For Burnaby–Deer Lake MLA Anne Kang, the Lunar New Year is a time to bring the community together.
That’s why she’s hosting an event on Feb. 2 at Bonsor Recreation Centre to bring in the Year of the Pig. The celebration will have a special focus on seniors groups, she said, but will also welcome community members from all backgrounds, Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and Premier John Horgan.
There will be food, music, community booths and plenty of opportunity “to talk about life and catch up,” Kang said.
Last year, the NDP legislator hosted the event at her constituency office but roughly 500 people showed up over the course of the event after only 100 RSVP’d. So this year, Kang figured she needed a bigger venue.
Kang said the event helps her reconnect with constituents after spending so much of her time in Victoria.
The Lunar New Year holds a special place in several Asian cultures from China to Indonesia to Korea and more, she said. But Kang said the event is for everyone in the community, no matter their cultural background.
And the Year of the Pig brings with it positive traits to take to hear, Kang said. The pig, she said, is associated with loyalty and sincerity in Chinese culture.
The new year could also bring prosperity. Kang recalls hearing people say “We hope your envelope is as fat as a pig,” referring to the red pouch stuffed with cash and gifted to friends and family at this time of year.
While all the free tickets to the event have already been claimed, Kang said everyone is welcome to come for the last portion of the event after 2 p.m.
