We share our story not out of pride, but out of gratitude. Yes, we faced adversity, worked relentless hours, took big risks, and made countless sacrifices. But, without the unwavering support of community, the chance to find the right market, and the lessons learned from both own failures and the wisdom of others, we would not be where we are today.
We are deeply thankful for our dedicated staff, trusted partners, and loyal customer base. We are equally grateful for the opportunity and blessing to call Canada our home.
Our Story in a Timeline
1964: Xiem Can, Bạc Liêu, Vietnam
Hen Long started a new job as a fisherman. But, because the family residence was bombed just a few months later, Hen Long and his family fled to the city centre of Bạc Liêu where there were less damage from the Vietnam War.
1964: City centre, Bạc Liêu, Vietnam
Hen Long started a vegetable farm, and the harvest was sold to neighbours and in public markets; his children helped with all the farm chores from a very young age. In 1968, Hen Long inherited his father-in-law's small business storefront and turned it into a grocery store.
Nov 1978
After the Communist government took over South Vietnam and seized everyone's funds, including Hen Long's, their situation looked increasingly bleak. So, when an opportunity came to escape, Hen Long and his family left their meager belongings behind, and fled. In the dead of night, they bribed a soldier to let them board an overcrowded boat that was ill-equipped to sail.
The boat withstood three days of the turbulent sea and pirating, but not all of the passengers survived the journey. Hen Long lost a beloved friend, but his family was safe. They arrived at one of Malaysia’s islands, but the boat was denied entry and had to set sail to another island.
Nov 1978
The next day, the boat was permitted to land at Cherating, Malaysia. That area of the island was uninhabited at the time of disembarkation. This meant that the refugees had to find their own resources from the land for food and shelter. Hen Long's family stayed there for 5 months, amidst Malaysian military presence.
[With the continued escape of many other Vietnamese peoples, the area eventually became the Cherating Refugee Camp, where people set up shanties and lived in primitive conditions.]
April 1979
The United Nations came to bring Hen Long & his family to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they were interviewed to be sponsored to Canada under refugee status.
May 1979
Hen Long and his family arrive in Chilliwack, B.C. Everyone, including the children over the age of seven, worked multiple laborious jobs after school to contribute to the family’s wellbeing. These jobs included delivering newspapers, picking berries and mushrooms, altering clothing, washing dishes at local restaurants, and cleaning chicken coops and Fraser Valley School. Eventually, some went on to work at Zellers and Minter’s Garden.
Dec 1983
Hen Long Oriental Gifts & Foods opened its doors as a family business in a tiny unit located in the plaza beside where Tengoku Surrey is today (10224 – 152nd St, Surrey). The business grew, and an opportunity came for Hen Long also rent the neighbouring unit to expand the business in 1989.
1994
Our customer base continued to expand allowing us to open a new 5000 sq ft location. From this location, we were able to import more goods internationally, and help our immigrant customers feel a sense of home.
Dec 2011
The building construction of our current location completed. Since then, we have been able to provide numerous services, including healthcare and legal aid to the Surrey neighbourhood and beyond.
