YMCA community kitchen named after late London builder

A group kitchen at a London YMCA now bears the identify of a late London developer who lived on the Y after he arrived in London from Europe with almost empty pockets in 1952.

The Bierbaum Household Group Kitchen on the StarTech.com group centre, YMCA and library on Southdale Street celebrates the life and legacy of Ewald Josef Bierbaum, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario introduced Wednesday.

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“Right now, we’re honoured to present again to the group that supported him, making certain that newcomer kids have the identical alternatives for development and connection that my father had,” stated Bernie Bierbaum in a information launch.

Ewald Bierbaum, who died in 2017 on the age of 85, co-founded Esam, the corporate that developed the Cherryhill residential retail advanced. He additionally based building large Outdated Oak Properties that spun off Bluestone and Summit Properties. His kids and grandchildren are concerned within the firms.

The group kitchen holds packages for kids and adults and serves as a group hub.

The household declined to offer particulars in regards to the donation, however it’ll additionally present newcomer kids with entry to YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth and YMCA Camp Henry.

“It’s one of many actually nice locations the place children can develop expertise, and never lots of children have entry to it, due to monetary limitations,” stated Elyse Sheare, YMCA spokesperson. “It’s our mission to assist folks to have entry to packages like that, so this may completely be 100 per cent allotted towards serving to children like that, and we’ve received so a lot of them that we all know shall be completely happy to take part.”

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Bierbaum was born in Paderborn, Germany, in 1932 and labored as a mason. He emigrated to London in 1952 and arrived together with his instruments and $20. He constructed his first undertaking in 1955, two duplexes on Springbank Drive, and despatched a refund to Germany to his future spouse Ilse.

A decade after the Second World Struggle, Bierbaum began a partnership with Sam Katz, a Jewish immigrant and Holocaust survivor. In 1957 they created Esam Group. Bierbaum was the builder and saved a low profile. Katz was the entrance man and “folks individual,” changing into the unofficial “mayor of Cherryhill.”

“This dedication is a testomony to Ewald Bierbaum’s unbelievable legacy,” stated Andrew Lockie, chief govt of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. “His story is one in all perseverance and giving again. The Bierbaum Household Group Kitchen will proceed his legacy by supporting the subsequent era of newcomers, making certain they really feel as welcomed and supported as Ewald as soon as did.”

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Ewald Bierbaum parlayed exhausting work as immigrant into main London developments