Former Mayor Larry Di Ianni and Mr. Ecklund's daughter Erika

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LARRY'S CORNER- Hamilton's Former Mayor Speaks

former Mayor of Hamilton, Larry Di IanniHamilton- a City of Philanthropists

By Larry Di Ianni
(posted September 8, 2009)

Every once in a while events happen which reaffirm one’s faith in the people of our community.  Hamilton has its share of uncharitable individuals whose only purpose in life is to destroy something.  People with an axe to grind who spend precious moments living on the darker side of life, suspicious of their neighbours’ motives and behaviours are indeed present in our community.  Some of these folks have a less than flattering view of the world and see everything as a struggle to be overcome.  Many spend their entire days plotting against others and creating sad fantasy worlds filled with conflict.  Thankfully, even though these people are present, they are infinitesimal in number compared to the building, contributing, positive forces in our community.  I have seen examples of both and I much prefer the latter group.

This weekend was an exhilarating example of the goodness people have to offer.  Hamilton was front and center in all of these experiences.  Let me recount a few illustrative ones.

Firstly, the annual Winona Peach Festival was well-attended by hundreds of thousands of people.  This festival, right in my own home community of Stoney Creek, is a testament to the volunteerism which defines our city.  Each booth which sold everything from peach sundaes to perogies raised money for Churches, clubs, soccer associations etc. which use the funds to run community programs.  The booths were manned by volunteers from these organizations dedicating many thousands of hours for the common good.  I am inspired each year when I do my little bit to assist.

Next, this year for the first time, our friend Chris Ecklund and his “Waterfall” bus went to the CNE in Toronto.  There, the bus and Chris’ staff proclaimed Hamilton as the ‘Waterfall Capital of Canada’.  I have heard much these past few months as Chris’ single handed endeavour to re-brand our city has taken root.  The bus, the cars, the billboards, the waterfall walks, the media exposure have all contributed to people seeing our city through different eyes.  Again, this philanthropy is admirable.

As if these weren’t great examples, the best personal experience for me was emceeing the ‘Earthquake Relief’ Art show at Michelangelo’s banquet hall this weekend.  Special guests were Valerie Tryon, our very own classical pianist from Ancaster who regaled us with several numbers, Canada’s music icon Mr. Gordon Lightfoot and, of course, Mr. Gino Cavicchioli, painter, sculptor and Renaissance man.  Gino donated twelve prints to be drawn as door prizes for the Earthquake victims in Italy.  He also invited Mr. Lightfoot and unveiled a wonderful bust Gino has just completed of the music legend.  Gordon decided to bring his guitar and sang several songs for the approximately 1000 people who attended the event.  He then stood for several hours and signed autographs for his adoring fans.

Joining Gino for the unveiling were philanthropists Margaret and Charles Juravinsky, Lincoln Alexander and several members of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame along with some of the busts Gino has made of these great athletes.

What made the afternoon even more memorable was the attendance of an individual and his two brothers who travelled to Hamilton from northern Quebec. One of the brothers, Stuart, has terminal brain cancer; and on his ‘bucket-list’ of things to do before he succumbs to the disease was to see Gordon Lightfoot.  We were all touched by the story as well as Gordon singing part of a song to Stuart.  May God grant Stuart peace and health.

Another interesting moment occurred when another guest came to me with a piece of metal.  He told me that the metal was cut out by several scuba diving friends of his from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.  This gentleman had this piece in his possession for about 15 years, he said, and wanted to present it to Gordon Lightfoot.  He did; and Mr. Lightfoot was thrilled, as we all were.

The memories of the positive aura we all shared will sustain us for many months to come.  Hamilton is blessed because of its generous people.

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Books written by Chris EcklundChris Ecklund has written two books about Hamilton waterfalls and their remarkable history, and commissioned the creation of supporting merchandise such as postcards and calendars. Read more and place an order here.


COMPANIES

Chris Ecklund is President and CEO of two prestigious litigation support companies and a search engine marketing firm. Read more


CURRENT PROJECTS

Chris Ecklund has commissioned and sponsored websites for the community causes and events that he supports. These include the City of Waterfalls site, Bring the NHL to Hamilton, and Maddie's Wish Project. Read more


PAST PROJECTS

Learn about causes and projects that Chris Ecklund has supported in the past, such as Ice Storm relief, Kosovo refugee sponsorship, and Operation Clean Sweep. Read more


PHOTO GALLERY

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