Immigrants of Distinction take to Jack Singer stage for first in-person awards ceremony in pandemic
The Immigrants of Distinction Awards event returns to an in-person ceremony for its 25th annual event, after several years of pandemic-related disruptions.
Immigrant Services Calgary is hosting the event at the Arts Commons Jack Singer Concert Hall Thursday evening.
The organization's CEO Hyder Hassan is a previous award recipient, and still remembers how winning one made him feel.
"I felt validated and advanced by the community," said Hassan, "and out of all the people that are coming (Thursday) what we are most proud of is that Calgarians get to see phenomenal people from all around the world that are making our city remarkable."
The awards honour and recognize individuals for achievements and community contributions, with 10 award categories.
"It doesn't matter where you come from, you can be the best version of yourself for your family. So we are celebrating that," said Hassan.
CELEBRATING CULTURE AND DIVERSITY
Organizers said the event is a celebration of culture and diversity during turbulent times of racial discrimination.
According to Statistics Canada, 46 per cent of all police reported hate-crimes in 2019 were motivated by race or ethnicity, up 10 per cent from the year before.
One of this year's finalists says he's committed to breaking barriers and ending discrimination.
"Our mission, one mission only, is to spread the love everywhere, without any discrimination (regardless of) religious background or ethnic background," said Syed Hassan, founder of the Love With Humanity Association.
The association provides free food pantries, distributes food hampers and collects clothing donations.
Hassan said the recognition validates all the volunteer hours and hard work he and his close friends and family have put into the association.
Another finalist is Alykhan Velji, owner of a Calgary-based interior design company in his namesake.
He said he has experienced racism numerous times throughout his life.
"It affects you emotionally. It affects you mentally," said Velji.
He persevered, and said becoming a finalist has made him feel validated for achievements, and as a newcomer.
"That's why I feel like these awards are so great because it does definitely celebrate a diverse community, people of colour, immigrants, and I think we definitely add so much to the facet of what Canada's all about and that's why I love being here," said Velji.
Theatre doors open at 7:00 p.m. with official ceremony to begin half an hour later.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.