Tareq Hadhad, the award-winning Founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, will speak at the 22nd annual Fraser Valley Diversity Awards on March 6th, 2025.
Hadhad arrived in Canada in 2015 as a Syrian refugee. Passionate about peace and entrepreneurship, his family relaunched their family business selling chocolate and began creating job opportunities for other refugees. The success of their business has been captured in a best-selling book and award-winning documentary.
Hadhad has received numerous awards including RBC’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada by Atlantic Business Magazine.
“It is so important for us to hear stories like Tareq’s journey in his own words,” said Manpreet Grewal, Archway Director of Multicultural and Immigrant Integration Services. “His story breaks myths and stereotypes in our heads about what it means for Canada and refugees to be in this country. It is not always just about our benevolence or a family’s struggle in this new home but this immensely mutually beneficial economic, cultural and social exchange which happens all the time.”
Manpreet Grewal speaking at the 2023 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards
“It is so important for us to hear stories like Tareq’s journey in his own words. His story breaks myths and stereotypes in our heads about what it means for Canada and refugees to be in this country.”
Established in 2003, the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards celebrate organizations, businesses, and initiatives that promote inclusivity, accessibility and diverse representation within the community.
Tickets are now on sale for the awards ceremony and attendees will enjoy a delicious dinner, inspiring speakers and local entertainment.
Archway Community Services is presenting this event in partnership with Chilliwack and Mission Community Services as well as the Langley New Directions English Language School.
This year, over 50 individuals and organizations have been named nominees in 6 categories: Effective Human Resources Strategies, Innovative Initiative, Inclusive Environment, Marketing, Champion of Diversity (18+), and Youth Champion of Diversity (12-17).
“Thank you to everyone who has submitted nominations and for our sponsors who help make this event possible,” said Sarah Bolton, Event Coordinator.
The awards in each category will be presented by award sponsors: Abbotsford School District, Prospera, University of the Fraser Valley, and WorkSafeBC.
The awards ceremony will be held the evening of Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on 36035 N Parallel Rd. Abbotsford. Tickets are available online at diversityawards.ca/tickets with an early bird rate of $75 until February 11th.
“Thank you to everyone who has submitted nominations and for our sponsors who help make this event possible.”
