Across Newsletter February 2024

February 2024 issue

Across U-hub Let's get together

Contents Message from Executive Director - 01 A Sustainable Lunar New Year - 04

Message from Executive Director 年近歲晚，華人社區歡聚氣氛濃厚，與過往三年相比，顯 著不同，大家急不及待期待著新一年的盛景。 一直以來致力推廣東方文化的細緻和豐富的Crafteria，在 農曆新年將至的熱鬧氛圍中舉辦了中文書法手寫班，想不 到吸引了幾位土生的年輕參加者，他們雖對中文書寫一竅 不通，卻對書法著迷，看見他們用心學習，令我感動。隨 著老師示範每種字體的特點，我也拿起筆，胡亂劃起來， 不經意地創造出一個結合了「龍」和「福」的字。中文字 從象形演變而來，確實有著無限可能，其樂無窮，相信這 正是中文書法的魅力所在。 每週一次新開設的義工訓練活動，參加者都帶著熱誠，期 待能有貢獻自己力量的機會，這提示了我，與其吸引年輕 人參與活動或訓練，他們更渴望著能夠行動起來，實踐所 學，關懷並幫助有需要的人。除了每週二的義工訓練，我 們計劃每月一次帶著接受了訓練的義工為社區服務。二月 才推出的 “Neighbour In Need: Collection Drive” ，活 動尚未開始，義工們已偷步率先將物品送到Across，我預 見未來一個月，每週二義工們將在Across 忙著收集、整 理、分類並安排分發。年輕人蓄勢待發，我們也準備就 緒，迎接他們的加入，給他們一把力。

Nicole Wong

Message from Executive Director As Lunar New Year approaches, the atmosphere in the Chinese community is lively, markedly different from the past three years, and everyone is eagerly looking forward to the new things in the coming year.

Crafteria, dedicated to promoting the richness of Eastern culture, attracted several local young participants to its Chinese calligraphy class amidst the festive atmosphere of the approaching Lunar New Year. Though unfamiliar with Chinese writing, they were fascinated by calligraphy.

Witnessing their dedication to learning deeply moved me. Inspired, I picked up a brush and, following the teacher's demonstration, began to create a character merging "dragon" and "fortune". Chinese characters, evolving from pictographs, indeed hold endless possibilities, bringing immense joy. I believe this is the charm of Chinese calligraphy.

The newly introduced weekly volunteer training activity attracts enthusiastic participants eagerly seeking opportunities to contribute. This reminds me that today's youth are more inclined to put their learning into action, caring for and helping those in need, rather than merely participating in activities and receiving training. In addition to the weekly Tuesday volunteer training, we plan to have trained volunteers serve the community once a month. The "Neighbour In Need: Collection Drive," set to launch in February, has yet to begin, volunteers are already stepping forward to bring items to Across. I foresee that in the coming month, volunteers will be busy at Across every Tuesday, collecting, organizing, categorizing, and distributing items. The youth are poised to make a difference, and we stand ready to welcome them, offering support and empowerment.

A Sustainable Lunar New Year The Lunar New Year is widely recognized as one of the most celebrated festivals in East Asian communities. It symbolizes a time when families and friends come together to joyously welcome the new year, exchanging heartfelt wishes for prosperity and success. As the Lunar New Year approaches, it is easy to notice that some shops are starting to adorn themselves with Lunar New Year decorations such as Fai Chun (揮春）and the character “福” (meaning good luck). For our home, consider adding a personal touch by creating your own festive decorations, Fai Chun, or even crafting your own red pockets with recycled paper to ensure your Lunar New Year celebrations are as sustainable as possible.

Tiffany Ore

There's a Chinese saying that the Lunar New Year is a time to "去舊迎新" (Out with the old, in with the new). Throughout the month of February, Across has launched a Collection Drive and is accepting donations of clothing, hygiene products, and blankets to support fellow Torontonians facing low incomes and homelessness. All collected items will be meticulously sorted, folded, and donated to various non-profit organizations in the Greater Toronto Area, which will then directly distribute your contributions to our neighbors in need.

If the work of Across U-hub has touched you in any way, please consider supporting us through donations. Your financial support will allow us to do more in supporting our youths.