“Peace By Chocolate” CEO Becomes a Canadian Citizen
The Hadhad family came to Canada from Syria through the refugee program
Tarek Hadhad is one of my favourite people whom I’ve never met.
In the ’80s, Tarek Hadhad’s father decided on a career change; from civil engineer to chocolatier. Over the course of 20 years, the senior Hadhad built a successful business. The family’s chocolate factory was the second largest in the Middle East.
During the [ongoing] Syrian war, the chocolate factory was bombed and the family had to leave their homeland and become refugees. Tareq Hadhad had studied medicine at Damascus University and, when he arrived in Lebanon in 2013 as a refugee, he joined the medical relief efforts for the Syrian refugees with UNHCR and WHO through a local organisation.
It was absolutely one of the most joyful moments in our life when we got accepted to come to Canada – Tareq Hadhad
In December 2015, through Canada’s refugee program, Tareq and his family (9 all together, including a niece and nephew) were welcomed with open arms in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Tareq Hadhad told the Globe and Mail “It was absolutely one of the most joyful moments in our life when we got accepted to come to Canada”
It’s a great testament to open arms and open hearts and the difference that can make in a community.
As a way to say Thank You to their new community, the family made some chocolates. The community responded by asking how they could help rebuild the family’s chocolate business. The community helped the Hadhads set up a small chocolate shop in a shed next to their home. They called it Peace by Chocolate. The company has expanded and now employs 55 people. It’s a great testament to open arms and open hearts and the difference that can make in a community.
Four years after arriving in the country, Tareq Hadhad became a Canadian citizen this week, something he says “the biggest honour” of his life.
His family’s business destroyed.
His future uncertain.
His family fleeing for their lives.
A new country.
An unfamiliar landscape.
A drive to overcome the odds.@TareqHadhad. Never. Gave. Up.And is now officially a Canadian citizen. pic.twitter.com/6q0JYlyVQN
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) January 15, 2020
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau. Our story could not have been possible anywhere else, but this country made the dream come true. I proudly swore that “I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.”
O Canada! 🇨🇦 https://t.co/E1cBTfqi6c
— Tareq Hadhad (@TareqHadhad) January 16, 2020
Coming to a new country, with a different language, different climate and different culture is not easy. I’ve helped settled refugees in my community and I’ve seen that it take a lot of strength and courage to keep going. What I love about this story of the Hadhad family is not only their delicious chocolate and business success, but the joy and positivity that absolutely radiates from Tareq. We are lucky to have him as a Canadian.
Just for the records, I told reporters yesterday that the first thing I will do as a Canadian citizen is to go out and grab a Double-Double with a toonie! And I did just that. Here is the proof:#SoCanadian🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/pQQ2ehy9Eh
— Tareq Hadhad (@TareqHadhad) January 16, 2020
Peace by Chocolate sells online and in select Sobey’s stores across Canada. They are currently promoting their Valentine’s chocolates that come with love advice from couples who have been together for a very long time. How sweet!
Hear more about the Hadhad’s journey and what Tareq has learned living in Canada.
