English:

I met with Giovanni Giardino at his place of work, a small shop on Quebec St  Giovanni's Custom Tailor , surrounded by garments, sewing machines and other accoutrements devoted to his work as a tailor. Occasionally a customer would enter and take his attention. This setting perfectly reflected the story I was about to hear of a man dedicated to his livelihood. Giovanni clearly carries a deep love for his work as a professional tailor and takes great pride in his occupation. 

We may speak in English or Italian, whatever is more comfortable for you, I say as we begin. We are standing at his large cutting table in the center of his shop. He begins at first in halting english but soon switches to his native tongue as he becomes increasingly engrossed in the story. The story of his life, of how and why he made the long trip across the Atlantic at the age of 29 to begin a new life.

Emigrating to Canada was not an easy decision as it turns out. No, it was a decision that while greatly increasing his ability to provide for his young family, also caused him to feel torn at times and wish to return to his motherland.

In 1967, Giovanni was a young man trying to make a living in his how town of Rocca San Giovanni which was becoming increasingly difficult, though not impossible he is quick to add. The idea to transfer to Canada actually came from Giovanni’s father. At first he was a bit apprehensive about the change and unsure if moving to Canada was a good idea.

Arriving with two young children ages 6 and 4 in mid August of ’67, a cousin came to pick them up from Hamilton. Giovanni recounts finding his first job on the very morning of his arrival. While his wife prepared breakfast, Giovanni and his cousin decided to take a walk into town. Immediately on entering into Browns Clothing Store, his cousin introduced Giovanni as being freshly arrived tailor and asked if his services were needed. The answer was yes and Giovanni began work immediately after lunch the same day. From that day forward he worked and never stopped since. After one month he found a second job and worked both jobs. Soon afterwards Giovanni was able to rent his own shop in MacDonnell Street. He switched again to a bigger shop on the same street and then finally to his current shop in Quebec St.

Giovanni is proud of his success as a tailor and says his work has sustained him here although his plan has always been to one day return to his motherland. Over the years he has made many sacrifices, while other people went out dancing to celebrate the new year Giovanni had to work. His three children grew up and were educated in Canada and it has become his land and his home but one day he will return to his own town.

I was deeply touched at hearing Giovanni’s wonderful story and the devotion he has for his trade and his family. He showed tremendous strength and resilience in making the switch to Canada from Italy. It was a pleasure and an honour to hear how he constructed an entirely new life for himself and his young family and I was deeply affected by his relating of how he deeply regretted missing the funerals of his parents because they lived so far away and there wasn't time for him to return home. 

Nearing the end of our discussion he showed me and allowed me to photograph some of the artifacts he brought with him on his remarkable journey. While he recently returned his sewing machine to Italy in case he requires it there, he did have some original large scissors and an iron that was headed by coal. I am grateful to Giovanni for sharing his very personal anecdotes and showing me insight into his life and his craft.