The Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada 122nd Anniversary Celebration and Spring Festival Gala

On Saturday, April 4, the Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada joyfully marked its 122nd anniversary with a Spring Festival gathering filled with fellowship and tradition. At noon, Grand President Kan Yu, Vice Grand President Wing Bon Yee, Chairman Bill Yee, Vice Chairman Jim Yee, Vancouver Chairman Phillip Yu, and Vice Chairmen George Yee and Martin Yee welcomed guests from the Seattle Yee Fung Toy Family Association (Chairman Warren Yee, Advisor Kevin Lee, and two clan members), representatives of the Mah Benevolent Societies of Canada and Vancouver, and representatives of the Tse Clansman Association of Vancouver—together with many local Yee clan members.

The ancestral worship ceremony, led by Yee Fung Toy Society of Vancouver Chairman Phillip Yu, was simple, solemn, and deeply meaningful. Grand President Kan Yu offered welcome remarks, followed by greetings from Fred Ma (Mah Benevolent Society of Vancouver) and Ms. Xie Cuiqiong (Tse Clansman Association of Vancouver). Chairman Phillip Yu concluded with heartfelt thanks, and everyone enjoyed a warm buffet lunch together.

Special thanks to the Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada and the newly elected Yee Fung Toy Society of Vancouver board members, who each presented a whole roasted pig in tribute to the ancestors—sharing sincere prayers for peace, safety, and good fortune in the year ahead.

At 6:00 p.m., sixteen tables of guests gathered at Pink Pearl Restaurant in Chinatown for a joyful Spring Festival banquet. Emcees Michelle Yee and Fred Leung opened the evening, followed by an energetic lion dance set to the beat of drums and gongs. Led by Master Danny Shun Yin Ma, the Kin Fung Athletic Group brought the stage to life.

Sincere thanks to the Mah Athletic Club and the Kin Fung Athletic Group for their outstanding performance.

We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests, including Consul Huang Shun and Consul Liu Diyi (Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver); Cai Hongan, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver; Honorary Chairman Zhu Zhanlun and his spouse; Ms. Zheng Qihua, Ms. Guan Lianghuilan, and Ms. Xu Fenghua; Mrs. Carla Yee; representatives of the Mah and Tse associations; members of local Chinese organizations; and local clan members.

Chairman Bill Yee welcomed everyone, and extended Spring Festival wishes for happiness, good health, and success in the Year of the Horse. He also shared exciting upcoming opportunities, including the 9th World Yee Convention in Hong Kong (November 13–14) and a four-day, three-night self-funded exchange trip organized by the Kaiping Fengcai Ancestral Hall in China. Interested members are welcome to contact the Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada for details.

Guests joined a group photo and toast, and the women’s choir delighted the room with “Fung Toy Tong,” “Red Cotton,” and “Bless You,” songs adding to the festive spirit.

Grand President Kan Yu closed the evening by leading the directors of the Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada, the directors of the Yee Fung Toy Society of Vancouver and guests in singing “The Light of Friendship,” sending everyone home with warm memories and New Year cheer.

Photos courtesy of Crystal, Fred and Esther.