Tonari Gumi Newsletter September 2026
- 11 minutes ago
- 14 min read
Table of Contents
Thank You for a Wonderful Powell Street Festival!
July, August & September Birthday Celebration
Students from Kyoai Gakuen University Visit TG!
★ Volunteer Opportunities at Tonari Gumi ★
🍁 Tonari Gumi Fall Bazaar – Volunteers Wanted!
■ Japanese Advance Care Planning (ACP) Workshop
■ Tonari Gumi Participated in Kamome Club’s “Single Parents Summer Festival”
■ Tonari Gumi Meals on Wheels Delivers Delicious Meals—and a Little Extra Joy
■ Tonari Gumi Family Caregivers Support Group Monthly Zoom Meeting in English
■ “Let’s Explore Seniors’ Concerns and Hopes Together” Workshop Series
■ Jewish Seniors Alliance of BC – Seniors Peer Support Course Registration is now open!
■ Research Participants Wanted for “Caring Across Generations”
■ FREE Virtual Workshop for Senior Drivers 80 ~ 85!
🎨🎨 September Outing Richmond Art Gallery Tour & Dim Sum Lunch
Messages from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society
Thank You for a Wonderful Powell Street Festival!
We had a wonderful time at the Powell Street Festival thanks to our dedicated volunteers and supporters!
Our Kimono, Craft and Food Booths were all busy throughout the festival and each booth had great sales. It was wonderful to see so many volunteers working together and sharing their time, energy and smiles.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers and donors who helped make the festival a success. We truly appreciate your generous support and hard work!
Thank you for being part of the Tonari Gumi team!
Wish-list from the Craft Club
After a very, very successful event at the Powell Street Festival, we were thrilled with the success of our booths and, as always, grateful to see so many of the same people returning each year to support us!
Our crafts, kimonos, jewellery, cards and more are all made possible through the generous donations we receive from our community. Of course, our kimonos are always very popular, but we are also delighted by the many other treasures we are able to recycle and give a new life to. This year, the jewellery was another great attraction!
So, everyone, please don’t forget about us throughout the year. Whatever items you feel could be put to good use at Tonari Gumi would be greatly appreciated.
Your donations help us continue our work and ensure that Tonari Gumi can carry on serving our community for years to come.
As always, we are truly grateful for your continued support!
☕ TG Café Coffee & Snack Fee☕
Starting in September, there will be a $2 fee per person for coffee and snacks at TG Café.
Until now, we have asked for donations to cover the cost of coffee and snacks. However, due to the rising cost of food and supplies, it has become increasingly difficult to continue operating TG Café through donations alone. Therefore, we will be introducing a $2 fee.
If you attend TG Café from 10:00 AM or participate in TG Café only, the fee is $2 per person.
If you also join us for lunch, the total will be $2 for coffee & snacks + $7 for lunch = $9.
Thank you very much for your understanding and continued support.
July, August & September Birthday Celebration
On August 13, we celebrated the birthdays of our July, August and September birthday celebrants! 🎉
It was a fun afternoon filled with music, laughter and celebration. We enjoyed a wonderful piano performance and singing by Amber and everyone had a great time playing Bingo together. 🎹🎶 A special thank you to everyone who donated flowers and snacks for the celebration. 🌸🍪
We also greatly appreciate our wonderful kitchen and floor volunteers for their hard work and support in making the birthday party a success. Happy Birthday to all our July, August and September birthday celebrants! 🎂🎉
Students from Kyoai Gakuen University Visit TG!
On Wednesday, September 9, five students from Kyoai Gakuen University will visit our Genki Gumi program. They will join participants in activities and enjoy time together.
On Friday, September 11, the students will also join TG Café and give a special dance performance!
They will perform a dance to the popular Japanese male idol group M!LK’s song “Sukisugite Metsu!”, wearing original outfits inspired by the group’s costumes.
Performance: Around 10:10 AM (30–45 minutes)
After the performance, the students will spend time with TG Café participants and interact with everyone until approximately 11:45 AM.
Whether you regularly attend TG Café or are joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome! Come enjoy the students’ energetic performance and have a fun opportunity to connect with young people from Japan.
Please note that TG Café lunch is normally limited to approximately 30 meals. For this special event, we will work together with our TG Café kitchen volunteers to accommodate as many people as possible. However, lunch reservations cannot be accepted. Thank you for your understanding.
