A Richmond social and cultural club has re-opened its doors for those who wish to enjoy some company and a meal together on Fridays.
The Austria Vancouver Club (AVC) had been closed since March 15, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
And with restrictions loosening, the club is once again inviting the public to visit, but only once a week.
The club’s secretary Martina Mitterer said seeing members and non-members of the public walk through the club’s doors is exciting.
“When you see people you haven’t seen in a long time, you just want to hug them, but you can’t do that right now,” said Mitterer.
“We’re really happy to see everyone, especially our club members who have been with us for 20 to 30 years already.”
Mitterer added that the club is only having a dinner night once a week because they cannot have their dance floor open.
While many members often attend AVC's dance nights, she said, they are strictly following the Provincial Health Orders and won’t have the dance floor open until they are allowed to do so.
However, Mitterer said she hopes this won't deter the public from coming together "in a socially-distanced way."
“Like every social club, we have members who are getting older, and we’re trying to get a younger crowd to come out and connect with everyone. Not everyone that comes in through our doors is Austrians and we invite people of different nationalities to join.”
AVC is a club was established to practice and uphold Austrian traditions and language.
