H.U.G.S. Program

Health Urgent Guide Services for Japanese Canadian Survivors living in the Lower Mainland of B.C.

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What is H.U.G.S.?

H.U.G.S. is a 3-year program funded by the BC Government for Japanese Canadian Internment Survivors in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia impacted by the displacement and internment from March 7, 1941 – April 1, 1949.

It is a short term service that can help Japanese Canadian Internment Survivors navigate their health and wellness needs through government and community programs and private services.

What does H.U.G.S. do?

H.U.G.S. provides a health care and community resource navigation service to eligible Survivors to meet their urgent health and wellness needs.  We guide clients to resources in their area and help them make a plan of action.  We can assist with:

  • Navigating both BC funded and non-funded community resources
  • Planning for health and housing needs
  • Supporting estate planning
  • Guiding clients to groups and services

*One-time limited financial assistance may be available for services not covered by the government.

Who is eligible?

Japanese Canadians living in the Lower Mainland of BC who were born before April 1, 1949, and were impacted by the displacement between March 7, 1941 and April 1, 1949, with an urgent need for short-term guidance or financial support.

How does it work?

You, a family member, or a close friend can submit an application to H.U.G.S.  If accepted, we meet with you alone or with others of your choice, at home, in our office or via zoom.

Do you need H.U.G.S.?

Contact H.U.G.S. at

604-777-5000  Ext. 2109   |   [email protected]

Office Hours:

Monday to Friday 9 am ~ 5 pm
(Closed on Statutory holidays)

Meet the H.U.G.S. Team

H.U.G.S. team:
(L-R): Laura Wong, Yvonne Nakano, Shihori Scott-Moncrieff 
Steering committee with H.U.G.S. team:
(L-R): Laura Wong, Ruth Coles, Yvonne Nakano, Marcia Carr, Shihori Scott- Moncieff

H.U.G.S. is established by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) and operated under Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society.

Seniors Health & Wellness Pillar:
Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (jclegacies.com)
Japanese Canadian Survivors Health & Wellness Fund Society (jcwellness.org)