on the shoulders of giants
前人種樹：向默默耕耘的社區領袖致敬
Venue: Park Hyatt Toronto
Art Direction: Deborah Lau-Yu
Photographer: Natasha Gerschon
Video Production: Karl Man, Eyespie Productions
Photography Assistant: Claudia Martinez
Coordination: Kayla Lo, Rhonda Lam
The Chinese proverb “one generation plants the tree and the next generation benefits from its shade” shares the same wisdom with similar proverbs in many other cultures. We sit in the shade of trees planted by those before us. The roots of the tree also ground us in a firm foundation.
In celebration of Fête Chinoise’s 10th year milestone, we have curated a special chapter to honour giants on whose shoulders we stand, who forged breakthroughs and foundations to build up our diaspora community.
Our hand-picked honour roll represents dedicated individuals from all walks of life and industries, and with one thing in common: they have each given at least a decade of their life to giving back to the community. In many cases, it is multiple decades. Learn about their stories and causes, and be a part of the community spirit by getting to know the work of another, and maybe be inspired to roll up your sleeves to volunteer for something.
「前人種樹，後人乘涼。」今天我們能夠在樹蔭下乘涼，是因為前人辛勤種下樹木，為我們奠定了堅實的基礎。
為慶祝Fête Chinoise成立十週年，我們特別策劃了一個章節，向那些在過去數十年間致力於建立和貢獻僑民社區的各界領袖致敬。 我們精心挑選的名單包括來自各行各業的無私奉獻者。他們每人都最少付出了十年，甚至數十年的時間回饋社會。
我們誠摯邀請您細閱本篇，了解他們的故事，希望您從中得到啟發，傳承這份社區精神，攜手為社區做出貢獻。
trevor LUI
“I fancy my journey as more of a life of chapters of story telling; there are no individual accomplishments or contributions without the entire body of your community behind it.”
mary ng
“The very nature of governing is to make decisions today for that better future. We are planting the seeds today that future generations of Canadians will harvest.”
Edmond Tse
“Embrace the joy of simple living. As the old saying goes: the most complicated things are usually unbelievably simple.”
Chan Hon Goh
“Throughout my career, perseverance, integrity, and a continuous willingness to learn have been my guiding principles. From aspiring ballerina to principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, and now as the director of Goh Ballet, each stage of my
life has brought unique challenges and opportunities.”
Chilli Yung
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
Mabel Sin
“Be good, see good, do good.”
Chi Ping Lau
“毋忘初心,堅守始終。萬緣放下,身心自在。”
Alan Kwong
“The hardship and failure in the past is the preparation of triumph and success in the future.”
Angela Chan
“Decades of volunteerism have been my biggest contribution to the community. It is my greatest joy and satisfaction to be able to share my experience with the younger generation."
Clement Chu
“I am eternally grateful and humbled to be surrounded by the most amazing team of people who work with me everyday to try and make a difference in the community. I am nothing without them and owe them everything.”
Kevin Au-Yeung
“Be kind and believe in the power of others. Often doubt yourself before others. Innovate from doubts and failures.”
David + Adda Li
“有出品冇創意，有招呼冇誠意，有權力冇主意。經營餐飲業者，必緊記座右銘。”
Ben Hum
“Our finest moments occur when our limits are tested by boldly facing trials by fire. For it is in these moments, propelled beyond our comfort zone, that we are most likely to sharpen our character and actualize our full potential.”
Albert Wong
“It takes courage, great courage, to do this, especially when the vast majority are pulling in the opposite direction. It is certainly not for the faint of heart, but the courage to be magnanimous starts with one.”
Ron Lynn
“Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.”
Susur lee
“The essence of cooking is blending tradition with innovation – honouring the past while embracing the new.”
Linda Tse
“In the timeless expanse of the universe, where life is fleeting and death is certain, let us hasten to create a legacy. Soar like an eagle, clawing at opportunities and leaving marks in the sand for others to follow.”
Kenneth Li
“After almost 30 years of dedicated service as a TV news anchor and reporter in Toronto, I’ve come to realize that journalism is
more than just a profession; it's a commitment to truth, a bridge to understanding, and a way to connect communities.”
David Maung
“Be able to help one person per day.”
Winson Chan
“Every connection I make, no matter how small, is a testament
to perseverance, growth, and the impact of my unique journey.”
Sue Tang
“We stop living when we stop giving.”
Kam Lo
“Reflecting upon my experience so far, I think our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens. Not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.”
Nicole Wong
“Invest in young people today for a prosperous tomorrow.”
Raymond Lam
“堅毅不屈，尋找藝術新領域。”
Justin Poy
“I may seem reckless and impulsive at times, but for someone who has survived cancer and had three kidney transplants, I can assure you that it is calculated and intended to live life with purpose and without regrets.”
Sharifa Khan
“When a venture feels long and difficult, when we’re disheartened and want to quit, we must remind ourselves that every journey is just a series of steps. To stave off procrastination, one has to just get started.”
Bill Chan
“To be or not to be. Do the best I can to contribute to the Community and Country.”
Peter Yip
“Commercial interior designer is not always to behave as an artist, but to follow functions and business decisions, other than aesthetic, visual comfort towards a success project.”
Ash MckEnzie
“The way you live today is your tuition for tomorrow.”
David Wong
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate and to make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
