When Ricky Liu and his wife, Ally Guo, moved to P.E.I. to start a new business last fall, they found it difficult to adjust to their new surroundings.
Whether it was learning driving rules or locating the closest Chinese grocery, there was a learning curve.
“As new immigrants we really experienced a lot of issues and challenges like understanding the local culture,” says Liu, who is from China.
Now, after a year of navigating the various systems necessary to purchase a house, run their business and connect with the community they want to make things easier for other new immigrants.
“We think we can share the things we learned with people they can avoid making the same mistakes.”
For that reason they have opened a centre for newcomers at Gigigu, their business complex, located at 36 Fourth St. in the West Royalty Industrial Park in Charlottetown.
“Our plan is to have a community centre, a place where everyone can settle down, have a chat and share everything they know about P.E.I.
“But we are not just doing this for Chinese immigrants, we are welcoming different people in from different communities so we can bring together a bigger family. This is the time to bring it into reality,” says Guo.
The centre officially opened Friday morning with 200 people in attendance including friends and neighbours, dignitaries and representatives of various immigrant organizations.
“It’s great to bring groups of people with a common background, language and culture together in a physical space. It’s a great benefit, says Craig Mackie, executive director P.E.I. Newcomers Association of P.E.I.
The couple also donated office space to the Chinese Canadian Association of Prince Edward Island (CCAPEI).
“It’s a community place for activities and communications. Thank you to Gigigu, from the Chinese community,” says Paul FuGe Yen, CCAPEI president.
“It’s a kind gesture.”
Already there are activities planned.
Tomorrow, Saturday, there’s a Chinese farmer’s market at the site from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Friends have donated gifts to the new organization. These items will be up for sale with the proceeds going to the Charlottetown Food Bank.
“We want to give back to the community,” says Guo.
The Chinese Embassy also plans to use the facility when they visit P.E.I. on Saturday, Oct. 8.
“In the past, they were always moving around, looking for hotels to hold their meetings. We offered our place so everyone will be comfortable,” says Liu.
QUICK FACTS
- Gigigu is an E-commerce business in Charlottetown owned by Ricky Liu and Ally Guo. Website is http://gigigu.com.
- A community centre is available to immigrant groups. For more information visit Gigiju, 36 Fourth St. in the West Royalty Industrial Park.
- A community website will be up shortly.
[email protected] @SallyForth57
When Ricky Liu and his wife, Ally Guo, moved to P.E.I. to start a new business last fall, they found it difficult to adjust to their new surroundings.
Whether it was learning driving rules or locating the closest Chinese grocery, there was a learning curve.
“As new immigrants we really experienced a lot of issues and challenges like understanding the local culture,” says Liu, who is from China.
Now, after a year of navigating the various systems necessary to purchase a house, run their business and connect with the community they want to make things easier for other new immigrants.
“We think we can share the things we learned with people they can avoid making the same mistakes.”
For that reason they have opened a centre for newcomers at Gigigu, their business complex, located at 36 Fourth St. in the West Royalty Industrial Park in Charlottetown.
“Our plan is to have a community centre, a place where everyone can settle down, have a chat and share everything they know about P.E.I.
“But we are not just doing this for Chinese immigrants, we are welcoming different people in from different communities so we can bring together a bigger family. This is the time to bring it into reality,” says Guo.
The centre officially opened Friday morning with 200 people in attendance including friends and neighbours, dignitaries and representatives of various immigrant organizations.
“It’s great to bring groups of people with a common background, language and culture together in a physical space. It’s a great benefit, says Craig Mackie, executive director P.E.I. Newcomers Association of P.E.I.
The couple also donated office space to the Chinese Canadian Association of Prince Edward Island (CCAPEI).
“It’s a community place for activities and communications. Thank you to Gigigu, from the Chinese community,” says Paul FuGe Yen, CCAPEI president.
“It’s a kind gesture.”
Already there are activities planned.
Tomorrow, Saturday, there’s a Chinese farmer’s market at the site from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Friends have donated gifts to the new organization. These items will be up for sale with the proceeds going to the Charlottetown Food Bank.
“We want to give back to the community,” says Guo.
The Chinese Embassy also plans to use the facility when they visit P.E.I. on Saturday, Oct. 8.
“In the past, they were always moving around, looking for hotels to hold their meetings. We offered our place so everyone will be comfortable,” says Liu.
QUICK FACTS
- Gigigu is an E-commerce business in Charlottetown owned by Ricky Liu and Ally Guo. Website is http://gigigu.com.
- A community centre is available to immigrant groups. For more information visit Gigiju, 36 Fourth St. in the West Royalty Industrial Park.
- A community website will be up shortly.
