As we approach Chinese New Year, it is almost time for the optimistic and energetic Rat to allow the diligent, honest and earnest Ox to take its place.

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Ambassadors Program, open to applicants 18 and older, born during the Year of the Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, or 1997).

Do you know someone who is passionate about the Garden and who would make a great ambassador? You can either nominate yourself or someone you know, and you may nominate up to three people.

We will announce our ambassadors during our 2021 Chinese New Year celebrations, and the lucky applicants will represent the Garden in this special new role until the start of the Year of the Tiger (February 1st 2022).

As an ambassador, you will be awarded exclusive benefits including:

• Annual Pass to the Garden;
• Invitation to selected events (private exhibition openings, special events..);
• Access to pre-sale of new Online Shop products;
• Free admission to our Wellness program classes (3 tickets);
• $25 gift card for Online Shop;
• Bi-Annual meeting with Events & Communications Coordinator to present ideas and share ongoing experience as anAmbassador;
• Certificate at the end of the Year;
• And more…

The Ox is the second of all zodiac animals. Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor said its order would be decided by the sequence in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but the sneaky Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride, and, just as they arrived, the Rat jumped down and landed ahead of the Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.

Oxen are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or strive to be the centre of attention. Although this often hides their talents, their recognition comes usually through their hard work.

Kind hearted and rarely losing their temper, they are logical thinkers and make great leaders.

Their favourite colours are blue, yellow and green and lily of the valley and lucky bamboo are oxen lucky flowers.

We ask all ambassadors to understand, support and stand by the positive, diverse and aggregating role the Garden represents in Chinatown and across Vancouver.

As an organisation whose mandate is the promotion of cultural sharing and education, we believe that our ambassadors will help us in building stronger relationships with our community partners and supporters while we continue to work towards our mandate of strengthening cultural connections.