Anita and Philip Lee’s decision to support the Ministry of Health The Science Center Foundation with a legacy donation has just a place of sincere gratitude for the care given to their family received over the years.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Philip arrived in Winnipeg in 1962 while he was an international student at the University University of Manitoba.

By 1967, Philip had completed his studies and was ready to return Hong Kong to pursue a career in law. But at the time, devastating riots were taking place. Philippe’s mother said: “What’s wrong in Winnipeg?” You can make your life here.” These words made Philip stay, and Anita joined Philip in Winnipeg in 1968 and enrolled in Success College of Commerce.

Shortly after graduating, Philip took a job at government as a chemical researcher. Thanks to the work of Philippe, the city reduced its chlorine consumption by 90% without making any compromises its effectiveness in killing bacteria.

In 1995, Philip became head of Winnipeg’s municipal department. industrial waste service, a position he held until his retired in 2005.

Philip—with the support and advice of Anita—became active in the Chinese community of Winnipeg. His mastery of English allowed him to become the new spokesperson for the community and to help newcomers to Manitoba.

In time, he and Anita became partners in a Chinese business. restaurant. They were the first local entrepreneurs to introducing Chinese “fast food” to Winnipeg shopping malls.

In the mid-1970s, former Prime Minister Sterling Lyon dined at one of Anita and Philip’s restaurants. Lyon was considering run for leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party I was partying and wondering if Philip—who was not a member of any political party—could be persuaded to show up next election. “I told Sterling that if he becomes the leader, I I would join the party and run. Philip ran as a PC candidate in Winnipeg Center in 1977. Even though he lost, the experience helped solidify Philip’s passion for quality of life in Manitoba, a passion that has served him well as a Manitoban 24th Lieutenant Governor, 2009-2015.

The Lees have three adult daughters—Marguerite (Maggie) Mona, Mabel Nancy and Malinda Ann—who were all born at HSC. Grandson Philip, who lives in Winnipeg, was born at HSC; and his grandson Brandon lives in Toronto. Unfortunately, Philip and Anita’s grandson Roy died in 2021.

HSC played an important role in the Lee’s lives family. Anita, two of the Lee girls and one of the grandsons suffer from von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL), a rare genetic disease that can lead to common tumors. Sadly, Anita’s sister died of this disease in 1980 before certain surgeries and early genetics screenings were available. VHL also claimed two other Anita’s siblings and father outside the province.

Neurosurgeon Dr Michael West, now retired, carried out several life-saving brain surgeries on Anita, her daughter Maggie and her grandson Philip for over 30 years. The family describes Dr. West as a true hero.

Family members with VHL gene visit HSC regularly for monitoring. The eldest Philippe also visits regularly for the care and monitoring of an inner ear injury from childhood.

Although officially retired, Philip says he could be busier than ever with community work alongside Anita. It serves as executive chairman of the Chinese National Congress, President and President of the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre, Winnipeg Chinatown Chair Development Corporation, and is active with the Federation Chinese-Canadian entrepreneurs. He is engaged in raise funds for the development of a new residence for the elderly in Chinatown where residents can age with dignity while embracing their heritage.

The well-being of others is vital to Anita and Philip Lee, and this shapes their philanthropy, including their decision to join the HSC Foundation’s Bannatyne Legacy Circle. “Health care is a very important part of life, especially when people receive older,” says Philip. “HSC is the leading healthcare facility in the province and it has always had a huge impact on people’s lives. We have experienced this in our own family and we are very grateful.

To learn more about the Bannatyne Legacy Circle, contact Irma McKenzie, Director of the HSC Foundation of Planned Donations, at 204-515-5624 or [email protected].