Month: May 2021

Dear ST members, 

Today was much better than yesterday. People were dropping by steadily and we had filled six tall boxes with non-perishable food. We are happy to have the THHA volunteers, led by President Dr. Karen Chang, to help out.

We had asked visitors where they had heard about our Food Drive and many replied they had seen it on TV. I would like to share the three TV links with you, so you can send to your contacts and invite them to drop off food to us tomorrow, a final push for Day 3. We hope to be collecting up to the last minute. We really appreciate your effort in caring for the community, thank you! 

The “We Are One Project” is a talent search for the best young vocalist(s) across Canada to represent a national voice in promoting DIVERSITY, INCLUSION and UNITY amongst the many cultural groups of Canada. More info available at: http://www.weareoneproject.ca/

Canada and Ontario invest in improvements for the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater TorontoScarborough, Ontario, May 26, 2021—Canadians everywhere are feeling the impact of COVID-19, on their families, their livelihoods, and their way of life. Together, Canada and Ontario are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment.Today, Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament for Scarborough North, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Raymond Cho, Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility and Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough North, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and Alan Lam, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto announced joint funding for upgrades to the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. The Government of Canada is investing more than $2.8 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $2.3 million, while the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto is contributing more than $1.8 million.The project includes increasing the existing service space, and expanding accessibility to the Centre’s outdoor and indoor program and activity areas. Additional work includes expanding and remodeling the open yard into a new outdoor garden and an indoor multipurpose space, upgrading the audio-visual, sound, and lighting systems in the front foyer, remodelling the current library space into a multipurpose resource centre, and improving the 626-seat theatre and multipurpose hall with new audio-visual and lighting systems. This new complex will provide the Chinese community in Greater Toronto with a modern, reliable, and more accessible community centre where people can connect and enjoy the cultural and recreational programs they value for years to come. All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when needed most. Quotes“Ensuring residents have access to cultural and recreational infrastructure is important for social inclusion and wellbeing. Today’s investment to expand and upgrade the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto will provide our diverse communities access to a modern and reliable facility where they can enjoy more recreational activities and community events for decades to come. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament for Scarborough North, on behalf of The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities“The Chinese Cultural Centre is a cornerstone of our community. The programs and services that the Chinese Cultural Centre offers help people of all ages in Scarborough and across the Greater Toronto Area. The Ontario Government is pleased to invest over $2.3 million to upgrade the multi-purpose hall and theatre, expand and remodel outdoor and indoor activity spaces, and support efforts to make the Centre more accessible. Organizations like the Chinese Cultural Centre demonstrate that the strength of our province is found in our cultural diversity, including our vibrant Chinese-Ontarian community.”The Honourable Raymond Cho, Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility and Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough North, on behalf of The Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure”The Chinese Cultural Centre (CCC) of Greater Toronto continues to appreciate the unwavering support from the Federal and Provincial governments with this generous funding. Not only will the CCC be able to do some much needed technological and accessibility improvements to its existing facilities that have served so many, now we will be able to finally realize the dream of an Asian Garden. This Garden will be as functional as symbolic, highlighting plant biodiversity, creating pathways for meditation, and serve as an educational opportunity in a natural setting. Most notably, it can serve as a representation of the continued symbiosis of Chinese Canadians in this country for generations to come.”Alan Lam, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater TorontoQuick facts Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. Across Ontario, the Government of Canada has invested more than $12.5 billion in over 3,200 infrastructure projects.Across the province and over the next ten years, Ontario is investing approximately $320 million and Canada is investing approximately $407 million under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This stream supports the construction of new facilities and upgrades to existing facilities that improve community infrastructure (community centres, libraries), recreational venues (arenas, recreational spaces) and cultural spaces (theatres, museums). Ontario is investing over $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.Associated linksFederal infrastructure investments in Ontario https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html Investing in Canada Plan Project Map http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html Ontario Builds Project Map: https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-ontario ContactsChantalle AubertinPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities613-941-0660chantalle.aubertin@canada.caChristine BujoldPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure416-454-1782christine.bujold@ontario.caSofia Sousa-DiasCommunications BranchOntario Ministry of Infrastructure437-991-3391 sofia.sousa-Dias@ontario.caSimon IpProject ManagerChinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto416-200-9828 (principal line)647-613-2328647-618-2329simon.ip@cccgt.orgMedia RelationsInfrastructure Canada 613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Web: Infrastructure Canada

