The Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC) and CPAC Foundation held their annual gala on Monday at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel to raise funds for charitable work within the immigrant community and celebrate the accomplishments of immigrant professionals.

The funds raised through the event will help improve the programs and services provided by CPAC and CPAC Foundation. The funds raised also will be used to support CPAC’s initiatives in promoting education by providing scholarships and bursaries to students and in cultivating leadership among immigrant professionals through its training programs.

“Thanks to the support of all levels of government, our sponsors, and each and every one present this evening, we are able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of newcomers to Canada,” said Margaret Yang, president of CPAC, in her welcome speech. “Over the past 23 years, we have served tens of thousands of immigrant professionals, helping them reach their career goals and integrate into the Canadian society.”

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the CPAC Professional Achievement Award, which recognizes the achievements of outstanding immigrant individuals who have overcome various barriers and made strides in their professional careers.

This year’s winner is Dr. Kue Young, dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. Young is a recognized authority in the field of aboriginal public health. He has worked as a primary care physician, health administrator and academic researcher in indigenous communities in northern Canada and other circumpolar regions.

Among the 500 attendees were Xue Bin, Chinese consul general in Toronto; Michael Chan, Ontario minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade; MP Arnold Chan; MP Geng Tan; MPP Soo Wong; and Toronto city councillors Chin Lee and Jim Karygiannis.

renali@chinadailyusa.com