Golden Age Village’s Strategy for Vancouver’s Vietnamese Seniors

Chào Quý Vị / Hello everyone,

My name is Tuan Pham, Project Manager for Golden Age Village Foundation of BC. The Golden Age Village Foundation of British Columbia (GAVFBC) is dedicated to establishing a multicultural Elderly Care Centre in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

Thank you for showing interest in this project.

The Feature: Why "Cultural Care" is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

cartoon drawing of a child depicted as a turtle translating for their parents during a parent-teacher conference

As Vietnamese immigrants growing up in Canada, many of us had to act as the translator for our parents who spoke limited English. In our community, we can laugh about the "Parent-Teacher" meetings where we had to translate for our parents. But as our elders age, that language barrier isn't funny anymore—it can lead to other risks.

Did you know that in a world-class city like Vancouver, there are currently zero government-funded, culturally specific elder care beds dedicated to the Vietnamese community? When our seniors can’t tell a nurse they are in pain, or when they stop eating because the food is unfamiliar, their health declines rapidly.

Building Our Mandate for 2400 Kingsway

Since February 12, GAV has led high-level advocacy meetings with City of Vancouver planners, Mayoral advisor David Grewal, and City Councillors to advocate for a Vietnamese senior care hub at 2400 Kingsway.

Our objective is to secure a 99-year nominal lease for 100 eldercare units and a 15,000 sq. ft. Multicultural Centre. To win this "carve-out," we must prove the scale of community demand. We need your help to reach our goal of 100+ completed "Need and Demand" surveys. This data is the evidence City Hall requires to prioritize our community. Please complete the survey today as a caregiver to seniors or on their behalf, even if you don't live in Vancouver. It is our strongest tool for the July Public Hearing.

Interesting Fact: The Geographic Heart

Why Kingsway? Because the data tells us this is where we belong.

• Vietnamese is the 4th most common mother tongue in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage (KCC) neighbourhood.

• The concentration of Vietnamese speakers here is 3x the city-wide average.

• This district houses 7000 seniors—the highest absolute number in Vancouver.

How You Can Help This Month

We have a goal to reach 100+ surveys by May 31. This document directly addresses the local senior housing crisis to ensure the City prioritizes eldercare at 2400 Kingsway.

It takes less than 2-3 minutes and provides us with the mandate we need for the July Public Hearing.

1. English-only version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2ZCVYH9 

2. Vietnamese/English version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/66DSW7X 

3. Forward this blog to one family member or professional in your circle and have them complete a survey.

4. Join the Conversation: Follow our progress and share stories on our Facebook Group

Thank you for being part of this village. Together, we are ensuring that "culture, community, and care" finally come together.

Trân trọng,

Tuan Pham 

Golden Age Village Foundation of BC