Cultural, Educational, and Adorable Family Activities All Happening at Lansdowne Centre
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Credit: Lansdowne Centre Mid-Autumn Festival, September, 2023
To celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in line with the folklore of the Jade Rabbit on the moon, Lansdowne Centre welcomed real furry rabbits as part of education on abandoned rabbits, a continued problem in Richmond (and other cities). Giant moon, furry rabbits, handmade traditional lanterns tunnel were on display to share the cultural meaning with all communities and families, learning some cultural tidbits. “With our deep roots in Richmond for the past 45 years, we always celebrate the cultural festivities with our communities. What is a better way to combine rabbit and the moon ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival during the Year of the Rabbit? As well, the International Rabbit Day this year falls on September 23,” says Bronwyn Bailey, Marketing Manger, Lansdowne Centre. “More importantly, we welcome Rabbitats Rescue Society to educate us on what it means to adopt a rabbit as a pet and the growing problem of abandoned rabbits.” “Mid-Autumn: Meet the Bunnies under the Moon” was a free, family event that included activities such as Meet and Treat interaction with the bunnies, photo with a bunny and Chang‘e in front of a lantern wall, lanterns tunnel with riddle guessing game, local artisan market, rabbit information booths, children’s arts & craft, and lots of prizes to be won. (In support of Rabbitats Rescue Society). Rabbitats Rescue Society started in 2011 and has since rescued over 2000 rabbits. However, more work needed to be done before the population got even more out of control. Right then, there were still thousands of abandoned rabbits and their feral offspring who needed shelter, food, neutering, and vaccination. Rescue, control, and management were the key roles. “Events like this allow us to interact with the public and provide accurate information. The Society is operated entirely with the help of volunteers; and we thank them. The event is really a thank you from the rabbits – and the rabbit rescuers – to the Asian community for their tremendous support over the last Year of the Rabbit and really over the past decade,” says Rabbitats founder Sorelle Saidman. “I’d guess close to half of our volunteers, fosters, adopters and donors are Asian, and it was stressful hearing some anti-animal tropes directed at the community especially during Covid, so we thought we should set the record straight.” Folklore - Once upon a time in ancient China, a mighty but ruthless king named Hou Yi was known for his incredible strength and archery skills. Later on, Hou Yi came across a mystical elixir that promised immortality. His wife, the loving and beautiful Chang'e, couldn't bear to see her people suffer under her husband's brutal governance. She consumed the elixir and ascended to the ethereal Moon Palace. Two immortal rabbits were touched by Chang'e's sacrifice and wished to send a companion to her side. Their children volunteered to help. After thoughtful consideration, they selected the youngest daughter, a tender and courageous soul named Little Jade Rabbit. With tearful farewells to her family, Little Jade Rabbit embarked on a journey to the Moon Palace, where she would keep Chang'e company for eternity. |
PROJECT DETAILSClient: Lansdowne Centre
Date: September 23-24, 2023 Services: Event planning, Media Relations Location: Lansdowne Centre |
