As many as 200,000 people died fleeing Vietnam in 1975, but a 20-day-old Tuan Nguyen eventually made it to Canada.

He said his family didn't speak English or French when they arrived, but he grew into a successful entrepreneur dedicated to giving back to charities and educators.

The director of recycle Frog, which turns unwanted gold into money for his customers, said he's using his experience with the Canadian Dream to inspire others.

"I think the values of the Ottawa community are to give back, love each other and help each other," he said.