Thousands Gather in Toronto to Celebrate

the 40th Anniversary of the Enping Fellowship Association

 

On October 19, 2025, the Enping Fellowship Association of Toronto held a grand banquet at Casa Victoria Fine Dining to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Nearly one thousand guests attended the celebration, including representatives of Enping communities from the United States, South America, mainland China, and Hong Kong; officials from Canada’s federal, provincial, and municipal governments; leaders of friendly organizations; business professionals; Association members; and media representatives. Together, they marked a joyful and memorable evening.

 

Distinguished Guests and Messages of Congratulations

 

The celebration welcomed a wide range of political and community leaders who attended in person to offer their congratulations. Distinguished guests included the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; Members of Parliament Jean Yip and Michael Ma; Cheng Hongbo, Acting Consul General of China in Toronto; Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament Billy Pang, Logan Kanapathi, and Aris Babikian; Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham; David West, Mayor of Richmond Hill; Alan Ho, Deputy Mayor of Markham; Joe Chan, Deputy Mayor of Richmond Hill; Toronto City Councillor Jamaal Myers; York Region Councillor Li Guoxian; York Region Councillor and Chair of Markham’s Economic, Trade and Cultural Development Committee He Huijing; Markham City Councillors Yang Yiqing, Amanda Yeung, and Liu Zhaolin; Richmond Hill City Councillors Cui Binghui and Shao Haoran; as well as Judy Yeung, assistant to Member of Parliament Paul Chiang, among many others. Their presence reflected strong support for and warm congratulations to the Enping Fellowship Association of Toronto.

 

In addition, although unable to attend in person, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Luo Weidong, Consul General of China in Toronto, Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, Ontario Minister for Seniors Raymond Cho, Ontario MPP Wai Chiu Peggy Pho, Vincent Ho, and other officials sent congratulatory messages to mark the Association’s 40th anniversary.

 

Congratulatory letters were also received from the Guangdong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, the Enping Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the Enping Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, as well as Enping associations, chambers of commerce, alumni groups, and fellowship organizations from multiple cities in the United States, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Western Canada. Community organizations such as the Toronto Chinese Associations Federation and the Canada–China Construction Association also conveyed their sincere congratulations.

 

Honouring Forty Years · Moving Forward Together

 

In his keynote address, President Cen Zhenliang (Sum Joe) reflected on four decades of growth and dedication. Since its founding in 1985, the Enping Fellowship Association of Toronto has remained committed to its principles of unity, mutual support, cultural heritage, and development—serving fellow townspeople, strengthening community bonds, promoting Chinese culture, and actively supporting community initiatives.

 

Today, the Association has grown to more than 28,000 members, making it one of the largest and most influential Chinese community organizations in Canada. President Cen noted that the anniversary celebration was not only a festive occasion, but also a moment to honour history and pay tribute to earlier generations. Enping immigrants, like many Chinese pioneers, crossed oceans and contributed significantly to the building of Canada’s railways and its economic development. Their dedication and sacrifices laid the foundation for today’s Chinese Canadian communities.

 

Looking ahead, the Enping Fellowship Association of Toronto will continue to uphold its proud traditions, strengthen community connections, promote cultural exchange, serve the community, and give back to society—working together toward an even brighter future.

 

 

Enping Fellowship Association of Toronto, Canada

“2025 — Roots and Reunion” Homecoming Visit

 

On March 13, 2025, the Enping Fellowship Association of Toronto organized a 50-member homecoming delegation, led by President Cen Zhenliang, for a six-day visit to Enping. The journey, themed “Roots and Reunion 2025,” aimed to help overseas members gain a deeper understanding of recent developments in their hometown, reconnect with their cultural heritage, and strengthen ties between overseas communities and Enping.

 

During their time in Enping, the delegation visited several towns and industrial areas to learn about progress in urban development, local industries, and cultural preservation. Through on-site visits and exchanges, participants gained a clearer appreciation of improvements in infrastructure, environmental conditions, and overall community development.

 

The itinerary also included visits to historical and cultural sites such as the former residence of Wu Youheng in Shahu and the hometown of Feng Ru in Niujing. Surrounded by rich historical context, members reflected on the achievements of earlier generations and deepened their understanding of local heritage. The delegation further toured Dahuai, Naji Shitou Village, Jinshan Hot Springs, Dongcheng, Encheng, Pingshi, and Dong’an, experiencing the region’s natural landscapes and local traditions.

 

During the visit, the delegation engaged in friendly exchanges with local community representatives and relevant organizations, discussing hometown development, cultural preservation, and future areas for continued dialogue and cooperation. Participants widely shared that the trip strengthened their emotional connection to Enping and enhanced their understanding of its ongoing transformation.

 

Following the Enping visit, the delegation traveled to Guangzhou, where they toured landmark attractions including Canton Tower, a Pearl River evening cruise, and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, gaining broader insight into the history and urban development of the Lingnan region.

 

This six-day homecoming visit allowed overseas members to experience firsthand the vitality and progress of their hometown, while further promoting cultural exchange and community connection. “Roots and Reunion” represents not only a journey, but also a reaffirmation of cultural identity and shared heritage.

 

The Enping Fellowship Association of Toronto will continue to promote cultural exchange and engagement between overseas members and their hometown, fostering meaningful connections while supporting multicultural understanding and community collaboration.