Expressions - Mushtaq Ahmed
“They come, they stay, they leave the nest – and yet they are the reason for our existence, and they remain a key part of Sojourn House”. Many that have passed through Sojourn House have gone on to become successful law abiding citizens right across Canada. We recently caught up with Mushtaq Ahmed, a former resident.
Mushtaq Ahmed
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In 2003 Mushtaq arrived in Toronto via Germany, a lone Pakistani, with no family in Canada. He spent a few days at a shelter for the homeless, where he heard about Sojourn House and its work with refugee claimants. On approaching the staff of Sojourn House then located on 51 Bond Street, he was welcomed with open arms and provided with all the assistance he needed for the filing of his claim documents, and later the search for accommodation.
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Mushtaq left Sojourn House a month later, to begin his life in Toronto. After getting his driver’s licence, he got his first job, as a driver, cook and mover for Sojourn House. He served Sojourn House in his multiple roles for a year, before he got his commercial driver’s license, allowing him to explore the world of commercial – local and cross border - trucking. In 2006, Mushtaq was ready to establish his own moving company, allowing him to provide Toronto with moving services. And as Sojourn House moved from its Bond Street home to 101 Ontario Street, the organization demonstrated its commitment to supporting its current and former residents in their settlement prospects. Mushtaq successfully competed, and was awarded the moving contract.
Talking to Mushtaq, he is still amazed at the stark difference between the old Sojourn House and the new home on Ontario Street. He describes the old residence as a bug infested crammed, dirty building with bugs; and comparing that with the new building, he shakes his head…in astonishment. He still considers Sojourn House his home, and he visits regularly. An excellent cook, Mushtaq also takes time to help refugee claimants and new immigrants with tips on settling down in Canada. Says Mushtaq, “I thank God because everything that I am and have right now, I owe it all to Him, and to the staff of Sojourn House. They have contributed to the successful person that I am today, and I am really grateful and indebted to them”.
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