Community

Jack is a busy man! Along with the demands of running a men's clothing store, he is also very active in his community. Jack is proud to play a key role in organizing the Canada Netherlands Friendship Day that takes place every May in Burlington, Ontario. His love for the Netherlands and his commitment to the Canada Netherlands Friendship Association is evident in his store as well, with his original selection of Netherlands and Canada Netherlands friendship ties. Material about this event can also always be found in the store, and Jack is more than happy to share stories and provide more information about it when you visit him.

Jack has presented ties to many well-known and recognizable individuals from around the world.



Jack van der Laan presents well known Chef and friend Graham Kerr with his Canada-U.S.A. Friendship Tie in Graham's World Famous Kitchen.

Graham's wardrobe for his 40 T.V. shows and public appearances were provided by Filman's Men's Wear Ltd. Graham, formerly known as "The Galloping Gourmet", can now be seen in 37 countries. Always near him is his lovely wife and producer Treena Kerr. Cooking, like dressing, requires Taste, which Jack and Graham have both proven they have.



Jack van der Laan, after his speech at the Molson Stadium in Montreal, is presenting world famous Dutch Conductor Andre' Rieu with a Canada Netherlands Friendship Tie



Jack's friend and Member of Parliament, Ms. Paddy Torsney, presents her "boss" Prime Minister Jean Chretien in his Ottawa office with a Canada Netherlands Friendship Tie.



Gab Meijer of The Hague, Netherlands is a collector of ties. He owns 3701 of them! Mr. Meijer SPECIFICALLY requested a Canada Netherlands Friendship Tie from Jack van der Laan to add to his collection.



CBC's Peter Mansbridge after his speech at the Netherlands Luncheon Club in Toronto, Ontario, is presented with a Canada Netherlands Friendship Tie by Jack van der Laan.

Peter's emotional speech about his participation and anchoring of the Live Broadcast of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland by Canadians from Apeldoorn, Netherlands on May 7 1995 was well received. He was delighted with "The Tie That Binds". Peter shared that he was overcome with emotion when an elderly Dutch lady presented him with a food basket. She said: "You fed me during the war, may I feed you now?"



Yvonne Habets and Ingrid Smit of TROS TV Nederlands spend a morning with Jack van der Laan at his store.

Yvonne, well known for her quality programs on Immigrants, included Jack's story and his involvement with the Canada Netherlands Friendship Day held each year in her broadcast. The segment was broadcast on TROS TV in the Netherlands on November 6 1998 at 21.30 pm. Of course it included the van der Laan family and the TIE!!!




Alderman Ralph Scholtens raises the Dutch flag at a flag raising ceremony at Burlington City Hall. Guests included Government officials MP Paddy Torsney, MPP Cam Jackson, Mayor Walter Mulkewich, Consul General of the Netherlands Paul Schellekens and others. What a Special Day it was.



Jack van der Laan presents Mayor Rob MacIsaac of the City of Burlington with a Canada Netherlands Friendship Tie.



Jack van der Laan presents Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of Health in Ontario with a Canada Netherlands Friendship Tie. For Elizabeth it was truly "The Tie That Binds" for she was born in Schiedam, Netherlands is fluent in Dutch and appreciates her Dutch heritage



Kerry Boon, a client of Filman's Men's Wear, presents the Reform leader Preston Manning with a Canadian Unity Friendship Tie. On this tie you'll find the Coat of Arms of Every Canadian province. This tie is also available with the Flags of Every Canadian province.