in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, Ju ne 25 ,2 02 0 | 16 What better way to celebrateCanada Day than by wishingothers "Happy Canada Day" and being handed a free Canadian flag? The free flags are courtesy of Lazeez Shawarma restaurants which are continuing their long-standing tradition of handing out free Canadian flags on July 1st at their 31 locations across Ontario. "There's no purchase necessary, but there is a condition that you must say 'Happy Canada Day' to get your free flag," says Sahib Rana, Franchise Manager of Lazeez Shawarma. "We plan to give away 8,000 to 9,000 flags this year alone." The tradition of giving away free Canadian flags on Canada Day began in 2013 and the popular restaurant chain estimates they have given away about 18,000 free flags. "We began th is t rad i t ion the year we opened our first restaurant at Cred i t v iew and Br i tann ia in Mississauga," explains Sahib. "The Lazeez Shawarma family holds this tradition near and dear to our hearts as it exemplifies what we stand for-- and that is that all of us at our core are Canadians, regardless of our race, religion, orientation and ethnic backgrounds. Giving away Canadian flags shows our true Canadian spirit and a vis ion of sharing our patr iot ism for our beaut i fu l c o u n t r y . I t s p r e a d s a mes s a g e o f love, positivity and patriotism." Sah i b and t h e L a z e e z t e a m h a v e almost doubled t h e i r o r d e r for this year's giveaway of full- size car flags (about 1 x 1.5 feet in size). "This year it is extra important to carry on the tradition, in lieu of everything going on in the world," says Sahib. "The world and our Canadian communities need to stay together and spread positivity. We want to show that Canadians are a family and share similar beliefs and values. The most rewarding thing is to see the smile on people's faces when they receive their Canadian flag and say things l ike, 'we are so lucky and grateful to live in Canada' or they talk about what a great country this is. People thank us for taking the in i t iat ive t o s p r e a d positivity and p a t r i o t i s m throughout the GTA." During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lazeez Shawarma locations across the GTA are offering a 50 per cent discount on specific menu items to front line and essential workers. "Offering a half price discount is the least we can do to thank our heroes," states Sahib. "We are also holding a food drive at all locations in support of those in need. Our company also began the Food Drive in support of the Nav Bhatia SuperFan Foundation. Nav is a huge fan of Lazeez and he exemplifies inclusivity, patriotism, and a love for all. Our saying is 'However you say it, it's delicious", which states that food brings us together. Lazeez is authentically Mediterranean and proudly Canadian. We are United by Taste and united in our love for this great Nation." Lazeez is a five-time consecutive winner of the Readers' Choice Awards for Favourite Middle Eastern Restaurant in Mississauga and Brampton. Sahib adds: "Join us at any of our Lazeez Shawarma locat ions to celebrate our beautiful country Canada with your free flag on July 1st." (First come, first served, while quantities last.) For more information and to find the nearest Lazeez location, visit lazeezshawarma.com SuperFan Nav Bhatia and Mansa Kaur Rana