The Angel Foundation for Learning’s Tribute to Mr. Thomas Anthony Leon
Thomas Anthony Leon (Tom), Chairman Emeritus of Leon's Furniture, passed away on Tuesday, 17 February 2009. Tom was a devout Catholic, an extraordinary business man, a visionary and a true philanthropist. Motivated by his desire to help those less fortunate and in need, or of ill health, Tom established the Tom Leon Charitable Foundation. Tom, a strong supporter of Catholic Education, has created exceptional opportunities for students and families in the Toronto Catholic District School Board. The Angel Foundation for Learning is grateful for his inspiring work and his generous heart.
About Thomas Anthony Leon
Tom was one of the eleven children of Lena and Ablan Leon, who founded what is now Leon's Furniture Limited in 1909 with a single store in Welland, Ontario. When Ablan Leon passed away, Tom, along with his brothers took over the operation. Tom had the foresight to introduce big-box retailing to Canada in the early seventies. In the early eighties, Tom created Leon's Franchise division, which has grown to become an integral part of the Company's success. One of Tom's most passionate desires was to see the day that Leon’s celebrated its 100th year in business. In January of 2009, Tom, in his position as chairman emeritus, was able to share in the company’s pride in achieving this impressive milestone.
Thomas Anthony Leon’s Contribution to Catholic Education
(A) The Tom Leon Family Support Fund
The Tom Leon Family Support Fund was established in December, 2002 by Mr. Tom Leon who indicated a desire to help Toronto Catholic District School Board students and their families who may live in poverty or suffer from illness. This fund is available for several TCDSB students whose families, due to exceptional circumstances, require financial assistance and/or other support to promote their health and well-being. In order for the neediest students to be assisted, TCDSB Social Work staff are involved in the preparation of the applications for funding..
Jeffrey Fernando, student recipient of the Tom Leon Family Support Fund recites the following on November 7, 2008, at the Angel Foundation for Learning Gala Dinner, to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made to him by Mr. Tom Leon: My name is Jeffrey Fernando and I go to Pope John Paul II and I am in Grade 10. I have a moderate bilateral hearing loss. I wear 2 hearing aids. I can miss 80 to 100% of speech without them. The Tom Leon Family Support Fund made it possible for me to receive new hearing aids. These make a difference because I can hear better in my classes and the activities I participate in. I thank Mr. Tom Leon and his family for having given me the gift of hearing. Mr. Leon, you helped more than you know.
(B) Tom Leon Student Bursary
In addition to the Tom Leon Family Support Fund, The Tom Leon Charitable Foundation has established the Tom Leon Student Bursary. This bursary is awarded to graduates of a TCDSB Secondary School who demonstrate strong Catholic values and academics, in order to help defray the cost of post-secondary school education. This bursary is awarded annually to two graduating female students, and two graduating male students who require financial assistance in order to pursue studies at a post secondary institution. Each award is designated for the cost of tuition in the amount of $5,000.00 per TCDSB student.
I am extremely appreciative for the gift that was bestowed unto me by Mr. Leon and his family. Never can one forget what they have done for our community of youth and their gracious contributions have had a strong impact within our Catholic school institution. Tatiana Bauer, former TCDSB Student and recipient of the Tom Leon Student Bursary 2007.
Mr. Tom Leon has truly made a difference in the lives of students by his kind heart. I was a recipient of the Tom Leon Bursary in 2008 and have been truly blessed by it. With the financial support that the Leon family has graciously given me, it has helped me every step of the way studying at the University of Waterloo in Systems Design Engineering. Thank you for your helping hand. It has influenced me to be more kind and helping towards others around me. Misakura Tsukimoto, former TCDSB Student and recipient of the Tom Leon Student Bursary 2008.
Tom Leon allowed students in financial need to pursue their academic dreams. I am a second year university student currently enrolled in the Honours Molecular Biology Specialization at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario. Because of Tom Leon’s generous act of presenting me with the Tom Leon Bursary, I am able to experience an environment where intellectuals gather to learn in the hopes of developing a better world. Tom Leon has greatly impacted my life as a scientist. Without him, I would not have been able to reach the feats that I currently have accomplished. Tom Leon provided possibilities to those that demonstrated determination. I am grateful for meeting a cheerful gentleman, who not only helped me, but also other people who were in need of assistance. Lowell De Villena, former TCDSB Student and recipient of the Tom Leon Student Bursary 2007. |