★ Volunteer Opportunities at Tonari Gumi ★
Tonari Gumi is looking for volunteers to support our regular programs and activities. If you have time to volunteer or are interested in any of the opportunities below, we would love to have you join us!
🌸 Regular Volunteer Opportunities
★ Reception & Office Support
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM
Long-term commitment is welcome.
★ Data Entry
1 day per week or more | 2–4 hours
Long-term commitment is welcome.
★ Local News Article Preparation
Help translate our weekly online news from Japanese to English and prepare the content for audio reading.
Long-term commitment is welcome.
★ Family Drop-In Program Support
Support our program for families with children ages 0–3/4.
Tuesdays | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
★ iPad Group Class Support
Thursdays | 12:50 PM–2:40 PM
★ Monday Kitchen Prep
Help prepare lunches for Meals on Wheels and other programs. Dishwasher duties are also included. You can also help plan menus together and learn the basics of Japanese cooking, such as how to make dashi (Japanese soup stock), in a fun and friendly environment!
• 8:30 AM / 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
🎵 NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Handbell & Line Dance
Tonari Gumi is looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to lead fun and engaging activities for our senior community!
🔔 Handbell Class Leader / Instructor
Share the joy of music with our seniors!
We are looking for a volunteer to lead a fun, beginner-friendly handbell class.
Previous handbell teaching experience is not required. If you have a music background, experience with handbells, or simply enjoy music and sharing it with others, we would love to hear from you!
💃 Line Dance Class Leader / Instructor
Help our seniors stay active while having fun!
We are looking for a volunteer to lead a beginner-friendly line dance class at a comfortable pace.
Experience with line dancing, dance, or group fitness is welcome, but previous teaching experience is not required.
🌟 We’re looking for volunteers who:
• Enjoy interacting with seniors
• Are friendly, patient, positive and encouraging
• Enjoy music, dance, or movement
• Are comfortable leading a small group or willing to learn
• Can commit to a regular schedule, preferably during weekday daytime hours
Japanese-speaking volunteers are especially welcome, but Japanese is not required.
A brief interview and orientation will be required before starting.
📩 Interested? Contact us:
🍁 Tonari Gumi Fall Bazaar – Volunteers Wanted!
Saturday, October 24 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Our annual Tonari Gumi Fall Bazaar is coming up!
We are looking for volunteers to help with everything from preparation to the day of the event.
① September & October – Advance Preparation
Help us get ready for the Bazaar in September and October.
• Organizing and preparing Japanese tableware
• Sorting and organizing kimono and Japanese clothing
• Organizing netsuke and other small items
• Sorting and preparing other Bazaar items
You can volunteer on days that work for you.
Volunteer training sessions will also be offered in September and October.
② Friday, October 23 – Day-Before Preparation
• Kitchen preparation
• Setting up sales areas
• Organizing and preparing items
• Other Bazaar preparation
③ Saturday, October 24 – Bazaar Day
10:00 AM–3:30 PM
If possible, we would especially appreciate volunteers who can help throughout the day!
There will be a variety of roles, including sales, welcoming and guiding visitors, organizing items, kitchen support and general event support.
④ Saturday, October 24 – Cleanup
2:00 PM–3:30 PM
If you are only available in the afternoon, we would also greatly appreciate your help with cleanup after the Bazaar!
🙏 Interested in Volunteering?
For the Fall Bazaar, please register through our Google Form and let us know your availability and the type of volunteer work you are interested in.
Google Form:
We greatly appreciate your support!
Come join us and help make this year's Fall Bazaar a fun and successful community event!
Community Services Updates
This summer, Tonari Gumi Community Services continued to provide opportunities for community members to learn and share their thoughts and experiences on a variety of topics related to daily life, health and family.
■ Japanese Advance Care Planning (ACP) Workshop
A two-part Advance Care Planning (ACP) workshop series began in July, with the second session held on August 18. One participant shared:
“By writing what I had been thinking about in my head, gives me a good opportunity to organize what I wish to talk about with my family.” Another participant expressed the difficulty of finding someone they could talk to before even considering what information they wanted to share and with whom. It was a valuable opportunity for everyone to think and discuss together about possible ways to address this challenge.
