CJC News Release: CJCPR Mourns Lilian To

July 3, 2005 - CJCPR Mourns Lilian To

For immediate release

Vancouver - Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region will convey its sympathy and shock to the Board of United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) over the untimely loss of Lilian To, a woman who shaped Canadian society and was a major architect of Vancouver's multicultural success.

To, who was Executive Director of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., was a staunch supporter of the Jewish community in British Columbia and Canada, and an ally and friend to the officers and staff of Canadian Jewish Congress.

"Lilian was a colleague and a friend to me and I benefited along with thousands of other British Columbians from her lifetime of contributions to multiculturalism and support for new Canadians," said Erwin Nest, Executive Director of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. "I could always count on her wise counsel, her solid opinions and generous friendship. Lilian was well-informed, thoughtful and articulate but, beyond that, she was genuinely committed to a tolerant, peaceful and just society."

Canadian Jewish Congress and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. have worked together on countless projects of mutual concern for decades, most notably on programs and task forces within the non-profit sector. Lilian To was a leader in developing social services that met the needs of seniors, women, youth and families, whether they required counselling, employment, language training or other services to help them become successful and contributing Canadians. Her work in community development, settlement and public education will leave a positive and lasting mark on British Columbia's and Canada's multicultural fabric. An immigrant herself, To epitomized the contribution a single individual could make to one's chosen home.

"She was a leader in immigrant settlement services and is personally responsible for the richness that so many newcomers have contributed to our society," said Mark Weintraub, Chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. "Lilian built S.U.C.C.E.S.S. into an agency that not only provides a range of services for immigrants to find homes and jobs, but one that promotes multiculturalism more generally, that protects human rights, encourages an active and dedicated citizenry and combats prejudice in any form it might take. Her foresight, depth of knowledge and inherent sensitivity will be deeply missed."

To experienced a heart attack on Canada Day and passed away Saturday.

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Contact:
Erwin Nest
Executive Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101 (office)
erwinn@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca

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