About us
After designing the "Maple Leaf Dragon” in 1995, Mr. Tong began to organize the foundation of what would become The Canada Maple Dragon Multicultural Society. It can be said that the Maple Leaf Dragon is a symbol of harmony, endeavour, and teamwork, and to this day the purpose behind Tong’s association remains the same, "to promote the cultural values of the dragon and ethnic harmony". To ensure the implementation of this target, this association supports the principles of "fair, justice, open, reasonable and lawful" operations. At the same time, it also proposes the "philosophy of ahead, beyond, inclusive and thanksgiving".
Ever since the creation of the Maple Leaf Dragon logo and the founding of The Canada Maple Dragon Multicultural Society, Mr. Tong has dedicated much time, effort, and personal finances into ensuring its success. With the help of members and a large number of volunteers, he has implemented a variety of methods to both promote and practice the philosophy of the Maple Leaf Dragon Culture.
This association is now actively involved in a variety of multicultural activities organized alongside the government and community organizations to promote the spirit and philosophy of the dragon culture within Canada. One such event took place in 2008, responding to the Wenchuan earthquake in May of that year. Through his organization, Mr. Tong hoped to show the people of Wenchuan about the care and concern of the Chinese Canadians. Thus, the Maple Leaf Dragon Association specially designed a boat named "Wishing Boat" to visit the disaster area in Sichuan.
The ship was designed to be 40 feet in length, 3-1/2 feet wide, with 13 rows of seats representing the 13 provinces of Canada and regions. The boat was to be decorated with corresponding banners of the provinces and territories with photos of key politicians and governors. Regrettably, due to shortage of funds, he was unable to implement the project. Eventually, Mr. Tong conveyed the concept to the people of the disaster area by visiting them personally.
Mr. Tong’s original aspirations and expectations of the Canadian Maple Leaf Dragon:
(1) To promote the exchange of culture, economic and sports through community activities.
(2) To promote scientific and technological cooperation, trade, development and promotion of specialty items.
(3) The development of tourism opportunities in China and Southeast Asia, including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macao, etc. Regarding the promotion of tourism, Mr. Tong has the following two central projects in mind: (a) Establishing a World Dragon Culture Park located in the lakeshore of Toronto, Ontario (b) Organizing an annual Canada Maple Dragon Boat Festival during the first week of July. Other events and future aspirations include the following: Launching ceremony, officiating assisted by the three levels of government, the Tourism Bureau and the Indigenous. Held at the Toronto lakeshore in mid- September 2005.
- Participated in the International Dragon Boat Race in 2009.
- Prepare proposals to apply for funds from relevant government departments.
- Seek sponsorship from Community Business groups or commercial organizations.
- Hold a Dragon Boat Race on behalf of the thirteen provinces and purchased thirteen new Maple Leaf Dragon Boat.
- Develop business opportunities in China and Southeast Asia by introducing Canadian products and activities:
- Yacht trading can be carried out in China, Shanghai, Guangzhou City, etc
- Water products and activities
- Fishing activities and related products
- Founding a Yacht Club
