Koula Leousis Lakas, born in 1926, grew up on the Danforth in Toronto, where her father, who migrated to Canada in 1912, ran multiple food services related businesses, among them Crown Tea Room. She describes her childhood, including Greek school, church activities, and community celebrations like the 25th of March at Century Theatre. During the Second World War, she was active in fundraising efforts and worked in government and insurance sectors. She was deeply involved in organizations such as AHEPA and Philoptochos.
[00:00:40] Her family and her father’s occupation
[00:07:22] Growing up on the Danforth
[00:09:19] Celebrating the 25th of March at Century Theatre
[00:11:00] Her father’s migration and his parents' meeting
[00:15:44] Her school years and Greek school
[00:23:09] Fundraising during the Second World War
[00:25:00] Her father’s restaurant and working as a waiter
[00:35:44] Greeks contending with discrimination
[00:38:15] The visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
[00:39:55] The Greek-Canadian experience during WW2
[00:44:32] Relations within the Greek community
[00:48:24] Church services and the convent in Greece
[00:53:24] Meeting her husband and in-laws
[01:00:04] Her work experience in government and insurance
[01:05:47] The Holy Cross camp and Philoptochos
[01:09:05] Her aunt who founded build the convent
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