About Us
Create beautiful memories in your golden years
About Us
Create beautiful memories in your golden years
The Oi Kwan Foundation was formed in 1974 by the members of the Chinese United Church and the Calgary Presbytery, with the primary aim of caring for the elderly, to relieve their poverty and to assist in making their retirement years productive and fulfilling. A strong need was identified at the time in the area of caring for Calgary’s aging population of Chinese immigrants, a people who have contributed much to the development of Western Canada’s economic and social growth.
The first project of the foundation was the construction and opening, in 1976, of Oi Kwan Place; a 56-suite senior citizen’s apartment next door to the Chinese United Church, built on property owned by the Church. Wai Kwan Manor is the second project, built across from the Chinese Cultural Centre in 1986 with a total of 126 units. Wai Kwan Manor is owned by AHMC and managed by the Foundation.
Get to know us
Our Mission
& Our Vision
Our Mission
Given a safe and caring environment to call home, everyone can reach their full potential
We advocate for inclusion and diversity, socialization opportunities; safe, vibrant, and engaged spiritual living.
Our Vision
Oi Kwan Foundation supports safe and secure, empowered and purposeful retirement living for seniors.
Donations Per Year
Years Of Experience
Local Volunteer
Weekly Activities
by Oi Kwan Foundation
Oi Kwan Foundation organizes multiple weekly activities, including, Chinese Opera, Moh-Jong, Calligraphy, Karaoke, Tai Chi course, English Lessons, Cantonese Opera & Instrumental and Bingo.
Looking For The Best Place to Enjoy Your Old Age?
On May 5, 1985, the Oi Kwan Foundation and the Alberta Mortgage and Housing Corporation opened Wai Kwan Manor, a senior citizen’s residence of 126 one bedroom apartments located in Calgary’s Chinatown at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 1st Street SW – $8.9 million project.
President
Vice President
Margot has an Urban Planning Degree from Mount Royal University and is now a licensed insurance broker working as a Business Development Manager at Lundgren & Young Ltd.
Secretary
Fiona is Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada, with many years of experience working in bot the Oil & Gas industry as well as in public practice. She is a certified teacher in Alberta, and has previously held a leadership role at the Chinese School
Treasurer
Leonard is a Chartered Professional Accountant who served as Vice-President of Tax for Suncor Energy where he was responsible for stewardship of the Enterprise Tax. He has holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Director
Thomas is a former professor of Health Economics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He is currently the Publisher of Canada 88 News.
Director
Dale Lee Kwong is third-generation Chinese-Canadian, and a native Calgarian. She was involved in Youth Group at Chinese United in the 1970s and 80s. She Graduated from Ryerson with a BAA in Radio and Television.
Director
Lily holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is a CFA charter holder. She has a diverse professional background, having worked in banking as an investment consultant and in dispute resolution within the oil and gas sector. After traveling abroad for two years, Lily discovered her passion for volunteering and helping others, which she now fully dedicates herself to. In the past, she has volunteered teaching financial management to high school students and rebuilding schools in the Caribbean. Lily enjoys spending time with her partner and their dog, often embarking on outdoor adventures together.
Director
Our Team
The staff members of the Foundation are competent employees who strive to provide the best living environment for the residents and create a supportive, nurturing and inclusive community.
Frank Lam
Chief Administrative Officer
Prior to his role at Oi Kwan, Frank worked as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Specialist in technology companies before spending months travelling in Asia and then returning to Calgary. Frank enjoys traveling, drinking tea and listening to folk music.
Bangchun Li
Maintenance Technician
Mr Li is the new Maintenance Technician at Wai Kwan Manor. He is responsible for maintenance projects and managing HVAC systems.
Danna Li
Custodian
Danna is the Custodian for Oi Kwan and she is responsible for the housekeeping and upkeep of the building.
Stephanie Zhou
Accountant
Stephanie is the accountant for Oi Kwan Foundation. She is responsible for the account payable, account receivable and financial statement of the organization.
Pam joined the board in 2015 and is retired from a career public education. A lifelong volunteer, Pam is active in her faith community and several not-for-profit organizations