The following is found on pages 10-11

TODD WONG

His Words:
"This is what Canadian society is all about, introducing each other to our cultures and welcoming other cultures into our families."

A New Idea

Gung Haggis Fat Choy.  What do you think that is?  It sounds like Gung Hei Fat Choy, which is what many people say to each other to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  But haggis is the national dish of Scotland!  To understand Gung Haggis Fat Choy, you need to meet Todd Wong.  It was all his idea.

Todd Wong is a Chinese Canadian whose family has lived in BC since the 1800's.  In 1993, Todd was a student at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby BC.  On January 25, Robbie Burns Day was to be celebrated.  On that date each year, people of Scottish origin celebrate the life of their national poet, Robert Burns.  Todd was asked to help with the celebration, but siad no.  He just couldn't picture himself dressed in a Scottish kilt.  It was too weird! But no one else would volunteer, so Todd finally agreed.  This was the start of something big!

What a Party!

Now, let's go back to Gung Haggis Fat Choy.  In 1998, Chinese New Year and Robbie Burns Day were only two days apart.  Todd planned to cook a Chinese New Year's dinner for some friends.  Why not combine the celebration with Robbie Burns Day? he thought.  And so the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dinner began.  For that day, Todd would be known as Toddish McWong.  To entertain his guests, he would play Scottish songs on his accordion.  He would read poetry by Asian Canadians and Robbie Burns.

That party was a great success.  The next year's party was an even greater success.  In following years, more and more people attended.  There are now hundreds of guests and everyone enjoys delicious food and great entertainment.  The money raised goes to project such as the Asian Canadian Writers' Workshop.  Todd has been heard on radio across Canada and in Scotland.  One simple idea has touched so many people.

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