By Vancouver Island Free Daily |
Campbell River’s White Hat Drycleaners is by far the smallest business to receive IRCC award
A small Campbell River business is one of four organizations being recognized by the federal government for its efforts in helping newcomers to Canada find employment and get settled in their new communities.
Each year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in collaboration with Hire Immigrants Ottawa, recognizes the innovative efforts of businesses across Canada to improve the integration of newcomers into the labour market through its Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment program.
And White Hat Drycleaners and Commercial Laundry owner Ai Guo Zhang received the recognition in Ottawa this week. His is by far the smallest business being recognized this year, with only 10 employees, but the IRCC says the recognition isn’t about numbers, but about their efforts in reducing barriers faced by newcomers entering the labour market and improving their chances of successfully settling into their new homes.
With 7 out of 10 employees of White Hat Drycleaners being newcomers, Mr. Zhang goes above and beyond his responsibilities to ensure the successful integration of his employees in the community,” reads the IRCC release on the recognition. “He not only offers newcomers a job, but he also offers their families support in pursuit of their settlement goals and cares about their social, cultural and educational needs.