Each year, Canadian Immigrant magazine recognizes 25 immigrants for the work they have done to inspire and impact their communities. Among the recipients of this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards — which were announced earlier this month — are two individuals who demonstrate how you can make a different, whether you have been in Canada for seven or 70 years. Here are their stories.
A war survivor and refugee from Syria, Hanen Nanaa wasn’t sure what to expect as a young new Canadian in 2016.
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“Despite my initial fears of being a stranger in a new land, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received from neighbours, coworkers and even strangers,” she said. “People went out of their way to offer assistance, and I am grateful for that.”
Still, starting from scratch to rebuild her life and learn English posed many challenges. “I approached these obstacles with unwavering determination. I enrolled in language classes, actively participated in various community organizations and fully immersed myself in the local culture,” said Nanaa.
Wanting to make the path easier for other refugees following behind her, the ambitious youth, studying politics and governance and law at Toronto Metropolitan University, turned to the concept of social enterprise to make an impact.
“I took the initiative to create several projects, initiatives and collectives, all aimed at bridging gaps and ensuring that other refugees felt supported and welcomed.”
Today, the 25-year-old’s main focus is Books Art Music (BAM) Collective in Toronto, a community hub that empowers youth and equity-deserving people through policy, art, innovation and community engagement. BAM Collective was recognized as the top finalist for the Toronto Arts for Youth Award in 2021.
“I am incredibly passionate about empowering young people and women, as well as creating positive change in our communities. What’s particularly exciting about BAM is that we prioritize youth voices and provide a platform for young people to express their ideas, collaborate on projects and take leadership roles.”
Nanaa’s own voice is loud and clear, and she’s being recognized for it. This year, she received the Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership, and, in 2022, the Alterna Prize for Women Social Change Leaders.
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“My aim is to cultivate a diverse range of opportunities for the collective, enabling us to engage in research, identify community needs and design impactful projects that truly make a difference,” said this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Youth Award winner.
Sam Primucci, founder of Pizza Nova, has raised millions of dollars for important causes in his adopted country.
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Sam Primucci, pizza pride
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Pizza Nova, founded by Italian-born Sam Primucci in 1963 in Toronto. It’s a proud milestone for 83-year-old Primucci, who is as entrepreneurial-minded as ever.
“In the pizza business, things keep on changing and we need to adapt to these changes. We can’t do things the same way as it was 60 years ago. We have to adapt to today’s age, which can become a challenge, but it’s exciting to learn new ways of doing things,” he said.
Primucci was just 12 years old when he and his family immigrated to Canada from the small town of Palazzo San Gervasio in the Basilicata region of Italy. By 14, Primucci started working at a children’s clothing manufacturer, where he worked his way up to manager of more than 150 sewers by age 23.
“This job taught me many of the skills that would lead me to opening my own company,” he said. “I went from receiver to manager of the sewing room in just seven short years. I truly earned a lot while working there.”
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So, when his brother, Michael, who was delivering pizzas, asked Sam and their other brothers to jump on the new delivery trend and open their own takeout pizza restaurant, Primucci agreed.
The first Pizza Nova location opened on May 12, 1963 — 11 years to the day after Primucci and his family immigrated to Canada. One year later, Primucci married his dream girl, Gemma. The family expanded the business, creating thousands of jobs and numerous franchise business opportunities, with more than 150 locations today.
After 71 years of being in Canada, Primucci is grateful for the opportunities this country has afforded him and others like him.
Over the years, Primucci and his team have fostered relationships with longstanding charitable partners such as Variety Ontario, Villa Charities and Student Nutrition of Ontario — raising millions for important causes in his adopted country.
“By giving back, it is a way of saying thank you to the country that gave us so much opportunity,” said Primucci.
Visit CanadianImmigrant.ca for the full list of 2023’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners and to read their stories.
