By Pat Parungao
The Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society (PCHC-MoM) is proud to announce the relocation of its office from Vancouver’s historic Chinatown to a new home in the Grandview-Woodland community. The move was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) and advocacy of Dr. Patsy George, PCHC-MoM Honourary Advisor and longtime human rights advocate.
The new office, located at 2610 Victoria Drive, situates PCHC-MoM in a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood that reflects the organization’s mission to preserve and share the diverse stories of migration that have shaped Pacific Canada.
ISSofBC, a non-profit that provides vital support to immigrants and refugees across British Columbia, welcomed PCHC-MoM into the building it shares with several community organizations, including a VanCity branch. This collaboration represents more than just a change of address – it signals a deepened commitment to intercultural engagement and shared storytelling.
To mark the occasion, PCHC-MoM hosted a soft internal Open House on July 17, 2025, which coincided with the lead-up to Nelson Mandela International Day. The event brought together staff and volunteers from both organizations, as well as community supporters. In attendance were Dr. Patsy George and PCHC-MoM Co-Chair Stan De Mello; Directors David Pais and Pat Parungao; and volunteers and supporters including Nafisa Golwala, Javier Tarazona, KK Chu, Gigi Hui, Carmen Chavarri, Alex Anokwuru, Hayne Wai, and Kathleen Mackay. VanCity Business Account Manager Lucas Facchin, Capilano University Instructor Carrie Jung, and several ISSofBC staff members also joined in the celebration.
A Tribute to Nelson Mandela
Politician, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South African. October 11, 2013
<https://pixabay.com/vectors/politician-nelson-rolihlahla-mandela-150383/>.
The Open House was also a tribute to Nelson Mandela, whose life and values continue to inspire the work of organizations like PCHC-MoM. Mandela, who rose from political prisoner to become the first Black President of South Africa, is globally revered for his leadership in ending apartheid and his commitment to peace, reconciliation, and justice.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison -18 of them in a tiny concrete cell on Robben Island – for his activism against apartheid. Despite harsh conditions, he emerged with a message of unity and forgiveness. In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, jointly with then -President Frederik Willem de Klerk, for their efforts in peacefully transitioning South Africa to a democratic state.
Canada played a significant role in this global struggle. Under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Canada was one of the leading voices in the Commonwealth pressing for sanctions against the apartheid regime. Mandela acknowledged Canada’s unwavering support during a historic speech before the Canadian Parliament on June 18, 1990, in which he expressed gratitude and outlined his vision for a free and inclusive South Africa.
In recognition of his global impact, Mandela became the first living person to be made an honorary Canadian citizen in 2001 and was also invested as an Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada in 1998.
In 2009, the United Nations declared July 18 – Mandela’s birthday – as Nelson Mandela International Day, encouraging people worldwide to engage in community service and promote the values he championed.
Building on Shared Values
The alignment between ISSofBC and PCHC-MoM reflects Mandela’s ideals of inclusivity, community, and mutual respect. The organizations have collaborated in the past, notably during PCHC-MoM’s 2021 “Banquet of Stories” event, which featured stories of refugee resilience and sustainability.
Dr. Patsy George, speaking at PCHC-MoM Open House on July 17, 2025. Photo credit: Pat Parungao
“This move is more than just a change of office—it’s about deepening connections with communities that reflect the very fabric of our society,” said Dr. George. “And it is especially meaningful to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy as we open this new chapter.”
As PCHC-MoM settles into its new home, the organization looks forward to expanding its public programs and continuing to amplify the voices of those whose stories have shaped and enriched Pacific Canada.
From left: Carrie Jung, Nafisa Golwala, Carmen Chavarri, Alex Anokwuru, Javier Tarazona at ISSofBC. July 17, 2025. Photo credit: Pat Parungao
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