Presbyterian Aged Care Northern Sydney recently hosted a special Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 31 March marking the formation of a new North Shore-based South African Chinese Seniors Social Group.
Over 65 seniors attended the event at PAC Northern Sydney’s community centre at Cutler Street North Ryde, some coming from as far away as the Hunter Valley. The oldest attendee was 95.
PAC Operations Manager Sharon Tong, herself of South African descent, came up with the idea. “I identified a need for a social group so that South African seniors of Chinese descent could meet and socialise together, bonded by their shared cultural heritage.”
The event was a huge success with attendees enjoying finger food and cakes, games, prizes and great conversation. There was a welcome South African Buttermilk Rusk biscuit for every guest.
Recent South African immigrant Teresa Leong and her husband Les helped organise the event, reaching out to seniors across NSW to raise awareness within the South African Chinese community. Teresa said the vibe at the event was fantastic, “There was an incredibly positive vibe in the room. The smiling faces said it all. The invitation to the event even went viral! South African Chinese seniors really needed a social group like this to connect with each other and socialise with peers from the same background. I’ve been inundated with enquiries about when the next event is going to be held!”.
The Social Group is Government-subsidised through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. People interested in finding out more information about the Group should contact PAC Northern Sydney on (02) 9888 3380.