2019 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee Jim Treliving is an accomplished Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist. Following an eight-year career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in 1968, Jim opened the first Boston Pizza in Penticton, B.C. and has since grown the operation to more than 400 restaurants across North America. Recently named to the Order of Canada, Jim’s 15 seasons on the CBC reality show Dragons’ Den has made him a national treasure and the longest-standing dragon on the popular show. Known for his down-to-earth Manitoba charm, savvy deal-making and competitive nature, in addition to his professional responsibilities, Jim is a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for mental health and the Founder of the Boston Pizza Foundation which has helped raise and donate more than $33 million to Canadian charities to date.
On Monday, July 11, Jim returns home to Virden, Manitoba, for a special Hometown Star, presented by Cineplex, in honour of his induction to Canada’s Walk of Fame. The Hometown Stars initiative provides all inductees with an opportunity to engage their hometown with a free public celebration featuring a commemorative plaque unveiling, special guests, and musical performances.
As part of their induction to Canada’s Walk of Fame, each Inductee receives a $10,000 donation to the charity or cause of their choice. Jim has selected The Virden Auditorium Theatre as the beneficiary.
Jim Treliving, 2019 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee and Guest of Honour will be joined by Jeffrey Latimer, CEO, Canada’s Walk of Fame, Cindy Klassen, Six-time Olympic Medal winner and 2019 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee. Mayor Murray Wright and Brad Hayward, Vice Chair, The Virden Auditorium Theatre will provide local representation.
Manitoba’s own Tara Mathew will perform as part of the presentation. The Oak Lake native has enjoyed an international career as a singer, performer and recording artist. Mathew became a “musical ambassador” for the Canadian government, leading to her performing at the Pan Am Games in Winnipeg and VIP events across North America. She was one of only 10 artists offered to attend the prestigious Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria; she toured through India and secured a recording contract with a U.K. label. She is now back home in Oak Lake and is a regular performer at The Aud.
