“No shadow has a colour.”
Those are the words that have stayed with Farouk Verjee throughout his life. When Farouk left Uganda via Kenya more than 50 years ago, he was a practicing lawyer. Overnight, he became stateless.
Faced with an uncertain future, he had to decide where to rebuild his life. He chose Canada. What attracted him was simple: peace, opportunity, and the chance to start again. “I never looked back,” he says.
Starting Over
Like many newcomers, Farouk arrived with skills, experience, and determination—but rebuilding a career was not easy.
His law credentials were not recognized, so he began working as a legal assistant while searching for a new path forward.
Eventually, he moved into real estate and built a successful career.
But success was never just about building a life for himself.
From the beginning, Farouk believed that newcomers have a responsibility to contribute to the communities that welcome them.
“We were given a hand up, not a handout,” he says.
Giving Back
Throughout his life, Farouk has focused on giving back.
When Vietnamese refugees arrived in Canada, he joined others in raising funds to sponsor a refugee family. He has spent decades volunteering, supporting community initiatives, and helping others settle and succeed.
His belief is simple:
“What can you do for the country—not what the country can do for you?”
It is a philosophy that has guided his life and one he believes many newcomers share.
Canada’s Strength
When asked what makes Canada special, Farouk points to the people.
He describes Canada as a place where people from different backgrounds live, work, learn, and build communities together.
For him, diversity is not simply something to celebrate—it is one of Canada’s greatest strengths.
He believes newcomers help make Canada stronger by bringing new ideas, skills, experiences, and perspectives.
And when they are welcomed and given opportunities to succeed, they give back many times over.
A Canada Day Reflection
As Canada Day approaches, Farouk reflects on the journey that brought him here.
Canada gave him safety, opportunity, friendship, and a place to belong.
In return, he has spent decades contributing to the country he now proudly calls home.
“The greatest blessing of my life is to be a Canadian,” he says. “I wear my Maple Leaf when I travel.”
His story is a reminder that Canada’s strength has always come from people coming together to build communities where everyone can thrive.
At ISSofBC, we see stories like Farouk’s every day. Newcomers arrive with hopes, skills, and determination. With the right support, they build successful lives, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a stronger Canada for all.
This Canada Day, you can support ISSofBC to make that possible.
Your support helps newcomers access the services, connections, and opportunities they need to succeed—and builds a stronger, more welcoming Canada for everyone.
Donate today and help newcomers thrive. Together, we all thrive in community.
