The Holiday Season is a joyous and happy time for all of us, and though this year does not resemble holidays past, we must continue to be kind to others and ourselves. I am immensely grateful for the hope that the vaccine offers to the world, knowing that the end of this challenging time is approaching. This year VAHMS cancelled all live events, including our annual fundraising Gala where we gather with friends and family to celebrate the end of explorASIAN and Asian Heritage Month in Canada. Though we struggled, we also had the opportunity to virtually transform explorASIAN and present it directly to your homes. In many ways, embracing digital platforms erased the distance between us, making it possible, for instance, for VAHMS to participate in the 2nd National Asian Heritage Month Symposium for the first time. We stood in solidarity with antiracism and inclusion campaigns, and connected with new communities beyond Metro-Vancouver. 

Now, the VAHMS team is working non-stop to prepare for explorASIAN 2021 when we will celebrate our 25th Anniversary. We want to come back stronger and produce more educational programs that support Asian-Canadian arts, culture and heritage, and we cannot do it without you. I am inviting you to join us. Your help is needed in the form of volunteering, becoming a member, or becoming a VAHMS donor. Together we can make our next Asian Heritage Month celebration a festival to be remembered. In the meantime, however you celebrate this Holiday Season, please stay safe, keep well, and may each of you have a joyous New Year. 

Kind Regards, 

Leticia Sanchez, President