The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, July 10, 2015 | 10 Halton salutes its Newcomer Heroes as role models by Bob Mitchell Oakville Beaver Staff If you're interested in salsa dancing, fitness classes, South and Central American snacks, clothing, music, products or a good cup of real Colombian coffee you just might be inspired by Yury Wu and Lynn Choi. The owners of Taste of Colombia Fair Trade Coffee & Gift Shop have created a unique establishment overlooking the Bronte Pier in Oakville. The entrepreneurial women were among 24 men, women and students honoured in June as Halton Newcomer Heroes at a reception at the Halton Regional Centre auditorium. Their success story mirrored the accomplishments of the other `Heroes,' who represented 19 different countries. "Their stories reflect what newcomers can achieve, from settlement to establishing their lives, in Halton," Halton Newcomer Strategy (HNS) Chair Barb Krukowski said about the inaugural recognition event. "They are positive role models for current and future newcomers and for all of us." The Colombian-born Wu founded her company in 2012 and Choi, a Korean immigrant, recently became her partner. Wu launched Fair Trade Colombia while working at home as a stay-at-home mom. Her husband was teaching full-time and she was raising their three children. Wu guarantees those producing her coffee and product are paid fairly for their work. "We have been educating the consumer. They can see, try and buy fair trade products," Wu said. "In the shop, we have fun and share our culture with the community. We try to make a difference in the daily lives of the people we meet. "We're a multicultural society and newcomers play a huge role. We enrich our lives by sharing what we have with our community." Halton Chair Gary Carr described those recognized as "the leaders" of their community. "You are the ones, who show everyone what this community is all about," Carr said. "You might not ever see the people you impact, but there will be people along the way Oakville's Yury Wu and Lynn Choi were honoured at a Halton Newcomer Heroes reception last week. They are depicted on this poster. | courtesy Regional Municiaplity of Halton n ow o f f e r i n g P h ys i ot h e r a P y o s t eo Pat h y at h l e t i c t h e r a P y who you've inspired by your leadership." Born in Romania, Corina Barbul was also among those honoured. After volunteering for more than 10 years, she became a staff member with United Way Oakville where she is now the director of community impact. "Each immigrant's story is unique. Their expectations are different," she said. "But they should always ask for help when needed. There are many community resources, so nobody needs to struggle alone." A gift from the Muslim Community of Ontario was also recognized. The group initially raised $1,200 to purchase groceries for those in need and arranged for the delivery. Through a Facebook page, 150 Muslim families later pledged to donate $10 per month, resulting in the delivery of food to six different neighbourhood services. The group also saved two breakfast clubs from closing. "Since 2010, the Halton Newcomers have been breaking down barriers and facilitating a smooth transition into a fresh start and a new home. This is really about helping people who come here to be the best they can be," Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris told the gathering. "The work you do and the incredible things you have been able to achieve day in and day out -- and the extra-ordinary contributions you will make to Halton... adds to the fabric of this place. "With passion and dedication and perseverance, you show the rest of us that there is nothing you can't accomplish. We need you to keep inspiring the next generation of newcomers." see Newcomers on p.13 Doctors recommend the kyBoot "kyBoots help you keep balance and activate your muscles, from your toes to your back: they are helpful in the treatment of pain in the heels and forefeet, and are a method of choice to support the treatment of pain in the Achilles tendon and back." - Dr. Markus Müller, specialist in orthopaedic surgery, foot surgery practitioner, Lucerne oakvillesportsmedicinecentre.ca 905 337 8455 Oakview Funeral Home: a special place to remember You are unique. Your loved ones are unique. So at your time of need or when planning ahead, rely on our specialists to provide everything you need to create a one-of-a-kind remembrance. KyBoots will help you with.... · Back Pain · Improving circulation · Knee pain · Strengthening muscles · Foot conditions · Improving posture Call us today for or a FREE Planning Kit! 905-842-2252 905-842-2252 Look for us on Facebook Enjoy a FREE Kyboot walking test, at the Medicine Shoppe on Lakeshore Rd. East Pharmacist/Owner Visit www.oakviewfuneral.ca for a virtual tour of our funeral home. Richard Price by Arbor Memorial 56 Lakeshore Road, W., Oakville Arbor Memorial Inc. Oakview Funeral Home Family Owned. Proudly Canadian. 267 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-1 A Trusted name in Oakville for over 20 years! www.kybun.com 905.842.2770