FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Richmond Hill, ON (June 15, 2024) – Mon Sheong Foundation celebrates a significant milestone with a grand outdoor event, “Mon Sheong Foundation 60th Anniversary Walk and Fun” held at Richmond Green Sports Centre & Park. The event combines a walkathon with a community carnival, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Foundation and raise funds for building two new long-term care centres, in Markham and Stouffville. The celebration is graced by the presence of over 20 dignitaries from three levels of government. Hundreds of enthusiastic participants from more than 25 teams and individuals join the fundraising walk, reflecting the community’s spirit and commitment to support Mon Sheong. Local residents and neighbours also enjoy a fun-filled carnival day and lend their support to the organization. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of joy.
Tim Kwan, Chairman of Mon Sheong Foundation, remarks, “Since our inception 60 years ago, Mon Sheong has embraced the mission of ‘Caring for the Elderly and Nurturing the Young.’ Over the past two decades, we have experienced rapid growth. Currently, our organization boasts four long-term care centres, three Chinese School campuses and online classes, three Mon Sheong Courts, two Community and Volunteer Services Centres, two Private Care Centres, and a Youth Group. Mon Sheong remains dedicated to provide innovative services that meet the evolving needs of our diverse community. In light of the aging population and the community’s urgent need for senior care and support services, Mon Sheong started construction of two new long-term care centres in Markham and Stouffville last year. These construction projects are advancing swiftly, with an anticipated completion date in 2026, which will offer 544 additional nursing beds for our community. Concurrently, the Markham Buttonville Mon Sheong Court senior apartments are slated for completion next year. We are committed to provide quality service to the community’s seniors. Looking ahead, we will continue to collaborate closely with provincial and municipal governments on new long-term care projects, in Richmond Hill and Scarborough. These new facilities will provide additional beds to the community and hopefully alleviate the pressing demand for long-term care.”
President Garth Low extends his heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Pauline Con, the 91-year-old spouse of the Mon Sheong founder, Reverend Dr. Ronald Con, for her presence and participation in this momentous occasion. He also expresses his appreciation to all the benevolent individuals and community partners from various sectors for their unwavering support over the years. He brings forth the ‘tree’ concept of the theme of the 60th anniversary. He expresses, “The ‘tree’ theme of our Diamond Jubilee not only symbolizes the robustness and growth of Mon Sheong, but also represents the love and care we provide to the elders and youth. We are immensely thankful for the community’s support to Mon Sheong in both donations and volunteering efforts, allowing our services to flourish like a mighty tree. We aspire to reciprocate the community’s needs and invite continued support for the Foundation, to grow alongside us and forge new milestones together.” The organization invites the community to come grow together with Mon Sheong by planting a tree in its facilities. Donors who contribute a gift of $6,000 or above will be recognized on a plaque at the tree to commemorate their generous support. The funds not only support the Foundation’s services and developments, but also signify the growth together with the community.
During the “Mon Sheong Foundation 60th Anniversary Walk and Fun,” representatives from Mon Sheong and officials from three levels of government collaboratively unveil a large ‘birthday cake,’ commemorating the Foundation’s 60th anniversary. They release a flurry of colourful balloons, marking the joyous commencement of the fundraising walk and community carnival.
The Co-chairs of the event’s Organizing Committee, Raymond Lam and Laurence Liang, express their heartfelt gratitude to Celebration Sponsor, MediSystem Pharmacy; Platinum Sponsor, Concord Adex; other sponsors and teams; and individual participants for their generous support. Special thanks are extended to the performers, community organizations, Organizing Committee members, staff, and approximately 70 volunteers who helped make this a successful event.
The community carnival boasts a diverse array of programs. Highlights include the dynamic performances by Silian Wong, the original singer of the Mon Sheong Foundation Song, the Canadian Chinese Professional Women of Canada, Tone Labs, and Georgia’s Dance & Arts Cultural Centre, Yip’s Chinese Children’s Choir, Zumba-Z Boss Crew, and Chinese Collective Arts Association. R.E.A.C.H. for Aging Well program participants from Hong Fook Mental Health Association and Mon Sheong Community and Volunteer Services Centres also bring wonderful dances on stage. Additionally, the carnival features an assortment of unique booths offering activities like balloon twisting, face painting, caricature, keychain craft workshop, and a stress-relief massage pavilion. Children have much fun in a large inflatable playground, while attendees of all ages enjoy complimentary popcorn, cotton candy, pizza, and specialty beverages. The event culminates with a lucky draw, making for a joyous and memorable Father’s Day weekend.
The charity walk welcomes participants of all ages. The event has seen families spanning three generations come together contributing to charitable causes. To foster continued community fundraising efforts, Mon Sheong Foundation has extended the donation deadline to June 30. Donors who raise $100 or more will receive prizes: a Royal Canadian Mint 125th Anniversary Klondike Gold Rush Coins Set for pledges over $100; additional gift of a special 60th-anniversary picnic mat for pledges over $500; additional gifts a $20 Pizzaville gift voucher and a unique 60th-anniversary inflatable lounger for pledges over $1,000. The highest fundraising three-generation family will be awarded a $400 gift bag, while the top fundraising team will be honoured with the exclusive “60th Anniversary Mon Sheong Cup.” For more information, please visit the event’s website at www.mswalkandfun.ca.
For more information about Mon Sheong Foundation, please visit www.MonSheong.org or follow social media @MonSheong.
