Bringing together the Chinese community
672. Wendy Choi
Wendy Choi is tackling loneliness and isolation amongst older people in the Birmingham Chinese community with a range of events and activities designed to help them celebrate and enjoy their heritage.
Over the last ten years her popular monthly lunch club has provided over 15,000 meals to elderly locals, many of whom live alone, strengthening their sense of community by providing an opportunity to see old acquaintances and make new friends. She runs regular day trips and organises cultural events that attract audiences of hundreds keen to socialise and immerse themselves in Chinese culture. This month she is helping to organise a large-scale Chinese Cultural Show at The ICC Birmingham, with over 1,000 people expected to attend, and has secured sponsorship for 250 free tickets for older people.
Prime Minister Theresa May presented Wendy with her award at a Downing Street reception for Chinese New Year.
In a personal letter to Wendy, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“You are doing so much to tackle the loneliness and isolation that can affect people in their later years. The lunches and events you organise are supporting older people in the Birmingham Chinese community to celebrate and enjoy their rich heritage while seeing old acquaintances and making new friends.”
Wendy said:
“I would like to thank the Points of Light for recognising me for something I feel genuinely very happy and rewarding to do. Helping and caring for the elders in our community is something we should all do and for someone to say ‘well done’ for this, I feel very humble and honoured. I hope I can inspire others to look after our elders, those who brought us up and will continue to think of events, activities and outings for our community. Thank you very much.”