ALAN LAM m.eng., p.eng.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto

SPENT TIME WITH THE COMMUNITY

Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic has created in virtually every facet of our individual lives, there has also been a consistent, powerful, and collective movement within our community to come together — while apart. At the Chinese Cultural Centre, we consider ourselves stewards of human compassion within our community, spanning ages, cultures, backgrounds, and socio-economic statuses. We have been moved and inspired by the generosity of individuals and organizations as we have all striven to combat this novel threat.

We launched a fundraising campaign, “One Mask at a Time”, in mid-March to purchase PPE (masks) to distribute to the most vulnerable seniors and frontline medical workers working in long term care facilities in the community. Fear, isolation, uncertainty, complete loss of already limited independence, or a decrease in caregiver visits can all be mitigated with the help of a single mask. “One Mask at a Time” is a novel campaign for a novel challenge. Masks are a highly effective tool for personal protection in order to continue some semblance of normalcy to run our minimal errands, but they are practically unattainable for seniors living alone who have no avenue to get them.

In about eight weeks, CCC raised $230,000 in total and delivered masks to 22 long term care facilities, 22 senior apartment buildings and over 70 multicultural organizations with senior membership. An Appreciation Wall will be set up at the Centre to recognize the unique collaborative efforts of the community during this unprecedented time.