Hirano), an accomplished healthcare professional of nursing, and board member, donor, and friend of Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. In this article, we talk with her about her career, the pandemic’s effect on seniors, and her own experiences with having a family member in the Nimi Nikkei Home assisted living residence.
Donor Spotlight
We recently caught up with Marcia Carr (nee Hirano), an accomplished healthcare professional of nursing, and board member, donor, and friend of Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. In this article, we talk with her about her career, the pandemic’s effect on seniors, and her own experiences with having a family member in the Nimi Nikkei Home assisted living residence.
Marcia has built an extensive and accomplished career in healthcare and also serves in teaching capacities at universities and on the boards of various nursing organizations.
She has been a registered nurse for 53 years, as well as a clinical nurse specialist in geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry and nurse continence advisor. She is also an adjunct professor at UBC School of Nursing, University of Victoria School of Nursing, SFU Gerontology Research, and guest professor at Fujian Medical University School of Nursing, and former clinical assistant at McMaster University School of Nursing.
For over 20 years, Marcia has been a board member of Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society, and has also volunteered her specialities in nursing to do both staff and public education sessions to improve the care and lives of our older adults. She is also active in other organizations as:
An elected member at large for The RN Council for Nurse and Nurse Practitioners of BC
Board member of the Canadian Nurses Association Nursing Advisory Committee for Network of Speciality Nurses
Secretary for Canadian Nurse Continence Advisors
Soon to be president of the Clinical Nurse Specialists Association of BC
Marcia’s nursing career has spanned “womb to tomb”, having started out in obstetrics and transitioning to older adult care.
“Older adult care (geriatrics) is the most challenging and underserviced population that I have been privileged to work with. The complexity intertwining the normal aging process with chronic and acute illnesses challenges my brain power every single day.” says Marcia. “The beauty is that the wisdom that I gain from every older adult I interact and care for adds so much richness to me both personally and professionally!”
What has the pandemic highlighted about the needs seniors?
“What strikes me so poignantly is the lack of respect allotted to older adults about being able to say and be listened to about what they want in life and living rather than being paternalistically ‘cared’ for. ‘Don’t do to me without asking whether I agree or even want to’ should have been a choice rather than what happened. Isolation and loneliness increased the morbidity and mortality of so many older adults, it breaks my heart to think of the unmeasurable irreversible damage done to the quality of their lives.” says Marcia.
A glimpse of Marcia’s personal and family’s experience with Nikkei Home (both before and during the pandemic).
Marcia’s mother is 101 and a current resident of Nimi Nikkei Home assisted living residence. She came to live at Nikkei several years after it opened. It was her choice to move, following a major health issue that affected her ability to drive and participate in community activities.
“We feel so blessed and appreciative of the care and caring that is at the heart of Nikkei. Within a few months of lockdown at Nikkei, I knew she was failing rapidly. Thank goodness with her family doctor and geriatrician’s support, I was able to be designated to be an essential visitor. She bounced back to life again. The amazing staff know her well and are always encouraging her to keep on going. Despite 3 more steps backwards, her resilience well learned from the internment and life in general has quite remarkably been her mainstay for recovery.”
What makes Nikkei Home different from other care facilities?
“Nikkei Home is a stellar example of what and how a Assisted Living facility should be. We are so fortunate to have dedicated and long term staff who understand and practice Nikkei Home’ philosophy. We additionally have 24/7 LPNs and care aides whereas many other only have LPNs on days 5 days a week. Having Hi-Genki part of the whole facility enables residents to see and interact beyond the walls of the building as they hear and see children and families enjoying life and food.”
What are your hopes for Nikkei Home in the short or long term?
“Sustainability of not just the building and amenities but also the enabling technology and supports for our residents remains an ongoing financial challenge. Nikkei administration has made each dollar stretch 10’s farther than any organization that I know of. However, I hope that our community at large steps up to help when needed. Right now we have a campaign going on to replace the original spa tub for residents as well as trying to provide technological enablement for all residents (e.g. building wide WIFI access). These are necessities not luxuries to support and care for Nikkei residents. My ultimate hope is that Nikkei Home will be there for all of us when we are ready for rewarding step in life’s journey.”
Learn more about our INSPIRE ACTION fundraising drive and how your support could make a difference for seniors at Nikkei Place, and bring virtual outreach programming to hundreds of seniors.
Eiko Eby to lead Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund
Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Eiko Eby as the Project Manager for the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund.
Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Eiko Eby as the Project Manager for the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund. Eiko will be working directly for Nikkei Seniors and will lead the Project working in tandem with Cathy Makihara and Ruth Coles.
Eiko Eby is a yonsei (4th generation) whose parents were both directly impacted by the government actions which forcibly uprooted, dispossessed, and displaced the lives of almost 22,000 Japanese Canadians living in BC. She honours the memory of her parents, grandparents and great grandparents, in her extensive community work. Eiko feels the approach to healing can be made through the lens of wellness.
