Media Release
August 22, 2018
Halifax, NS
Saputo Family commemorates arrival in Canada with $1M donation to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Arriving from Sicily and Veneto in search of a brighter future, Lino and Mirella Saputo took their very first steps in Canada at Pier 21 in the 1950s. On Tuesday, August 14, they returned with their family to retrace their journey, marking the occasion with the announcement of a one million dollar gift from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
The gift is a way to acknowledge where the Saputo family’s Canadian journey began. “It means so much to us to be able to share this moment with our children and grandchildren,” said Lino Saputo during the announcement event at the Museum. “We are proud to support the Museum, and play a part in sharing the rich heritage of this historic place with all Canadians. It is not only our story that can be discovered here, but the family histories of the many immigrants whose contributions helped shape Canada.”
In recognition of their support and contribution to Canada, the Mirella and Lino Saputo Hall has been named in their honour. Located at the heart of the Museum, near the very gateway through which Mr. and Mrs. Saputo first arrived, the Mirella and Lino Saputo Hall is a hub of activity where public and educational programs come to life and visitors gather for exhibition openings and guided tours. The Museum is honoured to inaugurate this well-loved space with the names of these inspiring benefactors, who share a commitment to celebrating our country’s cultural heritage and the stories that shape our nation.
“The story of the Saputo Family’s determination, passion and ultimate success epitomises the important impact that immigration has on our culture and economy,” says Marie Chapman, CEO of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. “The Saputo’s gift will allow the Museum to carry on its mandate of deepening Canadians’ understanding of our country’s rich history of immigration. We will continue to share wonderful immigration stories, just like theirs, with visitors young and old from across the country.”
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Media Contact
Beatrice Houston-Gilfoy, Communications Specialist
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Telephone: (902) 425-7770 ext. 264
bhouston-gilfoy@pier21.ca
About the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 collects, shares and pays tribute to the Canadian immigration story. The Museum is situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia at Pier 21, the National Historic Site that served as the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. Today, the Museum shares the stories and experiences of all immigrants to Canada, past to present day. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 enhances public understanding of the experiences of immigrants to Canada, highlights the vital role immigration has played in the building of our country and the contributions of immigrants to Canada’s culture, economy and way of life. It is Canada’s sixth national museum and the only one located in Atlantic Canada.