OTTAWA, Ontario. Canada – September 24, 2018, 011:00 PM EST (BUSINESS WIRE)
As Ottawa and Gatineau battle one of the worst storms to hit in decades, the Akran Foundation announces a $25,000 donation in immediate relief effort and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise further donations.

Twin EF2 category tornadoes and 220 Km/h winds inflicted heavy damage late Friday to densely populated sections of Ottawa and Gatineau. Clean-up and recovery efforts continue across the National Capital Region.

"Our thoughts are with all our neighbours who are dealing with the unprecedented impact of this disaster," said Raman Agarwal, Akran Marketing, president and CEO. "We know from decades of partnership with local charities how contributions can quickly bring recovery and relief to those residents hardest hit by this devastating storm."

In addition to corporate charitable and in-kind investments, Akran employees give to their local communities by participating in volunteer programs, gift matching programs and the Akran Employees Community Fund. Consistent with Akran’s employee gift match programs, the company will match qualifying employee contributions towards Tornado relief through the Akran Foundation.

Akran inspires and encourages all Canadian companies to follow their example and contribute to Ottawa-Gatineau disaster relief. We wouldn’t be Canadian if we didn’t come together to help each other in times of need.

ABOUT AKRAN MARKETING

Akran Marketing is an Ottawa-based promotional product, specialty advertising and branding company.

ABOUT AKRAN FOUNDATION

The Akran Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization that acts as the charitable and philanthropic extension of Akran Marketing.

To learn more about Akran’s support and contribution or to book an interview, contact David Wendt, CIO, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the websites akranmarketing.com.

"Last year we received an email from Akran Marketing Company in Ottawa. They are a large supplier of custom branded merchandise and apparel for Corporate, Government and Business. Occasionally they have overprints or excess of products and reached out to Children at Risk to see if they could be of value to our Charity! Of course, we said “YES” and have been enjoying items from Water bottles, lunch bags, pens, pencils, T-Shirts and more that have made their way into Prize Bags, Volunteer Appreciation and even our Camp with a large supply of Navy T-Shirts that we used for our Counsellors for Swim Outings. Fun Times were had as our Counsellors & Campers “trooped” to the Pool this summer singing “In The Navy!”


We want to thank Raman Agarwal, President, and CEO of Akran Marketing for their Community-Minded outreach in extending these donations of many quality items to Children at Risk – helping both our Charity and the Environment by re-purposing items through our Events and Activities." —Children at Risk, Donor Spotlight

Akran Marketing announced today that the Prime Minister of Canada, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, invited President and CEO Raman Agarwal of Akran Marketing to officially welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a three day state visit to Canada, the first such visit in 42 years, at the Ottawa airport on Tuesday, April 15, 2015.

As the elected Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy, Hon. Narendra Modi has been making efforts to bring India into a new century, with the goal of making the dreams of a better life for every Indian come true. His historic visit to Canada demonstrates the commitment of both countries to taking bilateral trade relations to new heights. “This is a defining moment in Canada-India relations,” said Agarwal. “In meeting with Canadian business leaders, Prime Minister Modi saw our strengths and true commercial potential.” Agarwal added, “The advantages of bilateral trade and increased investment are a win-win opportunity for both countries.

Trade between Canada and India is worth $6 billion, up 47 percent since 2010, but far greater trade opportunities exist.” With its expanding population and impressive economic growth, no other market right now in the emerging markets space offers such a strong opportunity as India. Sixty percent of India’s population is under the age of 35, with over 250 million people considered middle class. The nation has the 3rd largest economy in the world, which is predicted to becoming number one by 2030.

"As part of the 1.2 million-strong Indo-Canadian community and a Canadian business leader, I was honoured to be invited by the Prime Minister of Canada to greet Prime Minister Modi,” said Agarwal. “The Indian business community is essential in advancing future interactions with India and forging transnational ties that will benefit all Canadians.”

The Akran Foundation announces that through its affiliated company Akran Marketing, staff members and suppliers, it will contribute $10,000 in cash and clothing to people in Nepal affected by the recent earthquake and aftershocks. The donations will be delivered to Nepal through Canadian charities that are already sending goods to the earthquake-ravaged area.

A devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck central Nepal on Saturday April 25, 2015, near the capital city of Kathmandu. This is the worst earthquake the region has seen in more than 80 years, toppling buildings and destroying infrastructure. Reports claim that more than 8,000 people have been killed and many more are missing.

"Children account for nearly half of Nepal's population. I know that you share our compassion and concern for children and their families in the affected region," said Raman Agarwal, President & CEO of Akran Marketing. "Every Canadian business needs to respond to this tragedy by contributing what they can to bring aid and expertise. 8,000 people are feared dead. They urgently need our help."

The Akran Foundation works with children, families and communities around the world to overcome the cycle of poverty and to protect our environment. As a private foundation based in Ottawa, and the philanthropic arm of Akran Marketing, it exists to make this world a better place for everyone. We want to do all we can to help others and the environment, and to inspire other businesses and Canadians to do the same.

ramanRaman Agarwal, President and CEO of Akran Marketing, has been chosen as a finalist for the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award for 2015.

Akran Marketing announced today its President & CEO Raman Agarwal has been chosen as a finalist for the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award for 2015.

The annual awards, given out since 2009 by Canadian Immigrant Magazine in partnership with RBC Royal Bank, is the first Canadian national awards program to recognize immigrants' achievements from all walks of life.

Agarwal, who was born in India and arrived in Canada in 1980, was chosen as one of 75 finalists from more than 600 nominees by a panel of judges consisting of Canadian Immigrant Magazine editorial staff, and immigrant and ethnic community leaders.

The top 25 will be determined through online voting up until May 15th at: http://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/vote - and winners will be announced in June.

"The inspired stories of my fellow finalists are what make up the fabric of this great country, and I am truly humbled to be honoured alongside them," says Agarwal. "We are all proud Canadians who are grateful for the opportunities we've had to live our lives in a free, domocratic society that celebrates diversity."

Past RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award winners include former Governors General Adrienne Clarkson and Michaelle Jean; filmmaker Deepa Mehta; the CBC's Ian Hanomansing; NBA All-Star and philanthropist Steve Nash; and CBC's well-known Dragons' Den Star Arlene Dickson.

Raman works hard day and night helping others. Currently, Raman serves on three non-profit boards – the Canadian Wish Foundation, the Better Business Bureau and the Akran Foundation, in addition to serving formerly on the board for Habitat for Humanity. We are all very proud of him and urge you to take a moment of your time to give him your support. You can place your vote for Raman Agarwal at http://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/vote.