Thursday, July 5, 2012

– Building Your Brand VII- The Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award



– Building Your Brand VII -

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award
(Canadian Immigrant Magazine - July 2012 Issue)

This article is to congratulate the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award winners of 2012 and to the hundreds of people whose lives each one of you have affected.

Being recognized for your achievements and the dedication and efforts that each one has given back to Canada is not the end of the journey but marks a beginning of a new one. I know because I too am a past award winner.

Frame the actual award and hang it proudly where you can see it every day so that it drives you to even greater heights in giving back to this lovely country. 

The Top 25 Award while seemingly is given to individuals, stands for so much more. It marks the sign of success against challenges and recognizes the determination and perseverance in reaching our goals. It motivates countless of new immigrants who have come to Canada wanting to make and live a better life. It encourages others to be selfless and count life’s little blessings.

Our world after winning the Top 25 Award does not change dramatically; no one comes and signs you on for a James Bond movie or invites you to the Oprah show. As you were before, so shall you continue. 

But with a difference, people now listen more carefully and your words take on new meanings. That is the recognition which the Award brings. A recognition to yourself and a recognition from others and so like I do, learn to wear the award proudly.

Our journey needs to be told as it is a story that helps others in their journey forward and build new award winners of the future. 

Many agencies that serve New Canadians have approached me since the award and requested for a presentation to an adult audience. These were newcomers who were interested to hear about Canada, about my journey and take away lessons that they could apply in their day to day lives. 

The time and effort in giving back has virtually doubled since the award and every day makes me feel good and proud of what I do, helping bring change to the lives of New Canadians. I get phone calls and emails from many newcomers who want to reach out and hear my journey and this is time well spent as they move on charged with renewed energy and drive. That is the magic of the award; it lives on and energises lives of many others who come in contact with you.

A leading television channel reached out to me and made a documentary introducing newcomers to Canada, the camera crew spent time filming my day at the office, at home and at several sessions where I was speaking to New Canadians. 

The immigration office recorded my interview and currently screens it at pre arrival sessions held among soon to be immigrants from South Asia. 

As a newcomer myself, sharing my story whether face to face, in front of an audience or using social media, it is all about people helping people and building what Canada is well known for – the best country in the world to live in.

We have become Brand Ambassadors and have to dedicate the effort and energy to others and to make dreams a reality.

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