By InsideHalton |
Doctors, CEOs, founders and artists were celebrated June 27 for being inspiring Canadian immigrants at the 9thannual RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.
Winners from across the country with varying inspiring stories were honoured Tuesday night at the One King West Hotel and couldn’t be more excited to be recognized.
By InsideHalton |
Doctors, CEOs, founders and artists were celebrated June 27 for being inspiring Canadian immigrants at the 9thannual RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.
Winners from across the country with varying inspiring stories were honoured Tuesday night at the One King West Hotel and couldn’t be more excited to be recognized.
“It feels amazing, I feel honoured, especially when we’re celebrating the 150th year of Canada. It’s very meaningful when we know where we were and where we are today in terms of diversity,” said Ajay Virmani, one of the 25 winners and the recipient of the RBC Entrepreneur Award for excellence in entrepreneurship.
“A hundred years ago we wouldn’t be allowed to come in here. Now all of sudden it’s the most open and accepting, diverse place full of opportunity.”
Virmani’s success story began when he moved here from India right after he graduated from the University of New Dehli in 1975. He started as a window washer and is now the CEO of Cargojet
Hosted by Metroland Media and sponsored by RBC Royal Bank, the awards recognize and celebrate the inspirational achievements and untold stories of immigrants across Canada. Winners received a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation towards a registered Canadian charity of their choice. Winners will also be featured online at canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25 and in the July print edition of Canadian Immigrant magazine.
“They’ve all been outstanding in contributing to the Canadian society and in their own communities. They have distinguished achievements in their own industries and I think that’s the common thread that ties all of the winners together,” said Ivy Chiu, RBC’s senior director, cultural markets.
Other recipients include Mohamad Fakih the president and CEO of Paramount Foods. He believes an event like this is a positive reinforcement of how Canadians are accepting and it holds great significance in the eyes of newcomers.
“Events like this are very important to showcase examples of success especially for newcomers,” said Fakih.