Celebrating Asian Heritage Month

May is officially Asian Heritage Month! It is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage. To celebrate, we interviewed long-time Fort Edmonton Park volunteer, Winnie Suter! Learn more about her story. 

Why do you volunteer at Fort Edmonton Park?

We love Fort Edmonton Park! I still recall the first time I visited Fort Edmonton Park in 1995, this was the first summer I moved to Edmonton from Hong Kong. Visiting the Park was a fabulous experience!  Since we started a family, Fort Edmonton Park has been our favorite place to visit every week in the summer and when our son turned 10 in 2018 I started to research the volunteer program. I discovered that the Park has the best volunteering program and we love the volunteer community so much!

How did you first get involved as a volunteer?

I first got involved as a behind the scene Merchandiser, then my son and I volunteered together at an Easter celebration in 2018. We hosted a craft station building Easter Bunny crafts and pinwheels. My son loved the experience and we started volunteering at all special events such as Carnaval des Sucres, Mother’s Day, Opening Weekends, Canada Day, Harvest Fair, Dark, and Christmas Celebrations. We are thrilled that this past year, our family was accepted as costumed volunteers on 1885 street.

Any favourite memories from your time volunteering?

My favourite memory was when we served Cake on Canada Day. Everyone had a big smile and we enjoyed the yummy strawberry shortcake and everyone was proud to celebrate Canada Day together!

Why is it important to share your cultural heritage with the public?

I am fascinated about different cultural heritages. Being born in Hong Kong, I hope I can share some of my Chinese heritage when exchanging with the public and also learn from their culture, food and customs.

What do you want guests to leave having learned, discovered, and experienced at the Park?

I hope all guests leave having learned that FEP is a living museum, and no two days at the park are the same. The park is always evolving and sharing new insights about the Canadian/Edmonton History experience. I also want to follow in the footsteps of other volunteers and spread Joy and Happiness at the Park.

For more resources and information on Asian Heritage Month, click here.  

Did you know? We currently have 780 volunteers that have contributed 21,327 hours over the last year alone! Their empathy, compassion, and generosity contribute to a connected and inclusive community at the Park. We look forward to our General Admission Season and we could not do it without our incredible volunteers!