Lina Hernandez - Immigration...

Lina Hernandez

Country of Origin: Colombia

Date Arrived in London: August 2004

Occupation: HR and Communications Manager, Cross Cultural Learner Centre

Why did you decide to settle in London? What do you like about London?

We decided to settle in London because it is a small city that is very well located. It also

has many good universities and colleges. I like London because it has all the

resources, tools and good energy to help newcomers succeed

How are you involved in the London community (employment, volunteering,

community organizations, etc.)?

As the Human Resources and Communications Manager for CCLC, I am involved in

many activities within the London community. I organize events with different cultural

groups and partners, some examples are The Community Cup, Life as a Refugee,

International Women’s Day, Pride, Culture Days, etc. I also volunteer my hours as a HR

Mentor with Fanshawe College.

What message would you like to share with newcomers to London?

I would like to show and share the story and experiences of many successful

newcomers to London. It is difficult for all of us when we start but hard work, effective

use of resources and positive attitude will help them succeed. There is a big light at the

end of the tunnel and to quote Aerosmith “the light at the end of the tunnel may be you!”

What message would you like to share with the broader London community?

I would like to demonstrate that newcomers are a great part of our London Community.

We have skills; talent and education that can help any organization reach their goals

faster. I would like to show the London community that newcomers are a great way to

move forward into the future.

Mudrika Hamou

Country of Origin: Syria

Date Arrived in London: November 1981

Occupation: Settlement Counsellor - South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre


I immigrated to Canada from Syria with my parents at the age of 13. When I came to Canada I

didn’t speak any English. My parents chose London because they had heard from relatives that

it was a great community and because of the educational opportunities it offered. I quickly

integrated into the fabric of society and owe that to my wonderful peers and teachers at H.B.

Beal Secondary School who helped to support me in my journey. London felt like home from

day one. Once the youngest of my children was old enough, I realized it was time for me to get

back into the community, give back for all it had given me, and work on my own personal

development. Today, I am a proud mother of six, a part-time student at Brescia University

College, an active volunteer and a full time employee.

I have lived in London for over 30 years and it is my home. I am thankful to have spent some of

my childhood and all my adult years here. I grew up here and have had the pleasure of raising

my children in this community. London has allowed me to pursue my dreams of a higher

education and work full time simultaneously while maintaining a healthy relationship with my

family and friends. I have felt comfortable in London, whether it be in the workplace or with my

neighbours. London would not be home, were it not for its welcoming and warm community –

something I work very hard to emulate in my life and with my own relationships.

How are you involved in the London community (employment, volunteering, community

organizations, etc.)?

I first got involved in the London community through my kids school and my local Mosque.

Since then, I have volunteered as a facilitator for the Women of the World Arabic speaking

group with the Intercommunity Health Centre, and work full time as a Settlement Counsellor for

South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre.


First I would say, visit your settlement agencies. There are lots of good services to help you get

settled. London is a great city for the family. There are lots of activities and parks. Choose the

best neighbourhood for yourself and your kids.


As a face of London, I represent the Londoner who is working hard to achieve her dreams while

maintaining a balance at home and raising a family. Also, I believe it's always good to give. We

should all get out and be more involved in our community.

Dr. Bertha Garcia

Country of Origin: Peru

Date Arrived in London: 1980s

Occupation: Professor of Pathology; Vice Dean, Education - Schulich School of

Medicine & Dentistry - University of Western Ontario


I am from Lima, Peru. Immigrated to Canada (Calgary) in the early 1970s. I trained as a

pathologist in Calgary and worked at Foothills Hospital for a few years. I was then

recruited to University Hospital and Western in the mid 1980s to join the budding

transplantation group. I love London because it is a vibrant and good sized city with

strong rural roots. We have a diverse population from all walks of life with a passion for

the arts and education.



I am a medical educator at Schulich's School of Medicine and Dentistry and was the

laboratory director for the London Hospital's Laboratories from 2000-2011. I am also a

supporter of the London Public Library system and United Way.

What message would you like to share with newcomers to London and the

broader London community?

Get the local paper, see what is happening, join groups with your same interests,

volunteer, have fun, learn what the Canadians/Londoners like and try to join them

(music, arts, hockey, etc).