Eiko was on the Board of the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Cultural Society from 1987 until 2021, serving as President for the past 19 years before passing the torch to another great volunteer. She has worked on numerous committees for the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC), and considers her experience learning from Art Miki on the core team of the Community Renewal Fund as a moment when she discovered the importance of national outreach. A member of the National Executive Board of the NAJC for four years 2016-2020, as Director then Secretary, she holds her contribution to the groundwork for the first talks on BC Redress, as closest to her heart. Eiko also served the full 6 year term as a member of the Community Council of the University of Victoria-led Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective.
Health and wellness is a foundation of Eiko’s career practice as a Professor of Kinesiology at Vancouver Island University, from where she is set to retire. In 2018, Eiko received the Vancouver Island University President’s Award for Outstanding Community Engagement.
Eiko was a member of the Canadian National Women’s Over 55 Field Hockey Team that competed in the World Cup in 2018. A devout wife, mother and sister to her four siblings, Eiko is reliable in her relationships and true to her commitment to the community.
Province takes step to acknowledge historical wrongs against Japanese-Canadians
The Province is providing the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society with $2 million as part of its commitment to honour the traumatic internment of almost 22,000 Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War.
The Province is providing the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society with $2 million as part of its commitment to honour the traumatic internment of almost 22,000 Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War.
“This government acknowledges the role that it played in the historical wrongs committed against the Japanese-Canadians community during the 1940s,” said Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “This initial grant is a first step towards lasting recognition of the trauma suffered by the community. We are committed to working with the National Association of Japanese Canadians over the coming year to define recognition opportunities in 2022 and beyond.”
Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society will use the $2 million to develop and deliver health and wellness-oriented programming for Japanese-Canadian internment survivors. The society will also administer funding with the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) to other Japanese-Canadian organizations that support survivors.
“The terrible loss suffered by thousands of Japanese-Canadians in the 1940s is still impacting the community today, with many experiencing lasting health issues and trauma,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This funding will provide much-needed health and wellness supports to internment survivors, helping them to connect with others in their community, to stay healthy and remain independent over the coming years.”
The funding will help these centres to enhance their programming for seniors in assisted and independent living, as well as the local community. This will include supports for those with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, community talks about current issues and concerns, and exercise classes to help seniors stay fit and healthy.
“Trauma affects generations, and we have seen this time and time again,” said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. “That’s why today is so important – we must recognize the steps needed for the healing and recognition journey for Japanese-Canadians, who are now seniors, and ensure we fulfil our promise to the survivors of these historical wrongs.”
The grant is a first step towards fulfilling a mandate commitment of the Ministry of Attorney General to honour the Japanese-Canadian community by providing lasting recognition of the traumatic internment of Japanese -Canadians during World War II. This grant responds to recommendations from NAJC for targeted funding for health and social care programs for Japanese-Canadian survivors.
Lorene Oikawa, President, National Association of Japanese Canadians –
“In our work to preserve and share the history of Japanese Canadians and prevent injustices now and in the future, we also remember our Japanese Canadian survivors who are living today and they deserve the respect and supports they were once denied.”
Susanne Tabata, BC Redress Project Director, National Association of Japanese Canadians –
“Building on this grant, the NAJC will continue to work with our community partners towards more health & wellness supports for our seniors, expanding on a framework to include a focus on intergenerational trauma, along with dementia care, community care, an on-line digital wellness hub, all through the prism of a pandemic.”
Ruth Coles, President, Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society –
“These seniors have unique needs that stem from their lived experience of internment, forced uprooting, dispossession and displacement, causing many survivors to rebuild their lives outside of British Columbia. These actions led to challenges that have followed through life - their education was disrupted, friendship and trust taken away, and for much economic hardship, there are health issues, shame, and lack of resolution from these actions.”
Mary Kitagawa, Elder –
“The elderly survivors who are living now were children who now must carry on the pain of that cruel journey that our parents and grandparents suffered.”
Cathy Makihara, past Executive Director, Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society – “To ensure the fund meets priority needs, this will be a community-based participatory grant, where the local community identifies the priorities.”
A Tribute to Cathy Makihara: Dedicated Leader, Philanthropist, Friend
After 25 years of dedicated service to Nikkei Place, Cathy Makihara retired from her role as Executive Director of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS) on February 28, 2021.
We hope that Cathy continues to create joy in her retirement and we look forward to her continued support and leadership at Nikkei Place.
After 25 years of dedicated service to Nikkei Place, Cathy Makihara retired from her role as Executive Director of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS) on February 28, 2021. Cathy has devoted her professional work to the Japanese Canadian community, having held roles at the National Association of Japanese Canadians, Tonari Gumi, Powell Street Festival Society, the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, and the NSHCHS. She served an instrumental role in establishing the Nikkei Place Foundation in 2002 and worked behind the scenes to secure major leadership gifts to support the three societies at Nikkei Place. Both Cathy and her late husband Robert Banno have made lasting impacts at Nikkei Place through their generous philanthropic contributions.
