9TH ANNUAL EID-UL-FITR CELEBRATIONS ON DECEMBER 9, 2005

Honourable Senator Vivienne Poy and Chancellor of the University of Toronto, was the Keynote Speaker and Award Recipient at these celebrations. The Association paid tribute to her for her "OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENTS AS A BUSINESS WOMAN, SENATOR AND CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, YOUR WORK AS AN ADVOCATE FOR VISIBLE MINORITIES AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES, AND FOR PROMOTING GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF ASIAN CANADIAN CONTRIBUTIONS  ACROSS CANADA DURING ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH IN MAY”.

Senator Poy was presented with a plaque and Keith Sanduluk's polar bear sculpture .

Senator Vivienne Poy, PhD., is the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1998.  She has focused on gender issues, multiculturalism, and human rights and was instrumental in having May recognized as Asian Heritage Month across Canada.  She has served in key roles on numerous committees, including the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, and is a member of many Parliamentary friendship groups.

A noted historian, author, entrepreneur, and fashion designer, Senator Poy was elected Chancellor of the University of Toronto in December 2002.  Her outstanding commitment to volunteering for the University of Toronto was recognized by an Arbor Award in 1997.  She is also a Senior Fellow at Massey College.