October 7, 2025, Pickering, Ontario —
The “Blossoms and Full Moon: Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration” was successfully held at the Church Hall, 2145 Brock Road, Pickering. The event was co-hosted by the Dulan Forever Young Activity Center and the Association of Certified Professional Nutritionists (ACPN), with the International Culture Federation (ICF) as co-organizer. Nearly one hundred participants gathered to celebrate reunion and gratitude through songs, dance, traditional food, and cultural exchange.
This event was partially funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, aiming to enhance seniors’ social engagement and mental well-being through hands-on culinary and cultural experiences.
The celebration began at 9:00 a.m. with a warm welcome speech by Ms. Qian Caixia, President of the Dulan Forever Young Activity Center. Guests of honor included Ms. Kristin from Culture Link CCMP, Ms. Maggie Yu, Director of ACPN, and Mr. Jim Tai, representative of ICF. In her remarks, Ms. Yu emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition in maintaining health and vitality among seniors, while Mr. Tai congratulated the organizers for creating such a meaningful cultural gathering. Vice President Mr. Chen Qiaosheng reviewed recent community achievements and recognized outstanding participants in Toronto’s first and second Senior Games.
The morning program featured a rich array of performances — the opening chorus “Jasmine Flower” and “Pear Blossoms Again” evoked nostalgia, while fashion and qipao shows brought elegance and modern charm. Traditional performances such as Five-Animal Exercises, Tai Chi Fan, Chinese Drum Dance, and Wudang Sword embodied the harmony of strength and grace in Chinese culture. The finale, “Let’s Meet Again in 20 Years,” deeply moved the audience, many of whom were brought to tears.
During the lunch session, participants made snow-skin mooncakes and sushi together, enjoying a shared culinary experience that symbolized reunion and creativity. The beautiful mooncakes and colorful sushi reflected both tradition and modern delight.
The afternoon resumed with poetry recitations, solo and instrumental performances, and martial arts demonstrations, creating a vibrant mix of artistic expression. Highlights included the recitation “Answer to Aging,” saxophone and electric wind instrument duet “Painting You,” and patriotic songs such as “I Am a Soldier” and “Return from Target Practice.”
The event concluded in laughter and applause, leaving participants with cherished memories. It was more than a cultural performance — it was a heartfelt connection between generations and communities, a celebration of friendship that transcends cultural boundaries.
“We remember today and look forward to tomorrow,” said one organizer. “May the warmth of reunion and gratitude continue year after year.”
2025.10.11 Toronto