A former Syrian refugee-turned-entrepreneur is hoping to inspire others with his story of personal triumph as he headlines the 22nd annual Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards.
Tareq Hadhad first arrived in Canada in 2015, seeking refuge from his native Syria. Since then, he's created a thriving chocolate business with the help of his family.
And on March 6, Hadhad will be sharing his story with the attendees of the Abbotsford award show, which is hosted by Archway Community Services in partnership with Langley New Directions English Language School, Chilliwack Community Services, and Mission Community Services.
Archway Community Services director of multicultural and immigrant integration services, Manpreet Grewal, said that people like Hadhad help show the inspiring possibilities that refugees can accomplish when coming to Canada.
"His story breaks myths and stereotypes in our heads about what it means for Canada and refugees to be in this country," Grewal said. "It is not always just about our benevolence or a family's struggle in this new home, but this immensely mutually beneficial economic, cultural, and social exchange which happens all the time."
Hadhad's journey with his Peace by Chocolate business has led to him receiving multiple accolades, including RBC's Entrepreneur of the Year, Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal, and Atlantic Business Magazine's top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada.
Anyone attending the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards will be able to hear Hadhad's story while also spending an evening celebrating organizations and individuals who have demonstrated a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion within their respective communities.
There are more than 50 finalists for this year's awards, with six awards being handed out across the following categories:
• Effective human resource strategies
• Innovative initiative
• Inclusive environment
• Marketing
• Champion of diversity
• Youth champion of diversity
The award ceremony takes place at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for the discounted price of $75 until Feb. 11, at which point they will return to their full price of $80 each. Interested individuals can buy their tickets at diversityawards.ca.