Ai Tran Wins “Top 25 Canadian Immigrants in 2012” Award

On May 29th 2012, Ai Tran became the first Canadian of Vietnamese origin to receive the coveted “Top 25 Canadian Immigrants” Award and associated monetary prize of $500, presented at an award ceremony in Toronto.  Along with Ai Tran, past winners include the former Governor Generals Adrienne Clarkson and Michalle Jean, Olympian Donovan Bailey and star entrepreneur, Robert Herjavec.

Mr. Tran chose to donate his award prize to the Paul Yuzyk Institute for Youth Leadership (PYI), recently established through the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada, whose aim is to provide opportunities for youth from across Canada to strengthen their leadership abilities.  One might ask why a Vietnamese boat immigrant would choose the Paul Yuzyk Institute as the beneficiary of his award when he could give to a charity of his choice?

Ai Tran , a registered social worker, is no stranger to the Ukrainian community in Ottawa.  In fact, his volunteer work for the recently formed UNF Ottawa Gatineau Branch has been well received and applauded by the Branch Executive.  Ai single-handedly solicited and obtained dozens of letter of support for the Paul Yuzyk Multicultural Stamp Initiative by working tirelessly with many ethno cultural groups across Canada to make them aware of the “Father of Multiculturalism”.  They are indebted to the efforts of Senator Paul Yuzyk as his vision of multiculturalism has enabled them to contribute and flourish in our vibrant society.  In 2010, another Vietnamese person was accorded with the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism.  The recipient was Paul Nguyen who donated his $20,000 award prize to the building of the Vietnamese Boat People Museum in Ottawa.

I came to learn about Ai Tran’s history on his arrival in Canada after living for 12 years as a stateless Vietnamese refugee in The Philippines before being allowed to come to Canada.  His struggle to “make a difference” in society, by constantly volunteering his time and skills to those communities that called upon him was noted from the onset.  Ai always gives 110%... a very rare quality.  People who have worked with him have learned that he is respectful, caring, humble, considerate, goal driven, and a true Christian.  You can count on Ai Tran.  He found himself alone in the world at an early age, not knowing what had happened to his family. He had been separated from his parents for 21 years... one of the hardest things he had ever endured.

Recently, he was joyously reunited with them in California.  His elderly parents, in failing health, could not believe that once again they were a family unit.  They learned that their son Ai had attended McGill University and achieved high scholastic recognition, and that he had fulfilling work, was a community activist and a contributor to Canadian society.

When asked how all his achievements came to be under such difficult circumstances, Ai Tran quietly says that because of Canada and its multicultural policy, he has felt a lifelong gratitude to his new home country.  He is proud to be a Canadian and always feels compelled to show his appreciation by “giving back”.  Congratulations to you Ai Tran on receiving the “Top 25 Canadian Immigrants in 2012” Award honouring the unique contributions that immigrants have made to this nation.

Vicki Karpiak is the daughter of the late Senator Paul Yuzyk and Vice-President of the UNF- Ottawa Gatineau Branch.

PHOTO

L. to R.: Vicki Karpiak, Ai Tran and Paul Nguyen