When Laszlo Morar first immigrated to Canada from Hungary, he settled in Mississauga. It was not long before friends told Laszlo and his wife about the nearby city of London, a smaller community filled with beautiful parks and access to all the services they’d need.
Lazlo connected with organizations that assist newcomers with settlement and integration, gaining valuable skills to help him adapt to London and have a greater understanding of Canada. In his country of origin, Laszlo worked as a Border Patrol officer and he was  determined to  continue  working in the field he was trained in. Through a mentorship program at one of the agencies in London, Laszlo connected with the London Police Service which led to his employment as a court prisoner security officer soon after.
Today, Laszlo enjoys living in London and encourages newcomers to reach out to organizations to help make the transition easier. His motivation to never give up and continue trying is an inspiring message to newcomers and locals alike.
So what does being Canadian mean to Laszlo? Being Canadian is unique in its diversity because of the mix of cultures. “Never forget who you are, being Canadian is a unique opportunity.”

For banker Lynette D’Souza, moving to London was a no-brainer. She had been traveling to visit her siblings in the Forest City since 1998 and had fallen in love with  its ethnic diversity, mix of “old and new,” and growing arts and culture scene. “London is a microcosm of what makes Canada so beautiful,” says Lynette, who loves to immerse herself in nature right in the city, making good use of London’s many walking trails. It was time for her family to join her siblings.
With more than two decades of experience in banking in Bahrain, Lynette was working as a risk manager within three months of arriving in Canada. “I found something I love . . . Opportunities exist in London.” She says her family has felt welcome in London and feels at home in their neighbourhood and church. She has gotten to know people, knows her local McDonald’s cashier well enough to ask how her family is doing.  And she has been giving back to her new community since she arrived, volunteering with programs such as Reforest London, Food Banks Canada, the Boys and Girls Club, and Habitat for Humanity. Lynette also volunteers on the City of London’s Community Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
“My philosophy in life is: You don’t only take, you give back,” explains Lynette.
What does being Canadian mean to Lynette? It means belonging. “I am invested in the future of Canada and I can see how my contributions matter to Canada. There is a deep sense of belonging.”