#13 - Gar Gar: YYC Kids Ride
“I was always forced to run away from war and fear, now I am always running toward hope and helping build the city that has given my family and I countless opportunity.”
Born in Sudan as a refugee, Gar Gar immigrated to Canada without knowing a word of English at the age of 17. Gar later received a Bachelor of Business Administration from SAIT, majoring in accounting. As an active volunteer, Gar became more interested in issues affecting community safety and prosperity, youth, and civic engagement. He became the first Black student president at SAIT Student Association. He has sat on numerous boards including SAIT Board of Governors, Alberta Radisson and Forest Lawn Community Association and the City of Calgary Immigrant inclusion Committee to name a few. Gar is a major grassroots advocate for youth in the city and has worked consistently to provide youth with opportunities to improve their skills and provide experiences to help them grow as individuals. Gar has established multiple organizations and grassroots initiatives to help the less fortunate amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including YYC Kids Ride Foundation, School Supply Surprise, and Free Friday Family Pizza. Gar has also run in Municipal and Provincial Elections.