Toronto – A university in Ontario, Canada, received online backlash after ang paos containing fake banknotes were distributed to the students and residents for the Chinese New Year.
“It is very clear that not only none of the students or staff from the Asian cultural community was consulted in preparation for this event, but also none of their staff cared enough to look at the things they put in the red envelopes .” “Members of the University of Toronto Graduate House Team prepared a display to celebrate the Lunar New Year,” said a university representative to“Unfortunately, incorrect banknotes were unintentionally placed into the red envelopes.”
It is tradition to give out red envelopes or ang paos filled with real money during the lunar new year to wish the recipient good fortune in the coming year.