Tonari Gumi Newsletter May 2026
- May 1
- 7 min read
Table of Contents
Ships to Shore 2026:Tonari Gumi Booth Announcement
Spring Bus Trip to Ladner & Westham Island
Songbook Update: Volunteer Wanted
Tonari Gumi AGM – Annual General Meeting
Community Services Resource Information
Tuesday May 26, 2026: Fraud Prevention for Seniors
Advance Care Planning Workshop (in Japanese) “ Let’s Talk About your Health Care Wishes”
Peer Support Certificate Course For Current and New Volunteers
Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) - Reapplication
June Social Club: Lillooet / Lytton Loop Trip
Messages from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society
Closing Out the Survivors Fund with Gratitude
Intergenerational Wellness Report
Volunteer Noodle Gathering
On April 6, we hosted a Volunteer Gathering and were happy to welcome 34 participants. The event brought together both new and returning volunteers for an afternoon of connection, information sharing and community building.
Participants enjoyed a light meal of soba and udon while catching up with one another in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. During the gathering, we also shared updates on upcoming volunteer opportunities, including seasonal events, as well as information about training programs such as peer support and other learning resources.
It was especially encouraging to see volunteers connecting, exchanging ideas and showing interest in getting involved in future activities.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the volunteers who supported the event, especially those who helped with kitchen preparation. Special thanks to Hiroko, Minako, Derek, Mayu and Makoto. Your support made the gathering possible.
Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to seeing you again at future events!
2nd Floor Renovation Update
The renovation on the 2nd floor is progressing well. We were able to reopen the front room on the 1st floor on Thursday, April 16 once the ceiling repairs and painting for that area were completed.
On the 2nd floor, the walls have been installed, plumbing work is complete and electrical wiring has been finished. The next steps include installing washroom fixtures and completing the flooring.
Thank you again for your patience. As we’re nearing our final stage, we hope to be able to provide you with an opening date in our next newsletter.
Ships to Shore 2026:Tonari Gumi Booth Announcement
The Japanese tall ship Kaiwo Maru is coming to Steveston! To celebrate this special occasion, Tonari Gumi will be participating with the following two booths:
• Origami Booth: Make your own Koinobori (carp streamers)! This is a very popular workshop for children.
• Craft Booth: Selling handmade items by the Tonari Gumi Craft Club and our popular Cookbook and more.
Event Overview:
• Date & Time: Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 10 am – 5 pm
• Location: Garry Point Park (12011 Seventh Ave, Richmond, BC)
• Details: https://shipstoshore.squarespace.com
We look forward to seeing you there alongside the beautiful Kaiwo Maru!
Spring Bus Trip to Ladner & Westham Island
Join us for a relaxing day trip to Ladner! We will visit a beautiful farm market, enjoy lunch with a river view and take a gentle nature walk.
Date: Monday, May 11th
Fee: $20(Transportation only. Lunch and personal purchases are not included.)
⚠️ Space is limited! Please register early to secure your seat on the bus.
Trip Schedule:
09:00 AM: Gather at TG (42 West 8th Ave, Vancouver)
09:15 AM: Bus Departs TG
09:45 AM: Pick-up at Royal Oak Station (Beresford St side)
10:45 AM: Westham Island Herb Farm (Farm market & gardens)
12:30 PM: Lunch at Sharkey’s Seafood Bar & Grille
02:00 PM: Nature Walk at Ladner Harbour Park
02:30 PM: Depart for home
03:15 PM: Drop-off at Royal Oak Station
04:00 PM: Final Drop-off at TG
What to bring: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, as it can be breezy by the river.
To Register: https://forms.gle/K6v8jPNc2VCyo9248
You may also register by phone. If we are unable to answer, please leave a message with your name and contact information.
Tel: 604-687-2172 Ext 106
Registration deadline: May 7
Songbook Update: Volunteer Wanted
Tonari Gumi is currently looking for volunteers to help update and organize our songbooks used in seniors’ programs.
These songbooks are an important part of our activities, supporting music programs where participants can sing together, enjoy familiar songs and connect with one another. Many of our current songbooks need to be updated and we are hoping to improve them to make them more user-friendly and enjoyable for everyone.
This role involves organizing song content, searching for lyrics, and editing documents using a computer. The work can be done remotely, with flexible hours.
We are looking for individuals who are comfortable using a computer and have basic research and editing skills. The ability to read and write Japanese is required for this role.
If you enjoy working independently and would like to support our community behind the scenes, we would love to hear from you.
Contact: Rie
Email: programs@tonarigumi.ca
Tonari Gumi AGM – Annual General Meeting
Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in important conversations, vote on key issues and gain insights into the future direction of our organization at the upcoming AGM. A detailed package will be mailed to all members.
To register for the AGM, please contact Tonari Gumi either in person or by phone.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 23, 10AM
Location: Tonari Gumi, 101 – 42 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Y 1M7
(Tel 604-687-2172)
Community Services Resource Information
Tonari Gumi Life Seminar
Tuesday May 26, 2026: Fraud Prevention for Seniors
Fraud and scams targeting seniors are on the rise across Canada, including phone scams, CRA scams, bank scams and online fraud. Japanese-speaking seniors may be especially vulnerable due to language barriers and unfamiliar systems.
