ANOTHER HOME
Truong family celebrating 40th anniversary of arriving in P.E.I. as refugees
Truong family marks 40 years since landing in P.E.I.
The Truong family has visited P.E.I. off and on for the last four decades.
“It’s like another home. All these memories of coming here when I was younger are embedded into my mind, I love everything about this place,” said Jennifer Truong, the family’s youngest daughter.
Their story in Canada began in 1979, on P.E.I.
Hai and Anh Truong dreamt of a better life for their family. They lived in war-torn Vietnam, during the time of the SinoVietnamese war.
“We wanted to leave because Vietnam was a communist country back then, no one felt safe. We were thinking about the future for our children,” said Anh.
The Truongs, their infant son, Michael, and Hai’s sister, fled Vietnam by boat, along with 272 other refugees.
During their escape, the boat was attacked by Thai robbers.
“At first, we thought they were sailing to us to help. But they had knives and guns, they took everything from us,” recalled Hai.
When they arrived at the shores of Malaysia, they didn’t know where they were, or who to go to.
“I remember asking what country we were in. I had no idea where we landed, or if we were OK,” said Hai.
The Red Cross took the Truongs to Kota Bharu refugee camp, waiting for a country to take them in.
“We waited in that camp for six months. Many people waited for a long time for America, but when we heard of Canada, we knew it would be good, it would be safe,” said Anh.
The Truongs were relocated to P.E.I. in October 1979, sponsored by the Bedeque United Church.
“Our sponsors were so amazing and kind. They paid for our schooling to learn English. They gave us a home.”
After two years in P.E.I., in 1981, the family moved to Calgary, Alta, to be closer to Anh’s family.
Today, the Truongs live in Toronto, as do their three adult children Michael, Cindy and Jennifer.
“I’m very emotional towards P.E.I. It reminds me of the stories my parents have told us, and even though I wasn’t there for it, it makes me appreciate life and what I have; what my parents have done for me,” said Jennifer.
Although Michael didn’t know the struggles his parents endured, he knew there were people who helped along the way.
“Growing up, I didn’t really understand what my parents had to go through to get us here. But my parents always spoke highly of the people who helped us. Coming back to the Island, you see and hear stories of what these people did for our family. I cherish the time we get to spend on P.E.I. and with the people who are still here.”
The eldest daughter, Cindy, said she’s grateful to the people who helped her family 40 years ago.
“It’s incredible to know there are people like this that exist in the world. You hear stories of these kinds of families, it’s hard to admit that your family is one of those stories. To me, P.E.I. is this special place, filled with really good people.”
Catherine Callbeck, who played a role helping the Truong family as part of a committee of the Bedeque United Church, says she and other church members are pleased see the family prospering.
“It’s a wonderful story, how Hai and Anh wanted to give their family a better life, and they’ve certain succeeded. The entire community is extremely proud them,” she said.
Catherine Stuart, the current minister at the Bedeque United Church, took the opportunity to greet the Truongs during their visit.
“The church is so excited see the family and to hear their story. As Canadians, we take a lot for granted. Their story reminds of what the world can be like and how we should respond in love, kindness and compassion. And how that love can transform lives.”
It’s important to continue sponsoring in our community, said Stuart.
“We actually sponsored a Syrian family in 2017. Here in P.E.I., we have so much to offer and we can learn from these families too. It’s important we know about the world and people outside of this Island and hear what others have gone through.”
The Truongs plan to one day visit Anh’s hometown of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Siagon, in Vietnam to look back at their family history.