Meet Patricia Youn – Firefighter. Patti (연민경) has been a firefighter since 2016. She was born in Toronto to Korean parents and grew up with her two older brothers in the suburbs just outside the city. She completed a degree in Fashion Design at Ryerson in 2009 and worked for a number of mascot companies, constructing costumes and a few outerwear bag companies. Since then, she has done catering, farm work, retail, auto-sharing fleet work as well as bicycle messengering, dog grooming, and other odd jobs. Her interest in firefighting was piqued in 2012 when two firefighters knocked on her door for a neighborhood smoke alarm awareness campaign. She now works the best job in the world!

Meet Heang Chhaya – TCBC Club LeaderHeang is the club leader for the Children’s Breakfast Club of Blacksmith Public School. It is her dedication and commitment to the club that has served over 6,000 meals. Heang is passionate leader, mother of two who brings her loving parenting skills to the club. Where every child is recognized and made to feel part of the extended family She shares her culture with the children by introducing them to culturally reflective meals, both children and Heang learn from each other by sharing. Her quiet demure is reflected in the program and in her relationship with the children.

Meet Sid Kiyoshi Ikeda – Community Advocate who has chaired and participated in planning, organizing countless Fundraising events, walkathon, and ran racing events for charities for over 40 years. Ran five Marathons in my late 50’s and early 60’s. Continue to walk and run to raise funds for charity. Climbed CN Tower for United Way 5 Times. Received numerous awards for service to name a few, from Toronto City Council, Police Department, JCCC Awards, Momiji Health Care Society Awards, Charities for example Easter Seals, Hospitals, United Way, Yee Hong Wellness Foundation, etc.

Meet Dr. Tulsi Dharel – Educator. Tulsi Dharel was born in the country of Mt. Everest in a middle class family moved to Canada in 2000 with his wife and son. He has obtained his Ph.D., in Marketing and holds Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Dr. Dharel is a dedicated and committed social person who carries 25+ years of experience in business development and social inclusiveness. Beginning of his career, he has always been consistent in different endeavors, including advocacy for professional newcomers and helping entrepreneurs to succeed in their goals. He himself comes from family background of business and social activism, which has also helped smooth guidance people in need. Besides his teaching profession, Dr. Dharel is actively involved in helping and guiding community-based local & national level Nepalese organizations by offering them his professional support, encouragement, and time. Currently, he holds a vice-president position of Canadian Multicultural Council, Vice-President of Association of Nepalese in Americas, Coordinator for Concern-Nepal, Canada, And advisor to Nepalese Canadian Community Service.

Meet Norma Carpio – Being the longest sitting President of PIDC, she has been a member of CMC since the year 2000. Norma’s first contact who supported Mabuhay Philippines is Sid Ikeda. In addition to receiving the the Balangay award, she is also the recipient of the Megaworld International Exemplary Global Achievement Award 2021. Recognized as the Ambassador for Peace by the Federation for Peace of the UN, she also one of the influential Filipina in the world by FAWN 2019, Diamond Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria by the Gov’t of Canada.

Thanks to the The Children’s Breakfast Club for highlighting Asian Canadians!

Meet Noonie Southalack – Founder of LAOCANNoonie has always been proud of her heritage. Starting at a very young age she was always finding ways to share her Lao roots to anyone she met. Since given the opportunity in 2015 by the Lao Association of Ontario as the president of the Youth Chapter, she continued to bring awareness to Lao heritage through food, cultural dance and storytelling. She has led and participated in various cultural events organized by the Canadian Multicultural Council (CMC), Toronto Police, York Regional Police and local community leaders. In 2019 she founded LAOCAN an organization that promotes pride in their culture & strengthening their identity as Lao Canadians by empowering the community to come together. Along with her team, LAOCAN also provides a platform for the younger generation to voice and discuss issues that will cultivate positive change for future generations. She has become a role model for the Lao community, actively working towards bridging the gap between generations.