“I still recall, as a kid, seeing the four-story-high firecracker roar to life during Chinese New Year. Everyone was cheering ecstatically, dancing and waving sparklers to the beat of the festive drums. We would wear our new clothes and shoes and go to our relatives’ houses to collect red packets and have reunion dinner together. I miss those days!

Even though a lot has changed, especially with COVID-19 disrupting everyone’s plans, I’m just thankful that we have our health. We are also grateful to the staff at AWWA Active Ageing Centre (AAC) for caring and planning activities for us to stay engaged and healthy. We have been with AAC for many years and have met many old friends along the way.

With Chinese New Year around the corner, we are looking forward to the family reunion, where everyone puts aside their busy schedules and come together as a family to have fun. We wish everyone a very happy Chinese New Year!”