Jonathan Wilkinson
Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson
Member of Parliament for North Vancouver
A Young Canadian's Pledge to Preserve the Stories of North Shore Seniors
November 13, 2024

 

Meet Bonnie Li - a remarkable 16-year-old member of my Constituency Youth Council and a Grade 11 student at Mulgrave School. With a passion for singing, theatre, basketball, and nature, Bonnie embodies a love for the arts and her community. Having immigrated from Beijing in Grade 5 with her family, Bonnie also recently celebrated a major milestone—becoming a Canadian citizen this past summer.

Years ago, during a piano lesson with teacher Annabelle Paetsch, she was encouraged to connect with some local seniors. This advice led Bonnie to begin playing piano for residents at Westerleigh Retirement Home. What started as a musical engagement quickly turned into something much deeper.

While volunteering, Bonnie was fascinated by the life stories of Westerleigh’s residents. Their experiences reflected the richness of Canadian heritage, and she felt inspired to document their stories to share with the wider community.

Over time, Bonnie interviewed 20+ residents, listening to their extraordinary lives and how they found their way to the North Shore. From surviving the Holocaust to navigating the early days of the oil industry, their stories captured a broad range of Canada’s history and resilience.

Driven by her desire to preserve these valuable stories, Bonnie compiled them into a document that allows others to appreciate the lives of our senior citizens, “All but Stars and Solar Noons.” Bonnie feels it’s crucial to reflect on the histories of those who came before us, to remember the roots that shaped Canada into the diverse and vibrant country it is today. Her dream is to one day turn these stories into a film, immersing audiences in the remarkable lives of the past.

Bonnie Li’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Canada’s elders not only connects her with her community but inspires us all to remember, reflect, and honor the incredible journeys that form the fabric of our country.

To read the stories of residents like Nora Coates, Mary McLeod, Nevis Maric, Eva Solt, Mary Leathley, and David McDonald as documented by Bonnie, by following the link below.

All but Stars and Solar Noons : https://publuu.com/flip-book/668901/1492156

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