Mohammed Ahmed

Country of Origin: Yemen

Date Arrived in London: 2013

Occupation: High School Student - St. Andre Bessette Catholic Secondary School


Canada has a great reputation for good education and my parents wanted to move here

so I could go to school. I like London because it is not too crowded, has a nice

environment, and its really green. It is so pretty. You can take a walk to release stress

or go by the river which is really calming. And I love the people inside London too.

They are very nice people and are open to all types of immigrants. Also, the winters

were a new thing for me. Winter was really fun at the beginning. Then I felt like it would

last forever. but I thought if it is going to last forever, I should at least make the best of it

so I got into snowboarding on a hill by my house. I like to be productive with what i

have.



I have joined a UN debate team and won the Lester B. Pearson advocacy award and I

am going to the next UN debate in King’s University College. I was a part of the school’s

cross country team. I am a volunteer for my school as I helped build the set for the

school play and I am planning to apply for a summer job at Rona.


Go to sports tryouts. Teams are one of the best way to get involved. Also, dress

properly for the weather. It can go from hot to cold in no time.


I came into London with an open heart and you accepted me and now I am one of you.

Hun-jong Ha

Country of Origin: South Korea

Date Arrived in London: June 2011

Occupation: Product Information Systems Specialist - 3M Canada


I moved to London, Ontario in June 2011. London is a city of opportunities to me. For

the last three years, I have met so many good people in London who shared great

knowledge and experience in their profession. The networking chance from the

developed London economy brought me many wonderful career opportunities. It made

the start of my immigrant life much easier. I regard myself as a great successful

immigrant case brought about by London, such a strong community with help and

support dedicated to newcomers in Canada.

I love London, the city of trees! Such a wonderful natural environment with great people

and career opportunities make me feel London as my second home. London is a plan

where I happily work, play and live with family.



I have a good job and career opportunities and that is partially because I was lucky to

meet the right people at the right moment. Their experiences helped me. Now it is time

to give back to people. Through WIL Employment Connections, 3M Canada, and

various networking communities I actively provide career mentoring to people. People

come back to me when they need to make important decisions and I try to help them

using my experience and things i learned from my mentors.

I am also a local photographer and I volunteer to take photos for non profits, families

with a family member who has disabilities, and low income families. I have also worked

for events such as the Alzheimer Society's Walk for Memories this year and Parkinson

Society's SuperWalk in 2013.


We try to find our own communities. I found that its really helpful in the beginning, but in

the long run we need to find out how to immerse ourselves in the Canadian community.

We can utilize our home country community as a cushion. Relax there for a bit, but

then figure out how to get involved in Canadian community.

Naeema Farooqi

Country of Origin: Pakistan

Date Arrived in London: July 2010

Occupation: Entrepreneur/Founder and Editor-In-Chief - London LINK Magazine


I like the fact that it is kind of small and there is a lot of natural beauty. There is so much

beauty, but we don’t use it enough. It has a lot of positive stories here and a lot more

potential to grow and thrive.



I founded a magazine called London LINK that shares positive stories about people and

is designed to bridge the gap between communities in London.


Before you come, do some research, know yourself, and don’t be shy. Reach out,

make connections, make contacts. Take things in your own hands. Be motivated. It’s

not easy, but it’s doable. Don’t be disheartened. Appreciate where you are. Think about

how you can add value to Canada and you will just get everything back.


Don’t give up on the city that you live in. Keep working hard. Be more open to new

business and ideas. Support one another and local businesses. Go to the farmers

market. Take walks. Enjoy. People should be open to other cultures. Be kind to the

environment, be kind to each other, be polite, be good, work hard, enjoy life, appreciate

each other’s differences.

Marc Forrat

Country of Origin: Brazil


Occupation: Chocolatier - Forrat's Chocolates


My wife lived and grew up here. We moved after our daughter’s birth. London is a safe,

clean, and organized city. Londoners support the community and people are friendly.



I own two chocolate stores. I am a part of various events that help the less fortunate. I

work with Boys and Girls Club, Mission Services, donate products to raise money.


Give back, work hard, and never quit. Time is better off spent focusing on the positive

than negative. Create yourself as opposed to focusing on being found.


Support small business, coach young people, and focus on being great, not just good.

Adam Garba Country of Origin: Nigeria


Occupation: Business Entrepreneur – A & B Printing


As a college student in Brockville, ON, I visited London a few times. After graduating from college, I

settled in Northern Ontario. In 1985, I decided to go with my instinct and move my family here to London.

