60th Anniversary Photo Exhibition
We are celebrating our 60th anniversary with a special “Mon Sheong Foundation 60th Anniversary Photo Exhibition,” sharing precious historical moments and significant milestones with the public. The exhibition will also feature the commemorative publication “60 Years of Sharing and Caring,” providing insight into Mon Sheong’s history and development of the Toronto Chinese community.
We invite you to visit the exhibition, which runs from August 23 to September 3, on the 3rd floor of the Richmond Hill Public Library, Central Branch.
Date: From August 23 to September 3
Location: Richmond Hill Public Library, Central Branch (3rd floor)
(1 Atkinson Street, Richmond Hill L4C 0H5)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Richmond Hill, ON (August 23, 2024) – Mon Sheong Foundation holds an opening ceremony for the “Mon Sheong 60th Anniversary Photo Exhibition” at the Richmond Hill Public Library Central Branch. The event commemorates the Foundation’s remarkable 60-year history, sharing its memorable moments and the remarkable journey with the public. The ceremony also features the donation of a 60th Anniversary Celebration Book titled “60 Years of Caring and Sharing” to the Library. Distinguished guests, including Leah Taylor-Roy, MP, Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill; Majid Jowhari, MP, Richmond Hill; David West, Mayor, City of Richmond Hill; Michael Chan, Deputy Mayor, City of Markham; Council Members from the two cities; Stephen Chait, Richmond Hill Public Library Board Chair; Henry Pau, one of the Foundation’s founding members; Michael Con, son of Reverend Dr. Ronald Con, founder of the Foundation, were in attendance to honour this significant milestone.
Garth Low, President of Mon Sheong Foundation, expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of Mon Sheong Foundation. While preparing the Celebration Book, we uncovered a wealth of valuable documents and photographs that not only chronicle the history of Mon Sheong but also reflect the development of the Chinese community in Toronto. Through this exhibition, we aim to share these precious historical fragments with the public. Founded in 1964, Mon Sheong Foundation emerged during a challenging time for many Chinese railway workers in Toronto, who faced obstacles due to the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Head Tax. This led to many elderly Chinese living in hardship, some even passing away alone. A group of compassionate individuals founded Mon Sheong Foundation with the mission of ‘Caring for the Elderly and Nurturing the Young.’ Over ten years, the community united with Mon Sheong to build the Mon Sheong Home for the Aged, a testament to the collective efforts of the Chinese community in Ontario. The Celebration Book includes interviews with founding members such as Mr. Henry Pau and Mrs. Pauline Con, the widow of Mon Sheong’s founder, Reverend Dr. Ron Con, providing invaluable first-hand insights into the journey. It also features articles by key figures who have significantly contributed to Mon Sheong’s rapid development over the past 20 years. These articles are both inspiring and insightful, making the book a valuable resource. The Celebration Book is donated to the Richmond Hill Public Library as a reference for studying Chinese history in Canada, commemorating the contributions of many important individuals to Mon Sheong Foundation.”
Stephanie Wong, Chief Executive Officer, expresses heartfelt gratitude to the community for their unwavering support: “Mon Sheong’s achievements today are a testament to the incredible support we have received from the community over the past 60 years. Like a tree, Mon Sheong has grown, expanded its services, and provided care for both the elderly and young in our community. We have curated these photos and mementos, deeply intertwined with the history of the Chinese community in Toronto, into a photo exhibition to showcase the relentless efforts of Mon Sheong Foundation and the Chinese community during the early days of our organization. The exhibition also highlights our latest projects in Markham and Stouffville. Over the past 60 years, we have expanded our service scope to include: four long-term care centres, three Mon Sheong Court senior residences, two Community & Volunteer Services Centres, two Private Care Centres, Charitable Care, three Chinese Schools, and a Youth Group. The success of this exhibition is due in large part to the strong support and cooperation from the City of Richmond Hill and the Board of Richmond Hill Public Library. We will also donate this Celebration Book to the Markham Public Library and Toronto Public Library, where it will be available to the public.”
The “Mon Sheong 60th Anniversary Photo Exhibition” will be held for 12 days from August 23 to September 3 at the Richmond Hill Public Library Central Branch (1 Atkinson Street). In addition to photo displays, the exhibition will feature copies of the Mon Sheong Foundation’s annual reports and documents from 1968 to 1978, offering the public a precious glimpse into history. Furthermore, annual reports from 1968 to 2023 will be available on a computer in the library for the public to read. This is a special opportunity to explore the rich history of Mon Sheong Foundation. Electronic version of this special 60th Anniversary Celebration Book is also available at Mon Sheong Foundation’s website www.monsheong.org.