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Tonari Gumi will host a seminar presented by Seniors First BC titled “Frauds and Scams – Recognize, Reject, Report”. Due to limited space during ongoing renovations, the seminar will be offered in a hybrid format (in-person and online).
For seminar details and registration, please visit: https://www.tonarigumi.ca/services/life-seminar
If You Believe You Have Been a Victim of Fraud:
Please contact the following organizations for assistance:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501
Local Police (non-emergency): 604-717-3321 (Vancouver)
Your bank (report immediately)
Service Canada / CRA (if your SIN or tax information was involved)
Reporting fraud prevents further harm and protects others in the community. If you are unsure whether something is a scam, do not send money. Speak with a trusted family member, friend, or community organization before taking any action.
Advance Care Planning Workshop (in Japanese) “ Let’s Talk About your Health Care Wishes”
Tonari Gumi Community Services is planning a two-part workshop focused on individual wishes and future health care planning. The date and time will be confirmed later and announced on the Tonari Gumi website and in the newsletter.
Group 1: Tuesday, June 23 and August 11 TBC
Group 2: Tuesday, June 30 and August 18 TBC
For details, please visit: https://www.tonarigumi.ca/services/life-seminar
Peer Support Certificate Course For Current and New Volunteers
With funding support from United Way BC, Tonari Gumi continues to offer FREE Online Certificate Courses for individuals who are interested in volunteering. Both 18-hour and 48-hour courses are delivered by experienced instructors from the Jewish Seniors Alliance BC, an organization with over 20 years of experience in senior peer support and training. https://jsabc.ca/
Currently available courses:
Starting May 5:
Senior Peer Support Volunteer Course (48 hours online + 1 in-person session)
Participants will learn active listening skills and how to provide companionship and emotional support to older adults experiencing isolation.
For more information, please visit:
Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) - Reapplication
Following the 2025 Personal Income Tax filing, CDCP renewal notice for 2026-2027 coverage period may have already been sent to eligible individuals.
If you have been enrolled since 2024, please renew your coverage between April 15 and June 1, for 2026 – 2027 year.
Renewal site:
Starting June 1, CDCP will also become available to all low and middle income households without private insurance. Online applications for the 2026 program open on June 2.
For eligibility and application details:
Looking for the Bulletin?
The Bulletin/Geppo is currently updating its subscriptions and memberships to continue printing and mailing. If you would like to continue receiving this resource-rich community magazine, please renew your subscription or become a member by contacting: gvjcca@gmail.com.
Tonari Gumi Golf
June Social Club: Lillooet / Lytton Loop Trip
Messages from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society
Closing Out the Survivors Fund with Gratitude
With deep gratitude and respect, we mark the closing of the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund.
More than 5,000 Survivors were supported through this initiative. It honours a generation whose strength and resilience continue to shape our community.
This milestone is not just an ending, but a legacy of care, dignity, and remembrance.
Read the full story and acknowledgements here:
We extend our deepest gratitude and kansha (感謝) to all who made this possible.
Intergenerational Wellness Report
Intergenerational Wellness: Thoughts and Reflections from Family Sharing and Healing Grant Recipients
The Intergenerational Wellness initiative, developed by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society and inspired by Dr. Karen Kobayashi, was created to address intergenerational trauma resulting from historical injustices against Japanese Canadians. It provides funding for family-based projects focused on storytelling, cultural preservation, and healing. Through 241 funded initiatives, many families explored their histories and created opportunities to share experiences across generations. A 2026 study led by Lucy Komori found that these efforts strengthened family connections, preserved important histories, and supported meaningful emotional healing across generations.
The full report is available at https://jclegacies.com/intergenerational-wellness-report/
*Please note that the report is only available in English
Thank you for your Support!
The Japanese Community Volunteers Association, “Tonari Gumi” gratefully acknowledges and thanks the following people for their generous donations in March 2026. Although we tried our best to include all of your donations, there is a chance we have missed your name. Please contact us and we will make the correction.
Monetary Donations
Shizu Sheburoff, Logan Kelner, Akemi Kobayashi, Tadatsune Aso, Eiko Mah, Runa Sugiura, Miwako Tateishi, Motoko Reed, Masuo Kawai, Sumiko Hui, Sanae Moteki, Mitsuko Dovcas Mizuguchi, Masao Itake, Anonymous (8)
In memory of Kiyoko Tanaka
Jim Tanaka, Henry Tanaka, Sharon Wickham, Darlene Tanaka
In memory of Atsumi Hashimoto
Junichi Hashimoto
In Celebration of Yoshio Arai’s 104th Birthday
Anonymous
In memory of Reiko Kitasaka
Anonymous
Monetary Donations (Canada Helps)
Mike Vlasman
MONTHLY GIVING Monetary Donations (Canada Helps)
Erica Yamashita, Takashi Sato, Thomas Kiyoshi Campbell, Tsutae Suzuki, Anonymous (2)
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