London is a great city. It is safe, accommodating, and offers opportunities that I could not find where I

was in Northern Ontario. It was a decision I was glad to have made. I have raised my four boys here,

made a lot of friends, and get involved in the community in various capacities. Best of all, I started my

own business in 1986, just one year after I settled here. Yes, I’m glad I’m a Londoner!

How are you involved in the London community (employment, volunteering, community

organizations, etc.)?

I have just been elected as the President of the African Canadian Federation of London and Area

(ACFOLA). Before that I was the Treasurer of the Federation. I was a soccer coach and sponsor with

South West Optimist Soccer Club for 12 years. I was also a two term President of the Nigerian

Association of London and a new immigrant mentor with Cross Cultural Learner Centre. I am also

involved in the Fugitive Slave Chapel Restoration Project. I try to involve myself with any organizations

that strive to give back to the community I live in.


My message to newcomers to London is to try as much as possible to get involved with many

organizations as you can. Reach out to service providers, like African Canadian Federation of London

and Area (ACFOLA), Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC), London Multicultural Community Association

(LMCA), churches and mosques, and most of all volunteer your time and skills whenever you have an

opportunity to. You will be amazed what volunteering can bring your way in terms of friends, skills, and

even jobs!

Stretch out your hands. When you take the chance and open up, you’ll be amazed how many doors

open.


My message to the broader London community is continue to be open and accommodating. Keep an

open mind when dealing or interaction with newcomers. Every person you meet has something to learn

from you and to teach you. We are all connected in some way. We all want to contribute and improve the

community we live in to make life better for ourselves, our children, and our children’s children.

Newcomers to London chose London for or reason or another. We should affirm this choice. Let us all

give everyone an opportunity to be: Included, Engaged and Integrated into the Society at Large.

Sandra Ramirez

Country of Origin: Colombia

Date Arrived in London: December 2011

Occupation: Customer Service – Interpreter – ESL/Spanish Teacher


I decided to settle in London because, as soon as we arrived, the community welcomed

my son and I in an amazing way. I love the nature, the size of the city, the people, the

cultural activities, and my church. It is a life full of peace, plenty of love, and hope.

London is where my eleven year old son started developing his artistic talent. He got an

art therapy scholarship given by UWO. He also won second price in a colouring contest

at Cherryhill Mall last Christmas. London is where life has shown us that working with

passion, showing compassion, and living for others make your dreams come true.

London mornings fill me out with energy and beautiful sunsets give me the strength to

wake up the next morning with new ideas and dreams to keep trying. The amazing

contrast between the amount of students from the university and seniors in the city

shows me how long term plans can be develop here. London, my beautiful and kind

London, I will keep my journey loving you and caring for you.



The second week after my arrival, I already started volunteering as an interpreter for the

fibromyalgia program at St. Joseph's Heath Care. That year, I also started volunteering

at London Intercommunity Health Centre. I knew that some of the clients at LIHC that

were on waiting list for an opportunity to access to the fibromyalgia program, but

language was a barrier for these Spanish community clients. I got the two organizations

in contact and they organized the first fibromyalgia program in Spanish! I am so glad to

know that thanks to my communication of needs between the two agencies, people got

an opportunity to access a treatment that teaches them and their relatives how to have

a better quality of life.

In 2012, I also started volunteering at Gateway Church with the Spanglish program (an

opportunity for native speakers to help each other practice both English and Spanish)

they offered to the community.

I have had the opportunity to help Latin people improve their learning and acquisition of

English. I developed some tips I share with everyone I know who is trying to learn a

language and they enjoying the process.

I had the great chance to teach English to newcomer seniors at Kiwanis Seniors Centre.

That experience showed me how important it is to keep our seniors together

participating in activities according to their age. It is important for seniors to know at

least the basics of the language to be independent and survive in a different culture. I

also volunteered at Forest Cliff Camp where I got a scholarship for my son last summer.

Spending a week in a Canadian summer camp was a great experience, because I only

had images from movies about it. Cooking for 200 people was really amazing.

Besides I have had the beautiful opportunity of volunteering at Compassion Canada. It

is wonderful reading sponsors' cards giving love and hope to children who live in

places where opportunities are not available like they are in this beautiful country.

Helping with this mission is really rewarding.

Right now I am volunteering at London Employment Help Centre. Learning from great

professionals who do one of the hardest jobs nowadays….job hunting. I also help at

LEHC with the advocates –social workers- to translate fornthe Spanish speaker

community who they are helping with CPP and ODSP applications.

