On October 28, 1928, AHEPA Supreme President George Philies started the first Canadian Chapter of AHEPA in Toronto. By 1938 AHEPA was coast to coast in Canada; serving the members, society, and leaving an incredible impression in each community in which we were engaged.
When we look at what AHEPA has done in Canada during the first 85 years, the list of accomplishments is staggering. Some examples are: The AHEPA Family Educational Wing at the Shriners Hospital Canada in Montreal. Regina: Here is a chapter of 25 AHEPA members who, in the last 10 years, have raised over 1.5M$ for various Hospitals in Regina. Winnipeg & Vancouver have large scholarship galas that attract many Hellenes and students. On top of that, Vancouver also has donated 3 Hellenic bronze statues to the city of Vancouver. Those statues are on display across the city. Toronto’s CEGA awards have set the standard high for Hellenic excellence in Canada. Chapters in Ottawa, London, Kitchener, Calgary, Edmonton, and Windsor have also positively influenced their community.
While we celebrate the past, we are also targeting growth. We are looking at Halifax, Kingston, Ste-Catharines / Niagara, Saskatoon, Richmond & Surrey as potential cities where AHEPA can grow.
There is a Hellenic Proverb that states “A society grows great when old men plant trees, whose shade they know they shall never sit in” We will continue to honour our past, but always look forward so that we can enjoy many more years to come.
Congratulations to every member of AHEPA in Canada for their continued hard work and support of our global organization.
Make sure that you stay focused on membership, on how to keep all your members engaged. Always look for projects that will enhance and promote AHEPA!
I wish you only success in achieving your goals.
Fraternally,
George Vassilas
Canadian President – AHEPA
514-909-8277