Leadership is like a beacon of light that provides direction through our journeys. In the 40-year history of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, many individuals have provided the leadership and direction to bring the JCCC to where it is today, sharing culture and heritage with Canadians of all backgrounds in an environment that promotes "friendship through culture."

Two such leaders are Sid and Marie Ikeda. This remarkable couple has helped Canada to be a better, more understanding and more tolerant place to live. Both Sid and Marie have led or have been involved with many organizations, committees and events, and they have improved community relations for many worthwhile and needy causes.

Anyone at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre can speak specifically to Sid and Marie Ikeda's contribution to the organization, the community, and the community that the JCCC serves.

Sid and Marie have used their boundless energy and spirit of giving, to teach, encourage and attract hundreds of people to volunteer and generously give their time or financial help to worthy causes. They accomplish this by setting the example – by providing tremendous leadership.

During Sid and Marie's 30 plus year involvement with the JCCC, Sid and Marie Ikeda have led the way in fund-raising campaigns, and participation and organization of a countless number of charitable endevours. Sid's efforts have no boundary and include the Kobe Earthquake Fund and the North Korean Famine Relief. He also spearheaded the JCCC efforts in fundraising activities for the Easter Seals and the United Way through establishing links with the Rotary Club and the Community Network (which is an organization that represents many of the Japanese and Japanese Canadian Organizations).

Marie has been an equally important supporter of the JCCC, and has been extensively involved in organizing an endless number of events; most recently it was the Building Bridges Gala. For decades Marie was also one of the Head sumi-e instructors at the Centre. Marie's elegance and gentle demeanour is a great companion to Sid's vivacity.

In 2000, Sid Ikeda was given the title of Special Ambassador for the JCCC due to his involvement in many organizations, his extensive network and his outgoing, helpful and friendly manner, and has often been the JCCC's official representative. Just this past year, Sid Ikeda was also presented the prestigious Governor General's Caring Canadian Award, an honour bestowed upon individuals and groups whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to people in the community.

Thus, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre is pleased to name our entry tower, which represents a beacon of light, in honour of Sid and Marie Ikeda. When you see the Sid Kiyoshi and Marie Ikeda Entry Tower at the JCCC, take a moment to think of the man and woman whose leadership, generosity and tireless efforts are like a beacon of light for all.