Former Refugees to Support Ukraine Through Food in Vancouver
byThe family behind Vancouver’s beloved Anh and Chi, having been former refugees from Vietnam themselves, is launching a campaign to help raise emergency funds for Ukraine via the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Canada.
Former Refugees to Support Ukraine Through Food in Vancouver
📍 Anh and Chi (3388 Main St, Vancouver)
From now until May 15, 2022 (Asian Heritage Month), proceeds from Anh and Chi’s Reservation-By-Donation program will be donated to the cause, contributing to the expected four million displaced Ukrainians with safe shelter, food and necessities. Brother and sister duo owners Amelie Nguyen and Vincent Nguyen are matching donations up to $5,000.
In addition, on Friday March 25, 2022, the Lac Viet Education Society, along with several Vietnamese community leaders, are hosting a fundraising banquet with live music, silent auction, and 50/50 draw. Up to 700 entrepreneurs, nonprofit community members, and influential leaders from across the Lower Mainland are anticipated to attend.
“Our parents, Lý and Hoàng Nguyễn, arrived in Vancouver as Vietnamese refugees by boat in 1980 and what is happening in Ukraine reminds our family of that devastating time – the displacement of so many women, children and seniors,” explains Amelie. “I was starting to feel helpless with the tragedy over in Ukraine, not to mention other ongoing crises around the world, until our family friends Tammy Dao and Nhung Davis of Lac Viet Education Society reached out to us to fundraise for Ukraine.”
This is the first time Anh and Chi’s community of staff, patrons, family and friends are supporting an international cause.
Anh and Chi is not only known for their delicious Vietnamese fare, natural BC wine, creative craft cocktails and exceptional service, but also their community of passionate creatives, entrepreneurs, and caring industry folks and patrons who come together for collective action. As a pivot during COVID-19 to up safety (less crowding) and support local communities, the independent eatery’s Reservation-By-Donation program was initiated and continues to make an impact.
Anh and Chi’s Reservation-by-Donation program has raised over $50,000 for local charities since December 2020. Their community of patrons have donated to local organizations that focuses on food security, housing, mental health counselling and necessities, especially with BIPOC, hardly reached, marginalized and at-risk youth and families.
The Anh and Chi team thanks their guests – with their support and donations, 100 percent of their gifts were given to:
- $19,770 to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
- $10,900 to Creative Greater Vancouver Food Bank
- $5430 to the Vancouver Black Therapy Fund
- $5320 to Backpack Buddies
- $3000 to the BC Hospitality Fund
- $2180 to The Bloom Group
- $1160 to Elimin8hate
- $1070 to Directions Youth Services
- $860 to Immigrant Services Society of BC
Guests have the option to book a table – $10 per person – in advance through their online Reservation-By-Donation program. All proceeds go directly to the selected charity. Local nonprofit organizations are nominated by staff and patrons via email or social media. There are always three to four nonprofits for guests to choose from, changing every three to six months. Reservations are not required to dine at Anh and Chi – walk-in guests are warmly welcomed.
Support the BC Vietnamese Canadians Fundraiser for Ukraine by sponsoring a gift for the auction, joining the benefit dinner, and/or donating to this campaign benefiting UNHCR-Canada directly.
Guests can book a table via Anh and Chi’s Reservation-By-Donation today. All donations to the UNHCR-Canada will be matched up until May 15th, 2022.
