Khadijah is the CEO of K Business Group Incorporated which manages a group of brands, including HANAK Foods, the first bottled Nigerian stew sold in stores across Canada, K Body Blends, organic natural skin care products, and K Coaching Academy, her coaching school. With her well diversified businesses, it is no wonder that Khadijah was able to host such an event.
The Oxford Diversity Vendor Show Ingersoll consisted of nineteen local vendors ranging from groups like OCCA, organizations like Kiwanis Ingersoll, food, jewellery, clothing and skin care product vendors, a travel agent, Oxford Manor Retirement Residence, and an immigration agency. About 150 people attended the all-day event which ran from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The Core Steering Committee for OCCA consist of Duan Daley, Treasury, Linda Reid, Secretary and Michael Thomas Vice President. OCCA is a non-profit community group who via networking, plan to initiate services for adults and youth. Linda mentioned that a picnic was held in the last weekend of August last year. This year they will host another Summer Barbecue at Pittock Park and hope to have an official launch in October.
Despite a newly formed group, OCCA has T-shirts, hoodies, and toques for sale. As a non-profit group, Linda stated all proceeds go back into programs. Other activities include Track and Activity night, Biking and Hiking and the OCCA Women’s Group. Connect via Facebook, Instagram or by email at [email protected].
Marjorie Curet, Principal Consultant from Silver Peak Immigration, cited some statistics about immigration. She reported that small businesses are more likely to employ immigrants then large businesses and how immigrants are more likely to open business. Other statis include:
- One of three dentists are immigrants,
- 32% of software publishers are immigrants,
- 50% of restaurants are immigrants.
Marjorie also reported that “immigrants are hard working, optimist and open-minded people who are the backbone of this county.” Aside from the believe that immigrants take jobs away from residents, immigrants are the source of job creation for they are most likely to open small business that employ residents.
Other activities at the Oxford Diversity Vendor Show Ingersoll included, Hanna painting, music, Magic Express children's cho cho train rides and food. A fun time for the whole family.
Better words could not be spoken with recent hate crimes. Khadijah hopes to host this event next year to include a fun filled weekend from June 16 to 18, 20023, to include Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tillsonburg, which will continue to grow to unite us.