On behalf of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society, thank you for making this year’s tournament and fundraiser such an extraordinary success!
On Friday, May 30, 2025, the 18th Annual Nikkei Place Charity Classic, presented by Kami Insurance Agencies and withinUs, kicked off in spectacular fashion at Riverway Golf Course. For the first time in the tournament’s history, we had an Opening Ceremony — it featured an exhilarating taiko drumming performance by Shinobu Homma that provided a memorable start to the day! Guests also heard warm welcome remarks from Cathy Makihara, President of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society, and City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, setting a meaningful tone for the day ahead.
Whether you joined us on the course, cheered us on from afar, bid on auction items, or contributed as a donor or sponsor, your support helps ensure that our seniors continue to receive the care, connection, and respect they deserve.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our participants, sponsors, and donors, we exceeded our fundraising goal and raised $80,000 in support of senior health and wellness programs. With a generous matching donation from Ken and Junko Shinozaki, the total net proceeds reached an astounding $160,000—doubling the impact of all contributions and helping more seniors in our community beat the odds!
This amount will go directly to support life-enhancing programs that serve over 270 seniors per week. These include our bento meal delivery service, exercise classes, and Iki Iki dementia-friendly wellness activities, which foster social connection, promote physical and emotional health, and support independence.
Learn more about our seniors programs here.
This year’s tournament was filled with sunshine, friendly competition, and an inspiring sense of community. Memorable moments include:
- Inaugural Opening Ceremony featuring a taiko drumming performance by Shinobu Homma from Chibi Taiko
- Golf Pro Lindy Miyashiro’s amazing hole-in-one that garnered cheers on and off the course
- Exciting on-course contests like Hit the Net and Putting Contest
- An outdoor photobooth by Magik Moments
- A lively post-tournament reception in the clubhouse featuring a signature buffet dinner, auction, prizes and draws.
Congratulations to our tournament champs!
A photo gallery featuring moments from the day, team photos taken near the putting contest, and photobooth, is now available!
From joyful laughter on the green to meaningful moments at the reception, it was a day that reminded us why we all gathered: to honour our elders, and to ensure they can continue to thrive.
The Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society is also pleased to share that Ken and Junko Shinozaki have deepened their impact with an additional $20,000 donation for a new seniors’ initiative. We look forward to unveiling more details soon!
We invite you to mark your calendars and join us again next year for the 19th Annual Nikkei Place Charity Classic on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Riverway Golf Course.