Celebrating the 102nd Anniversary of the Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada

The Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada celebrated its 102nd anniversary and the Chinese New Year of the Dog at its annual Spring Banquet on February 26, 2006.

The ancestor ritual started at 1:00 pm in the YFT House on 226 East Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C. where Chairman Mr. Kan Yu, the YFT advisors, and the Board of directors made offerings to our ancestor Yee Chung-sheung. Mr. Martin Yee emceed the program.

After the ritual  our YFT women's Choir sang the New Year Song, Mr. James Yu delivered a welcoming speech that touched on the history of the Society.  congratulatory speeches from our guests. This was followed by Mr. Gary Yee who gave the acknowledgement speech, Mr. Shui Ji Yu read the commemorative remarks. After the speeches, we all had lunch in the YFT House, we especially enjoyed the delicious home made traditional dim sum provided by members of the Tse Benevolent Association Women’s Committee.

Our Spring Banquet started at 6 pm at the Floata Seafood Restaurant. Honoured guests included the PRC Vancouver Consul General Tian Chunyan, PRC Vancouver Vice Consul Feng Lin, MLA Mr. Richard Lee, Vancouver City Councillors Mr. George Chow and Mr. BC Lee, Seattle YFT President Mr. Hing Yu and Advisor Mr. Fred Yee. Special guests included Judge Bill Yee,  and our Legal Advisor, Mr. Norman Morrison. Other guests included the Mah and Tse Benevolent Association members, Fung Toy Alumni, and other invited guests from the Chinese Community, and of course, our own YFT members and their families. We had over 470 people attend this happy gathering.

The Banquet festivities began with the Yee Fung Toy Song, sang by the Ladies Choir of the Recreation Committee, Lion dance, provided by the YFT youth group. Ms. Sharon Yee, Ms. Ellen Yee and Mr. James Yu emceed the formal evening program. Mr. Kan Yu gave a detail account of our ancestor Yee Jing's life and history. Greetings from the PRC Vancouver Consul General Tian Chunyan, MLA Mr. Richard Lee, Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Initiative, Yee Family Association of Seattle President Mr. Hing Yu, City Councillors Mr. George Chow, and Mr. BC Lee. After the introduction of our special guests in attendance, the first course of the dinner was served.

Following a toast to the New Year and introduction of guests from the Community. Vice Chairman Mr. Jim Yee delivered a Thank You speech. Mr. Jim Yee announced that members are welcomed to join the 3rd World Yee Convention to be held in Los Angeles in August, followed by an optional cruise to Mexico.

Mr. Phillip Yu emceed the entertainment portion of the program. Performances by the Fung Toy Alumni and songs from the Women’s Singers were followed by Karaoke. City Councillor Mr. BC Lee, Judge Bill Yee, Seattle's Tony Ching and Fung Toy Alumni Mr. Lee all sang for us.

Mr. Phillip Yu also emceed the Vancouver Scholarship Awards to 17 students (7 from Elementary, 5 from Secondary, and 5 from University).

This anniversary cerebration was a tremendous success! Thanks to the volunteers and YFT board members who helped to organize this annual event. Hope to see you all next year.

Martin Yee