Hi everyone!
We’ve been experiencing a bit of crazy weather, but I think it will change now for the better.
In a recent story in the Vancouver Sun I read that the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, who have served the Vancouver Downtown Eastside community for 85 years, will be leaving the city. Over the past few decades, the Sisters have been providing language courses, kindergarten and daycare programs, hot meals and lunches, clothing for people in need, and in some cases room and board, plus other important daily needs. Most recently, the sisters have been serving roughly 500 people a day out of their building at 385 East Cordova. Apparently the Vancouver Catholic archdiocese will find a way to continue the services previously provided by the Franciscan Sisters.
Along with their work with disenfranchised residents of the Downtown Eastside, The Franciscan Sisters have supported the Japanese Canadian community throughout their time in Vancouver. During the Internment years, starting in 1942, the Franciscan Sisters accompanied families who were interned in Greenwood, BC and helped many families make this transition during this difficult time. One of the ways they helped was by providing education for many children, from elementary to high school levels. I am sure there are many more stories about the Franciscan Sisters that our readers could share. If you have a story, perhaps you could share it with John Endo Greenaway, our Bulletin editor, through email: john@bigwavedesign.net or gvjcca@shaw.ca. Perhaps some of your stories may be published as part of a feature about the Sisters in a future issue of The Bulletin.
On June 18th and 19th, the GVJCCA will be participating in the 16th Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, located at 6540 Thomas Street, Vancouver, from 10 – 5 pm as part of the Scandinavian countries’ efforts to feature other nations and cultures. This year Japan will be featured, so there will be various items and materials from Japan.
It’s hard to believe, but the 50th Annual The GVJCCA Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday June 12th at Meadow Gardens. Meadow Gardens Golf Course is one of the best places to play in North America. The Greater Vancouver JCCA invites everyone to try their hand at this course. This is a great opportunity to meet new people or renew acquaintances. If you are interested please contact Shag Ando 604.922.9226 or email the GVJCCA office at gvjcca@shaw.ca . See the entry form on page 19.
Have a great month of June!
Thanks,
Ron Nishimura
President, GVJCCA
