LEM SI HO TONG
Over the past year, the younger members of the Lem Tong have been busy with various exciting activities organized by the Youth Group for the purpose of getting together and having fun. The members of the Youth Committee are anxious to continue in this direction, and are busily planning new events.
Are you curious about the Lem Society and its Youth Group? Have you been asking yourself why you should get involved, and what's in it for you? If these are your questions, then read on and find out the answers!
Over 80 years ago, the Tong was formed for the purpose of helping new immigrant members of the same Chinese clan or "family" to fit in and adjust to being in a strange country, adapting to a new culture, and living a different way of life. Our parents and grandparents must have surely benefited from their association with the Tong. Today however, many of us are first and second generation-born Canadians, and are not aware of or in tune with our Chinese heritage as we become more and more engrossed in the Canadian way of life. Our parents signed us up as youngster to be a part of the Tong in hopes that we may stay in touch with our community, and reap whatever benefits being a member would bring.
Being involved means getting to know other members of the Tong. We all come from different walks of life, we all have careers or career goals in different fields, and we all carry with us a sense of pride at being a "Lam, Lem, Lim, Lum, or Lin". We are all successes in our own way, and by getting involved, you can meet people and establish a network of friends who will share with you their interests and goals.
The Youth Group is also about association and fun. We are involved in various activities throughout the year i ncluding skiing, rock climbing, going to the movies, picnics, bowling, and a vast array of other activities that would tickle anybody's fancy. Not only will you meet other members of the Lem Youth Group, but you'll also meet members of the Wong and Lung Kong Youth Associations as we organize and attend events together. So take advantage of the activities that are planned for you and come on out to enjoy some good company and a whole lot of fun.
For over 18 years, the Tong has provided scholarship awards to all of its brightest and deserving student members to encourage continued success in school and in future endeavors. These financial prizes are a token of the Society's appreciation, and thus should act as an incentive for everyone to do their best in their academic studies. Just take a look at the impressive list of this year's scholarship and award winners.
The Youth Committee works hard to bring you many activities and experiences in which you might not otherwise consider participating by yourself. If you have ideas and/or suggestions for future events and activities, please feel free to give us a call. The committee also welcomes new volunteers, that is if you're courageous enough to join us! Also, everyone is invited on any weekend to visit the new Youth lounge and meeting place located at the back of the Tong. We hope all of the above incentives are enough to lure you to join us at our next event. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon.
Robert Lem,
Source: The Lem Link, Fall 1997