On Tony Singh's second day in Canada, his new neighbour invited the 10-year-old and his family — who had come as refugees — over for dinner.
Now, 40 years later, the Surrey, B.C. businessman is paying that single act of kindness forward by promising free groceries to 500 Syrian refugees.
“The simple gesture had such a profound impact on me and my life,” Singh said in a statement Monday. “It showed me what it means to be Canadian.
“I wanted to pass on that same special feeling to these Syrian Refugees arriving in Canada,” Singh said.
The businessman is founder and president of Fruiticana, a Surrey-based company established in 1994.
“I am sure many of these refugees, especially the children, will go on to make many positive contributions to Canada in the future.”
The deliveries of free groceries continue a promise made by Singh last year to help refugee families resettling in Surrey.
Over 17,000 Syrian refugees have arrived in Canada as of Tuesday. The federal government has pledged to resettle 25,000 people as permanent residents by the end of February.
Singh, who will deliver his latest bundle of groceries on Thursday, said he’s hopeful his simple action will serve as a positive example for newcomers.
“I am sure many of these refugees, especially the children, will go on to make many positive contributions to Canada in the future."
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