I will keep trying to get a job and I know I will; but meanwhile, I will continue giving my

best everywhere whenever Canadians or immigrants need me.


It is very important to get involved with the community as much as possible. The more

you give, the more you get. The moment you share your skills with others, doors start to

open. London is a traditional city full of people with values and compassion. The

beautiful Forest City offers a lot of positive aspects for the new families that come to

settle down here. Get as much information as possible online about the city and all the

social services it offers for different age groups. I would add that volunteering is not only

rewarding, but the best way to get references and Canadian experience. Start building

your network and get connections where you can not only serve and use your skills, but

also where you will be really valuable for them. If you want to learn a language in an

enjoyable way, contact me ([email protected]) and I will give you tips for a

pleasant learning process.

Also remember, If you are cold in the winter, drink hot chocolate and keep warm

thoughts. If you are hot in summer time, swim a lot. In spring enjoy the flowers, birds,

and geese singing and in autumn the colourful falling leaves. Do not forget always to be

thankful for living in this beautiful and peaceful land.


It is really important for an immigrant to understand, know so will value the system and

culture in Canada. Sometimes we do not do many things because we do not know that

the possibilities even exist. For example all programs available from Spectrum

magazine. Services and agencies of employment and health. The fact of getting a

family doctor. School culture. Dealing with weather, etc. I would call it “warm up for a

life”. I am a language teacher and this is the way I motivate my students and I can

measure the success I will have of the rest of the class jus by the very beginning

introduction of the unknown. Every time I meet newcomers I share with them all I

missed because I did not know all that was there available. I show them the shortcut

and make them aware as many possibilities as I know are available so they can really

take advantage of all programs and benefits that government and non-profits have for

the community.

I think this campaign is great for Canadians too who have spent more time here and

may have forgotten their past generations and all they had to go through. The same

things we are facing right now. I want to remind them how important and necessary

immigrants are for the country. I want to realize that learning the language takes time.

They should value newcomers’ efforts and should be conscious that not knowing

English does not mean a lack of intelligence or capability to rationalize. I want everyone

to be aware that adjusting to a new environment, weather and conditions is not easy, to

value that we left lives behind to come and adapt to and truly love a new nation, that our

kids and coming generations are the future.

Mohammed Osman Yassine

Country of Origin: Lebanon

Date Arrived in London: November 1976

Occupation: Accountant - Osman's Accounting Services


In 1976, during the civil war in Lebanon I sailed from Lebanon to Cyprus. The motor on our

boat gave up part of the way through the trip and we were stranded on the sea for 48 hours.

Finally, I flew from Cyprus to London.

London is the first Canadian city I lived in. Occasionally, I felt home sick as I missed my

childhood friends, my parents and my relatives in Lebanon. Interestingly, when I lived away from

London for seven years in Windsor, where I was studying, I missed London and my

homesickness was for London.

In London, I established my life, my friendships, my business and raised my family. Beyond

being clean, safe and beautiful, London is home to my beautiful three year old granddaughter,

my two boys, two sisters and many cousins and friends along with their extended families.

London has all the ingredients for a decent life and the opportunity to grow and raise families.

Today, as I have been for many years, since the first few years of my arrival, I am proud to call

London my home.

How are you involved in the London community?

Early on I got involved in the Palestinian social club. I also joined the London Muslim Mosque. I

actually composed a song and went and sang the song around campfires with children. Later I

joined the city of London Race Relations Committee and was in charge of the Cross Cultural

Learner Centre for many years. I also founded the Association of London Muslims to integrate

the Muslim Community without assimilation.

Apart from my career, I've worked with individuals from the Church, Synagogue and Mosque to

have interfaith dialogues where individuals from different faiths understand and respect each

other.

I’ve volunteered at the Islamic Centre as well as at the Food Bank. I coordinated the collection

of loads of non-perishable food items for the food bank and also meat during our Eid

celebrations annually.


In London I established my life, my friendships, my business and raised my family. It is a clean,

safe and beautiful city, London has all the ingredients for a decent life and the opportunity to

grow and raise families. Today, as I have been for many years, since the first few years of my

arrival, I am proud to call London my home.


Don't see Canada as a country that belongs to one group or another. Canada is the mosaic

land. We have this sense of coexistence. I don't see my neighbour any different than me in

terms of race, colour, or religion.

Lina Hernandez - Immigration...

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