Comments Off on Ahmed Hamza’s Story: Finding community and building stability
When Ahmed first came to Canada in September 2024, there were many challenges, but finding a job seemed impossible.
“It was so difficult. I couldn’t work or study, I had to have Canadian referrals and certifications. I had to have Canadian experience, even to work at McDonald’s,” Ahmed says.
In Egypt, Ahmed studied graphic design and had been steadily building a career in his field. In Canada, he applied for many jobs and went to dozens of interviews, but he began to feel defeated.
He found precarious cash jobs to cover his expenses, but they didn’t have the stability and equity he was looking for in a career.
Ahmed was on his own in a new country, trying to get grounded. He wanted to connect with his new community, so he Googled the nearest food bank and found North York Harvest.
By May 2025, he was a volunteer at our Albion Community Food Space.
“At Albion, they are like my brothers and sisters,” he says. “Everyone is so supportive, especially the manager, Chashma.”
Through Chashma, Ahmed learned about the Leadership in Logistics program: North York Harvest’s paid training program that offers successful graduates full-time jobs in Canadian Tire distribution warehouses.
During the four-week paid training program, Ahmed joined his peers in the North York Harvest warehouse, learning how to build orders for distribution across our network, safely operate machinery, and more.
In just a month, trainees have all the knowledge and certifications they need to start their new careers.
“The Leadership in Logistics program has brought stability, confidence, and independence. I finally feel like I’m building a real life here,” Ahmed says.
Ahmed is now excelling in his new role at Canadian Tire, but he’s still a part of the North York Harvest community.
Over the next year, he will have access to appointments with staff who can help guide him to any other resources he may need, including referrals to healthcare or furniture, as he continues to build his new life in Canada.
“I feel proud and grateful. It was a big step forward and gave me hope that my future in Canada was finally taking shape,” Ahmed says.
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