On October 25, 2024, Dr. Songyan Liu, Executive Vice President of the Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association (WCSA), was awarded the 2024 Healthy and Active Living Ambassador as part of the Manitoba Healthy Aging Awards. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the health and well-being of their communities, and Dr. Liu's tireless efforts have been instrumental in advancing the mission of WCSA.

Dr. Liu has been instrumental in promoting healthy, active, and connected living within WCSA. Under the leadership of the five WCSA board members, the organization has grown from offering basic health lectures to providing a diverse array of culturally and practically relevant activities, including Tai Chi, fitness and hobby classes, healthy eating programs, educational lectures, English conversation circle classes, and cultural events, most notably the Canada Day Celebration in Bridgwater over the past three years. These activities have provided seniors with numerous opportunities to stay physically active, socially engaged, and mentally stimulated.

These initiatives have effectively addressed issues like social isolation, language barriers, and the lack of accessible health resources—challenges often faced by ethnic minorities and immigrant seniors. By creating a welcoming environment, WCSA has helped newcomers integrate more smoothly into the community and find a sense of belonging. The efforts of the board and Dr. Liu have significantly increased WCSA’s membership to over 2,000, including many newcomers. The team has also successfully led fundraising efforts to ensure these programs are sustainable, working closely with local businesses, government grants, and community supporters.

Dr. Liu and the board's dedication has not only improved the physical well-being of seniors but has also enriched their mental and social health. Seniors participating in WCSA's programs have reported improved fitness levels, reduced feelings of loneliness, and a greater sense of purpose. This work has strengthened community bonds, fostered intergenerational connections by involving youth in cultural activities, encouraged cultural exchange, and transformed WCSA into a thriving hub for wellness, engagement, and inclusivity.