Jimmy would like to take this opportunity to thank his dearest best friend, Eramelinda Boquer, for her kind recognition of his charity volunteer work serving the community, and for nominating him for the “TALQ Award” in recognition of his Chinese community Chinatown heritage protection efforts.
Eramelinda is a well-known and dynamic Global Montreal weather media specialist, beloved by all of Montreal, and an accomplished event management professional. She gave Jimmy his first Global Montreal TV interview during his “Saving Chinatown” mission at the height of the challenging COVID pandemic, when he was donating food to front-line workers, nurses, and elderly residents of Montreal’s Chinese community Chinatown. She also later interviewed him about his documentary film, “Saving Chinatown.”
Jimmy is deeply grateful for Eramelinda’s encouragement and recognition.
Having just returned from Hong Kong and Taishan, Guangdong, China, for the Chan Association Heritage conference meeting, Jimmy was heartbroken that he was unable to drive Eramelinda to his TALQ Award ceremony due to the public transit strike and unexpectedly heavy traffic. In her characteristic selfless and caring way, Eramelinda insisted that he not come to pick her up, so that he would not miss his own award ceremony. Though Jimmy felt deeply saddened — as his greatest wish upon returning from China was to have her there to celebrate with him — the traffic made it clear that attempting to do so would have meant missing the ceremony entirely. Her gracious gesture only deepened his understanding of her kindness.
About the TALQ Award
The TALQ Award is a Community Award presented by TALQ (formerly QCGN), a Quebec advocacy non-profit organization that champions the rights and vitality of English-speaking Quebecers. These awards recognize individuals for their significant contributions to Quebec’s English-speaking community.
TALQ presents several distinctions, including the Distinguished Community Service Award, which honours established leaders who have made long-standing, outstanding contributions to the vitality of the English-speaking community in Quebec. As part of their 30th-anniversary celebration, TALQ also created a special 30 for 30 Recognition, honouring 30 inspiring individuals from across the province.
Jimmy is honoured and humbled to be among the recipients of this special recognition for his volunteer contributions to the community and society — most notably for his “Saving Chinatown” mission to protect Montreal’s Chinese community Chinatown heritage and preserve the legacy of their ancestors for future generations to learn from and carry forward.
Jimmy extends his deepest gratitude to Eramelinda for thinking of him.