The Japanese-language ACP workshop focused on “Things We Want to Talk About Now, in Preparation for the Unexpected.” Advance Care Planning is a process of thinking about and preparing for the future by discussing with family members, loved ones and health care providers what kind of health care and treatment you would want if you were to become unable to communicate your wishes due to illness or injury.
The “My Voice – Advance Care Planning Guide,” published by the Government of British Columbia and used during the workshop, is available for download from the Resources page on the Tonari Gumi website. We encourage you to use this guide as an opportunity to think about your own wishes and to begin conversations with your family about “what if” situations.
■ Tonari Gumi Participated in Kamome Club’s “Single Parents Summer Festival”
On Sunday, August 16, Tonari Gumi Community Services participated in a Summer Festival organized by Kamome Club, a volunteer group supporting single parents.
Approximately 25 people; single parents, their children and volunteers, participated in the event. Everyone enjoyed a fun summer afternoon making their own traditional Japanese uchiwa fans, while also having an opportunity to exchange information and connect with one another.
A guidebook created by Kamome Club volunteers, “Is This a Normal Relationship? – Valuing the Feelings of Discomfort You Experience,” was also distributed free of charge. The guide provides detailed information to help people understand situations involving domestic violence (DV) and emotional or psychological abuse that Japanese people living in Canada may encounter. We are currently preparing to make the guide available as a free download through the Tonari Gumi website.
Thank you to everyone who joined and to all the volunteers who helped make the event possible!
Tonari Gumi supports Kamome Club’s activities through funding from the Frank H. Hori Foundation.
■ Tonari Gumi Meals on Wheels Delivers Delicious Meals—and a Little Extra Joy
Through Tonari Gumi’s Meals on Wheels program, we occasionally include a little “extra treat,” such as cookies, with the Bento meals delivered to our clients.
These treats are generously donated by volunteers who have been donating baked goods, including cakes, for Tonari Gumi events for many years. They kindly share these treats with our seniors, hoping that they will bring them a little extra joy.
We hope these small “extras” delivered with the Bento meals will be something our clients look forward to and enjoy.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to all of our kitchen volunteers who support the preparation of the Bento meals, our delivery volunteers and everyone who generously contributes donations with such warm and caring hearts.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support!
■ Tonari Gumi Family Caregivers Support Group Monthly Zoom Meeting in English
Tonari Gumi hosts a bi-monthly Zoom English-speaking Japanese-Canadian family caregiver support group for family members who are caring for loved ones.
This bi-monthly online meeting provides an opportunity to share experiences, exchange information, ask questions and learn from others who are caring for Japanese family members experiencing age-related illnesses or challenges.
The group is facilitated by a trained volunteer social worker.
Who can join: Immediate family caregivers
Language: English
Format: Online via Zoom
Frequency: Bi-monthly – 2nd and 4th Thursday
For inquiries and registration, please contact Betty by email:
This group is intended for immediate family caregivers only.
■ “Let’s Explore Seniors’ Concerns and Hopes Together” Workshop Series
* This workshop is presented in Japanese only this time.
Are there things you would like to talk to someone about, but have difficulty finding an opportunity to discuss—such as changes in your health, relationships with family, concerns about the future, loneliness, or staying connected with others?
Rather than the seminar style, this three-part workshops provide an opportunity for participants to share their experiences and feelings and explore “solutions that work for you” and “what you can do moving forward” together.
We are pleased to welcome Ms. Chifuyu Casaclang, a psychological counsellor from SADE Counselling, as the facilitator. In a relaxed atmosphere, participants will explore their own approaches to dealing with the “concerns” and “hopes” they may have as they age through conversation and sharing.
This is a three-part workshop series with a maximum of 10 participants. The first session will be held on September 15 at 1:00 p.m. For details and registration, please visit the Tonari Gumi website.
■ Jewish Seniors Alliance of BC – Seniors Peer Support Course Registration is now open!
This fall, the Seniors Peer Support Course (free) will begin on September 15.
Funded by United Way BC, this course is offered free of charge to Tonari Gumi volunteers. The course is required for volunteers who provide Tonari Gumi Community Services, including Meals on Wheels delivery.
Participants will learn practical knowledge and skills that are useful both as volunteers and in everyday life, including active listening, empathy, communication and how to connect people with appropriate community resources and support.
If you are interested, please visit the Tonari Gumi website for more information.
