Team SC
Journey
Praveen Varkey’s journey is not just a narrative of personal triumph; it’s an epic of resilience, determination, and an unswerving commitment to uplift humanity. Inspired by his father’s noble vision for community development and fueled by a fervent belief in the conservative ideologies, Praveen emerged as a beacon in the realms of social work, education, and activism.
With over 16 years of experience in social work and community development, Praveen embodies visionary thinking, an open mindset, and an unyielding belief in social equality and unbiased governance. His academic prowess, highlighted by a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a prestigious Indian University, is complemented by his qualification for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET), a testament to his commitment to mentorship and education.
International Exposure
Praveen‘s international exposure through the Cultural and Youth Exchange program opened new horizons, enriching his understanding of diverse cultures during his tenure at the Orpheus Centre in the United Kingdom. In 2011, Praveen, alongside his family, embarked on a transformative journey to Canada, facing initial challenges as a factory worker but demonstrating remarkable adaptability, networking skills, and volunteering experience, leading to his swift recognition as a Registered Social Worker in Ontario.
Professional Journey
His professional journey unfolded as a captivating tapestry of service to diverse communities. From contributing to public health organizations to aiding people living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable children, Praveen showcased a commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of society. His roles in hospital settings, long-term care homes, and various support services reflected a holistic approach to social work.
Praveen’s deep connection with diverse communities remained unwavering, both in India and Canada. As a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSSW) and the Founder President & CEO of Ontario Heroes, Praveen’s commitment to community development found expression through affiliations with non-governmental and governmental organizations across Canada
Education
In addition to his impressive professional trajectory, Praveen’s dedication to education is underscored by his role as an Honorary Preceptor at institutions such as Sheridan College, Durham College, and Centennial College, shaping the future of social service professionals.
The pinnacle of Praveen’s impact on the community is reflected in the establishment of Ontario Heroes Health and Social Services (OHHSS) in 2020. This federally registered non-profit organization, under Praveen’s leadership, became a beacon of hope, providing Health, Legal, Social Services, Professional Mentorship, Housing, and Employment linkages on a volunteer basis.
OHHSS’s impact is staggering – 18,000 hours of professional consultation and service coordination, operating 4 programs, 15 services, and 3 campaigns. The organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness is evident in its volunteer team, representing 30 diverse professional and ethnic backgrounds across Canada.
Strategic Vision
Praveen’s strategic vision aligned with Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals, and his commitment to volunteerism, humanity, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness became the driving force behind OHHSS’s success. The media engagement orchestrated by Praveen as the Secretary of CNews Live, Canada, further amplified the organization’s impact.
Hosting the mega event “Heroes Fest 2022,” with 800 participants, showcased not only the organization’s achievements but also served as a platform to embrace humanity, volunteerism, and celebrate culture and diversity. Partnerships with organizations like RBC for the Ontario Heroes National Volunteer Awards 2022 added another dimension to OHHSS’s recognition.
Praveen was also part of the Organizing Committee for the National Onam at the Canadian Parliament. Through his leadership in Ontario Heroes, they organized the Healthcare Excellence Award 2023 in association with Asianet.
Success Story
Praveen Varkey’s journey is not merely a success story; it’s a saga of passion, perseverance, and a deep-seated commitment to humanity. His favorite quote, “The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others” by Albert Schweitzer, resonates throughout his journey. From humble beginnings as a factory worker to becoming a trailblazing social entrepreneur, Praveen’s story is an inspiration for those aspiring to make a meaningful impact on the world.
In recognition of his exceptional service to the community, Praveen Varkey received the Remarkable Citizen Award in 2020 from Hon. MPP Deepak Anand, Mississauga-Malton. The City of Mississauga honored him with the Covid Hero Award in 2021 for his outstanding contributions during the pandemic. His honorary membership in the McMaster University Golden Key International Society and the Canadian Malayali Great Achievement Award in 2023 for Community Development further underscored the impact of his work.
Praveen Varkey’s journey continues to unfold, each chapter marked by service, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the power of collective action to create positive change. His vision, coupled with strategic leadership, has not only transformed his own life but has become a beacon of hope for countless others. In the evolving narrative of Praveen Varkey, the pages continue to turn, each chapter marked by service, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the power of collective action to create positive change.
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