For David, being Portuguese is a feeling— the fresh Atlantic breeze, the smell of bacalhau (salted cod fish) in the kitchen, and the joy of taking his own kids to Santa Maria in the Azores, where his parents were born and raised.
Life on the island was simple back in the day, but not so easy; no electricity or indoor plumbing. David’s parents had bigger dreams. They immigrated to Canada in search of a better opportunities, and David is proud to carry their values with him every day.
Born at Cambridge Memorial Hospital and raised in Cambridge, David grew up surrounded by the Portuguese culture. “Cambridge has a big and strong Portuguese Community. The language, food, traditions, music and soccer were always part of my life,” he shares. While a proud Canadian, David can’t help but cheer for Portugal every time he watches a soccer match.
His parents raised him with all the core Portuguese values: hard work, kindness, family, and helping others. “I saw my dad spending so many weekends lending a hand to friends or neighbours to paint, help with renovations or something else. That’s how I learned what Community really means.”
Some of his favourite memories are tied to food, especially his mom’s famous Bacalhau à Brás, a staple Portuguese dish made of cod, fries and scrambled eggs. “The smell alone takes me back,” he says.
Joining the CMH Foundation Board felt like a natural step for David. “I was born here, one of my kids was born here, and our family has used the Hospital facilities so many times, with many happy and hard moments. Giving back to this Hospital and Community just felt right and a full circle moment.”
As we mark Portuguese Heritage Month, we celebrate voices like David’s, grounded in tradition, driven by values, and committed to giving back.
We would like to thank the Portuguese Community for always supporting their local Hospital. Thanks to our longstanding donors; the annual Amigas Gala and Oriental Sports Club for their fundraising efforts and donations to CMH.