English:
■ Research Participants Wanted for “Caring Across Generations”
University of Toronto is conducting a study titled “Caring Across Generations,” which explores the experiences of multiple caregivers living in Canada. The goal of this study is to better understand the realities and challenges of caregiving across generations and to inform future supports and policies that can improve the provision of care in Canada. If you are interested, please refer to “Letter of Information” attached.
■ FREE Virtual Workshop for Senior Drivers 80 ~ 85!
🎨🎨 September Outing Richmond Art Gallery Tour & Dim Sum Lunch
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 9:20 AM – 2:30 PM
🎨 Exhibition: Ongoing / Pacific Crossings
July 25 – October 4, 2026
Ongoing / Pacific Crossings is the culmination of a seven-year cultural exchange between Tokyo’s Art Center Ongoing, Richmond Art Gallery and guest curator Makiko Hara.
Since 2019, artists and curators based in Vancouver and Tokyo have continued to exchange ideas, build connections and collaborate through this cultural exchange.
The exhibition features works by Japanese artists connected with Art Center Ongoing, as well as Canadian artists who participated in residency exchanges in Tokyo over the past seven years.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of contemporary art, including painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, performance and video. A dedicated screening room will also feature video works by additional Japanese artists.
📍 Meeting Locations
Please select your preferred meeting location on the registration form:
Tonari Gumi – Depart at 9:20 AM
Richmond–Brighouse Station – Arrive at 10:00 AM
Richmond Art Gallery – Arrive at 10:15 AM
🕐 Schedule
9:20 AM – Depart from Tonari Gumi
10:15 AM – Arrive at Richmond Art Gallery
10:30 AM – Tea time
11:00 AM – Guided tour with Asumi
12:00–12:30 PM – Tour ends
1:00 PM – Dim sum lunch
2:30 PM – Wrap up
💰 Participation Fee
Tonari Gumi Members: $5Non-members: $10
The participation fee does not include the cost of lunch.
🍽️ Dim Sum Lunch
Empire Seafood Restaurant
5951 Number 3 Rd, Unit 200, Richmond, BC V6X 2E3
After the gallery tour, we will enjoy dim sum together at Empire Seafood Restaurant.
As we need to confirm the number of people for the restaurant reservation, please indicate whether you will join the lunch when registering.
📝 Registration
Deadline for registration: September 18, 2026
Please register using the form below.
Register online here:
Please indicate your preferred meeting location and whether you will join the dim sum lunch when registering.
We look forward to enjoying a wonderful day of art, friendship and delicious dim sum together!
Poster
Messages from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society
Japanese Canadian Monument Opening Information – Updated Viewing Parties Information
The Japanese Canadian Monument will be unveiled in Victoria with a nation-wide livestream on October 3 attended by our survivors. The Monument will be open to all beginning October 4 with a series of guided tours on October 4, 5, 6 and 7. To learn more about the guided tours or to register, please visit: japanesecanadianmonument.eventbrite.ca
We are pleased to share the latest information on October 3 viewing parties being organized across the country. See the list below for details and contact information.
Join an October 3 Viewing Party with a Complimentary Meal or Snacks & Monument Souvenir Book
Currently, 15 viewing parties are being planned across the country where the opening ceremony will be live-streamed. A highlight video will be shared, showing all 100 panels and the building of the Monument. A complimentary meal or snacks will be served and a special commemorative book listing all names will be given to attendees. More information will be posted in the coming weeks.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
NANAIMO (7 Potatoes)
Location TBA
Contact: Tami Hirasawa info@sevenpotatoes.ca
UCLUELET (Ucluelet Community Centre, George Fraser Room)
500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet, BC
Contact: Claudia Cole claudia1@telus.net
BURNABY (Robert Nimi Nikkei Home)
6680 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC
Contact: Shihori Scott-Moncrieff hugsassistant@nikkeishc.com
STEVESTON (Wisteria Place)
4388 Garry St, Richmond, BC
Contact: Kelvin Higo kelvinhigo@gmail.com
SUNSHINE VALLEY (Tashme Museum)
14781 Alpine Blvd., Sunshine Valley, Hope, BC
Contact: Ryan Ellan tashmemuseum@gmail.com
KAMLOOPS (Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association)
160 Vernon Ave, Kamloops, BC
Contact: Kim Tabata contact@kjca.ca
NEW DENVER (Knox Hall)
521, 6th Avenue, New Denver, BC
Contact: Terri Simpson nikkei@newdenver.ca
ALBERTA
EDMONTON (Edmonton Japanese Community Association)
6750 88 Street NW, Edmonton, AB
Contact: Sanae Ohki events@ejca.org
CALGARY (Calgary Japanese Community Association)
2236 29 St SW, Calgary, AB
Contact: Roger Teshima rogerteshima@shaw.ca
LETHBRIDGE (Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden)
835 Mayor Magrath Drive S, Lethbridge, AB
Contact: Deanna Oye deanna.oye@uleth.ca
MANITOBA
WINNIPEG (Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba)
180 McPhillips Street Winnipeg, MB
Contact: Marlene Mori mmori@mymts.net
ONTARIO
HAMILTON (Hamilton NAJC)
45 Hempstead Dr, Hamilton, ON
Registration: zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/monument-livestream
TORONTO (Momiji Health Care)
3555 Kingston Rd, Toronto, ON
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Sakura Way Toronto, ON
More information on Toronto viewing parties at Momiji Health Care Society and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre will be shared in upcoming communications, including links to pre-register.
