Media Advisory - Ontario Heritage Trust honours Chinese-Canadian community
leader Jean Lumb with provincial plaque

MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 21 /CNW/ -

    
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    Date:         Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
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    Location:     Casa Victoria Fine Dining, 8601 Warden Avenue, Markham Town
                  Square, Markham (one block north of Highway 7)
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    Photo
    opportunity:  Unveiling of a provincial plaque - followed by the Jean
                  Lumb Foundation's 2009 Jean Lumb Awards celebrations
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    Contact:      Gordon Pim
                  Marketing and Communications Coordinator
                  Telephone: [phone]
                  E-mail: [email protected]
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Join the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Jean Lumb Foundation for the unveiling of a provincial plaque commemorating Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur and activist Jean Lumb (1919-2002).

Born Jean (Toy Jin) Wong in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Jean Lumb became the first Chinese-Canadian woman - and first restaurateur - appointed to the Order of Canada .

In 1931, at the age of 12, she left school to work in her father's store in Vancouver . Four years later, she and her younger sister moved to Sudbury, Ontario before relocating to Toronto to open their own store. The store was successful and, within a few years, Lumb was able to bring her parents to Toronto .

Lumb became known for her social activism. She gained national profile through her work in challenging discriminatory immigration legislation. In addition, her efforts in heading up the Save Chinatown Committee in downtown Toronto prompted city council to repeal a plan to relocate the Chinatown neighbourhood, and improved the city's understanding of Chinese culture and heritage.

Lumb is remembered for many accomplishments, including her appointment to the Order of Canada in 1976. Lumb has also helped keep her rich Chinese heritage alive - and instils that spirit in others. The Jean Lumb Foundation's annual Jean Lumb Awards recognize four outstanding high school students of Chinese heritage who have achieved excellence in academics, athletics, community services and the arts, as selected by a panel of distinguished judges. (For more information about the Jean Lumb Foundation and these awards, visit www.jeanlumbfoundation.ca.)

The Ontario Heritage Trust's Provincial Plaque Program commemorates significant people, places and events in Ontario's history. Since 1953, over 1,200 provincial plaques have been unveiled.

    
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For further information: Gordon Pim, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]