Raz & Mae Khamissa

2026 Aurora Honourees

Pictured on the front porch of The Able Network, Raz and Mae Khamissa are the second-generation owners of Omar’s Shoes, one of Aurora’s proudest and longest-standing businesses that has always been synonymous with comfort, quality and community.

In 1970 Raz’s father (Omar) opened his doors for business and his heart for service.  Raz remembers as a very young boy, attending his first meeting with his father at Aurora Optimist Club, as well as being involved in community traditions like the town’s parades and initiatives supported by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Today, that same spirit lives on through the business, where kindness, inclusion, and purpose guide every decision.

Through Omar’s Shoes, Raz and Mae have supported organizations such as the Able Network, creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, and Southlake Regional Health Centre, where they have helped raise over $70,000 for critical care.

“We as a family have always believed that a business should be more than a place of commerce.”  After more than 55 years in business, Omar's Shoes has become a cornerstone of the Aurora community, reflecting the enduring values of stability, resilience, and hope.

Recognized with numerous awards, including the 2016 Good Business Award, the Inclusivity Award in 2017, the Family-Run Business Award in 2022, the Community Service Volunteer Award in 2025 and Aurora’s Ambassador honour during Canada’s 150th, their impact is both tangible and deeply personal. Never motivated by recognition, their intention is always to give support and kindness where it is needed.

The Inclusivity Award means the most to them, as Omar’s Shoes was one of the first local businesses to employ young adults with intellectual disabilities.  “Working with these beautiful individuals and watching them grow in confidence and independence has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives, personally and professionally.”  Guided by a belief echoed by Nelson Mandela—that each person holds the power to shape a better world—Raz and Mae continue to lead with generosity, proving that small acts of compassion can create lasting change. 

Both Mae and Raz were born in apartheid South Africa, where freedom of expression and community engagement were limited within very strict boundaries.  They came to Canada with an understanding of segregation, discrimination and hopes for a better life.  In Aurora, they found welcome, warmth and kindness, which has been the very fuel behind the “how” and “why” this family and business gives so much back to the community.

For more information on Omar’s Shoes, please visit:  https://omarsshoes.com/

For more information on The Able Network, please visit:  https://www.theablenetwork.ca/

Story Credit:

Meave Mastracci is the Owner of Ascend Services and a community-focused writer with over 25 years of experience helping local businesses grow. She specializes in community engagement, community give-back initiatives, and improving online presence through social media marketing, website design, Google verification and management, and the development of printed promotional materials. Her work—both in writing and business—champions good people, good businesses, and good organizations.  Contact: mmastracci@ascendalliance.ca