President’s Message

On behalf of the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association I would like to extend a “Happy New Year!” to our membership and their families. 2010 went by very quickly and it is hard to believe that we are at the beginning of a new year again. It only seems like a short while ago that Vancouver and Whistler were hosting thousands of visitors from around the World with the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

I thank our membership for being so supportive of the GVJCCA. Donations from our members, revenue from our loyal advertisers and your membership dues allow the GVJCCA to provide programs and publish The Bulletin/Geppo on a monthly basis. I encourage you to maintain up-to-date memberships, so that we can meet expectations. As we enter 2011, The Bulletin/Geppo continues to be a strong voice for our community and provides a forum for the exchange of views and ideas.

Each year we honour our Nikkei Seniors, who have contributed so much to our community, with the Keirokai. The GVJCCA Keirokai 2011, for seniors over 70 years of age, will be held at Nikkei Place on Saturday January 8 from 12 noon – 3pm. If you have not yet registered, please do so soon as possible through Tonari Gumi at 604.687.2172. This year we are expecting a large turnout, so if you are able to volunteer, please contact the GVJCCA office at 604.777.5222 or email gvjcca@shaw.ca. This year’s Nikkei Community New Year’s Party (Shinnen-kai), will be held at Nikkei Place on Saturday January 15. Tickets are still available at $45 for adults and $15 for 12 and under, so please contact Nikkei Place at 604.777.7000 or a Member of the Organizing Committee. This year’s entertainment will be provided by Pacific North Trio: Keiko Alexander, piano; Akira Nagai, violin; and Seri Nagai, violin.

The GVJCCA will be holding its annual AGM on Saturday March 19, 2011 in the GVJCCA office from 2-4pm. We are always looking for individuals who are interested in helping the community in all areas of community development, social justice, human rights, and Nikkei relations. We also could use volunteer assistance at our office, with the Bulletin/Geppo, and are seeking additional active members for the Human Rights Committee and Nihongo Committee. If you would like be part of the GVJCCA, please attend. If you would like more information please contact our office. Have a great month and Year of the Rabbit. Thanks, Ron Nishimura President, GVJCCA