Medicine Man
Member
August 10, 2016 - "Hadhad was once a successful chocolate maker in Damascus, Syria.
He owned a factory there and employed 30 people. He shipped chocolates all over the Middle East, but he lost it all to war.
When he arrived in Canada he had little but a loving family and the community of Antigonish's welcoming arms. Hundreds of people helped them establish a home but Assam Hadhad wanted to contribute and continue his life's work.
So he set out to start a new chocolate factory in Nova Scotia. Volunteers in Antigonish helped build the tiny shed-turned-factory and they bought his chocolates at the local market and through special orders.
In turn, Hadhad donated profits to the victims of the Fort McMurray wildfires.
"Antigonish is a very caring, loving community. We embrace Syrians. I think for them it is a dream come true really and we are pleased this has happened," says long-time Antigonish resident Diane Roberts, one of 50 people who turned out for today's official opening.
Hadhad hopes to expand his company and eventually hire staff from the community. From refugee to entrepreneur, he says now he truly feels like he has arrived in Canada."