QUEBEC
MONTREAL (Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal)
8155 rue Rousselot, Montréal, QC
Contact: Susan Shoji Levesque centrejaponais@bellnet.ca
To stay up to date with the latest news, sign up for our newsletter at jclegacies.com/contact.
BC Heritage Sites September Openings: Abbotsford, Chemainus and Bowen Island
The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) is pleased to welcome the public to a series of heritage site openings taking place this September. Through the BC Heritage Sites and Legacy Community Projects programs, JCLS works with communities across British Columbia to preserve and share the history of Japanese Canadians, bringing greater awareness to places that reflect the province's rich Japanese Canadian heritage.
These sites help make histories that have long remained largely invisible more accessible, creating opportunities for new generations of British Columbians to learn about the experiences, contributions and enduring legacy of Japanese Canadians.
Survivors, Descendants and their families are warmly welcomed to attend these September opening events, along with all those interested in this important chapter of British Columbia's history.
Three openings will take place in September 2026:
1. Abbotsford – September 19
Westridge Park Reflection Space
The project will commemorate Abbotsford’s Japanese Canadian community builders. The reflection space will be located in an area which was once the heart of a thriving Japanese Canadian community.
Location: Westridge Park, Abbotsford, BC
Contact: Chandni Sharma: csharma@abbotsford.ca
2. Chemainus – September 19
Remembering and Honouring Japanese Canadians in Chemainus
An art installation that remembers and honours the Japanese Canadians in Chemainus through a large mural featuring a montage of three historical images: Japanese Canadians’ involvement in the fishing industry, the forestry industry and in the community.
Location: Croft Street (between Mill Street and Alder Street)
Contact: Shannon Bellamy: fomvicepresident@muraltown.com / Doreen Zielke: fomtreasurer@muraltown.com
3. Bowen Island – September 26
Nex̱wlélex̱wm Kyosei (共生) Peace Park
Making Peace with the Past – Creating Hope for the Future
Visitors are invited to explore the lives of Japanese Canadians on Nex̱wlélex̱m and Átl’ka7tsem prior to their forced removal during World War II in a modest timber structure looking out to Deep Bay.
Location: Sandy Beach Municipal Park, Bowen Island, BC
Contact: Kathryn Gaitens: bicurator@telus.net
For more information on upcoming openings, visit jclegacies.com/save-the-dates
*All details subject to change
Thank you for your Support!
The Japanese Community Volunteers Association, “Tonari Gumi” gratefully acknowledges and thanks the following people for their generous donations in July 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
Joyce Oikawa, Yuko Yasutake
In Memory of Helen Hiroko Ono
Mayme Uyeda, Mitsuko Sakamoto, Rod & Sharon Tanabe, Dick Wong
In Honour of my Parents Tomi & Nobuo Nishimura
Shawn Nishimura
In Celebration of Tae Helgeth’s 83rd Birthday
Tae Helgeth
In Honour of Butch Sakiyama
Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society
MONTHLY GIVING Monetary Donations (Online Donation)
Erica Yamashita, Takashi Sato, Thomas Kiyoshi Campbell, Tsutae Suzuki, Kazuo Futami, Anonymous (3)
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