Setting an example of paying it forward, 29-year-old local entrepreneur Sam Sinjari was on hand at the Odette School of Business over the lunch hour Thursday to host a holiday meal for dozens of Masters of Management international students.

The students were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving feast and a message Sinjari hopes they will take on their own life journey.

“I do not want any type of personal recognition for doing simply what we should all do,” Sinjari said. “Be leaders in our community and set an example for others to hopefully do the same for a cause they believe in.”

He said he appreciates that the holidays can be difficult times for students away from their families and is hoping to help them feel more welcome.

“My primary focus is to show students that there are people in the community who care about them and understand their struggles and challenges,” he said. “One day when they succeed in their endeavours I hope the impact of this act of kindness will inspire them to give back to their community and create great impact themselves. I want to be a part of creating leaders and feel this is a great place to start.”

Odette dean Mitchell Fields says his faculty places strong emphasis on being a 21st century leader.

“Mr. Sinjari is a great example of young leadership in our community, and is providing a wonderful mentorship moment to our students,” Dr. Fields says.