On March 10, a plaque unveiling commemorated Cathy’s decades of service to the wellbeing of seniors in our community. The plaque reads:
“In recognition of Cathy Makihara’s years of service to Nikkei Place and Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. It has been service marked by dedication, leadership, team-work, and cooperation with the broader community. Compassion and respect for seniors have been her hallmark.”
When Cathy was overseeing the opening of the Kenko Wellness Lounge at Nimi Nikkei Home, a dedicated activity space for seniors, she expressed the importance of cultivating joy and care through the physical space and through the seniors’ programming. We hope that Cathy continues to create joy in her retirement and we look forward to her continued support and leadership at Nikkei Place.
“It has been an honor to work with Cathy Makihara over the past five years as a colleague, donor, and mentor. I would personally like to acknowledge and thank her for her sound advice and guidance. I also appreciated how she values research to practice and integrates her values of respect and dignity to her professional work. On behalf of the Foundation staff and Board of Directors, we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Cathy.”
Naomi Kawamura
Executive Director, Nikkei Place Foundation
Cathy inspires us to always stay passionate in work and in life.
Kenko Talks: An Educational Series about Healthy Aging
In 2018, Nikkei Seniors Society started running ‘Kenko Talks’, a series of educational seminars to discuss important topics and issues facing today’s seniors. November’s topic will be…
Kenko Talks: An Educational Series about Healthy Aging
November’s topic will be on “Financial Planning in Your Senior Years”! Date to be announced soon.
In 2018, Nikkei Seniors Society started running ‘Kenko Talks’, a series of educational seminars to discuss important topics and issues facing today’s seniors. The series has addressed a number of topics about health care and planning for the future as we age. The most recent talk in October, “Advance Care Planning”, featured Advance Care Planning Nurse Clinician speakers from the Fraser Health Authority.
November’s topic will be on “Financial Planning in Your Senior Years”. Stay tuned, the date will be announced soon!
Interested in attending?
All Kenko Talks are free to attend ($5 donation is appreciated)
Talks are in English (with a Japanese interpreter)
Maximum capacity: 30 people
Register to attend by calling Nikkei Seniors Society at 604.777.5000 (ext 2000) or email srhousing@nikkeiplace.org
Kenko Talks topics have included:
“Advance Care Planning” (october 2019)
Expressing your wishes and instructions for future health care treatment
Expressing your life’s meaning, purpose and joy?
Why plan now? What does my health condition mean to me?
Starting advance care planning - deciding who makes decisions for you when you cannot.
Resources
“Moving Along in Your Caregiving” (September 2019)
Hands-on demonstration - techniques and equipment
Helping your loved one to stay mobile
Fall and injury prevention
Practical ways to help support your loved one’s abilities
Resources
“Being an Informal Caregiver” (June 2019)
Caregiving -- what is it anyway?
Normal aging? or illness? What to look out for
Planning for the future
Practical Steps
“De-Prescribing— What’s That” (February 2019)
Getting the word out on what prescriptions you’re taking and why you need to be vigilant.
Too many meds? Why all the fuss?
What percent of seniors take 5 to 10+ meds? What is polypharmacy?
How do medications stay in our body?
What can you do?
“Choices for Seniors Housing” (November 2018)
What are the options for assisted living, independent living, and residential care?
“Care at Home — Home is Best” (June 2018)
How to arrange care so you can live at home independently
Open Door Programs at the Kenko Wellness Lounge Starts This Month
Starting from September 2019, several Nimi Nikkei Home assisted living programs will be available to the community.
Kenko Wellness – Open Door Programs
Starting from September 2019, several Nimi Nikkei Home assisted living programs will be available to the community. Openings are limited (up to 5 seniors) and therefore registration is required. If you’re coming to visit Nikkei Place, why not spend a few hours in these fun programs?
There are program offerings on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. We hope to add additional programs on Thursday by 2020.
Program Description & Costs
Please click on this calendar link and those labelled in green are the ‘Open Door’ programs.
Monday: $10 for “Social Lunch” and “Breathing” ($6 for Lunch Only, $5 for Breathing Only $5)
Tuesday: $10 for “Chair Workout” and “Tea & Chat”
Tuesday: $10 for “Social Lunch” and “Chat & Fun” ($6 for Lunch Only, $4 for Chat & Fun Only (price set to increase to $5 in Jan 2020)
Tuesday: $5 for “Bingo” if the only program for day, but free if you have signed for the entire day
Saturday: $10-$20 price range for Women’s Boxing. Free for Nikkei Home volunteers of 1 year or more.
If you are interested in taking part, please contact srhousing@nikkeiplace.org or call 604-777-5000.