Community Activist Jean Lumb to be honoured with historic plaque

TORONTO, April 19, 2016 /CNW/ - The memory and accomplishments of noted Chinese Canadian community activist, Jean Lumb, will be honoured with the unveiling of an Ontario Heritage Trust plaque in Toronto's historic Chinatown on Saturday, April 23^rd.

Lumb, who died in 2002, came to Toronto in 1935 from British Columbia where she was born in 1919.  Through her community and volunteer work, her successful fruit vending and restaurant ownership ventures and her tireless lobbying of the federal government for the removal of discriminatory immigration regulations, Lumb left an indelible mark and a significant legacy of social activism and cultural pride for future generations.

In 1976, she was appointed a member of the Order of Canada, the first Chinese Canadian to be so honoured. Other honours bestowed on her include the Queen's Silver Jubilee Award in 1977, the Fran Deck Award in 1982, the City of Toronto Award of Merit in 1984, and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award in 2002.

Among the participants in the plaque unveiling will be former Toronto mayor and federal cabinet minister, Hon. David Crombie, who remembers his friend Jean Lumb as "someone who made an enormous contribution to her community. She is one of Toronto's great heroes, and I have always been proud to call her my friend."  As well, the "Northern Legs/Southern Fist" Lion Dance team will take part and lead the celebrants back to the City Hall rotunda for a reception.

The location of the plaque honouring Lumb, (in the Downtown Diversity Garden behind City Hall), is particularly appropriate. Lumb was instrumental in the Save Chinatown Committee in the 1960s that fought to preserve what was left of Chinatown after two-thirds of it was demolished for the construction of City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square.

Her legacy lives on through the annual Jean Lumb Awards, (www.jeanlumbfoundation.ca) that recognize five outstanding high school students of Chinese heritage who have achieved excellence in academics, athletics, community services, the arts and innovation.

The plaque unveiling will take place at 2 pm, Saturday, April 23^rd at the Downtown Diversity Garden on Foster Place, west of Elizabeth Street. See attached map. A reception and photo exhibit will follow in the City Hall rotunda.

SOURCE Arlene Chan

Contacts: Stephen Wong at [phone] or Arlene Chan at [phone] or by e-mail: [email protected].