Vlad Bregman’s story is deeply personal. It’s a story of survival, hardship, and ultimately, the desire to help others who are walking a similar path—just as his family once did.
Coming to Canada as an immigrant from Russia was a difficult journey for Vlad, who arrived with his mother, Lana and sister, Irene, speaking no English and carrying nothing but the hope for a better future. They left behind their life in Russia, where his mother was a respected and well-known physician. She had achieved a high level of success in her home country, with years of education and experience in the medical field. However, when she arrived in Canada, none of that mattered. The language, the credentials, and the established career she had worked so hard for were no longer valid in a foreign land.
His mother found herself having to start from scratch to support her children. She took on cleaning jobs, doing whatever she could to make ends meet. Despite the challenges and the crushing reality of starting over, she never lost sight of her goal: to become a licensed doctor in Canada. Her determination never wavered, even after experiencing the unimaginable, losing her daughter in a terrible car crash. Despite all of the hardships, she pushed forward. After years of struggling, she finally qualified and returned to her true calling.
“I can relate to the journey of an immigrant trying to re-adjust in a new country that doesn’t know the culture, the language, has no social contacts or friends, and starts completely from zero.”
Vlad’s experience shaped his deep empathy for the immigrant journey. He knows firsthand the pain of being thrust into a foreign country with no support network, no language skills, and no clear path to success. He promised his mother at a young age that he would advance beyond working for restaurants and through hard work and his authentic demeanor he slowly but surely built his real estate business.
The sacrifices of Vlad’s mother and his own personal challenges have deeply shaped his commitment to giving back to the community. Introduced to Windmill by their dear friend Lori Waisberg, Vlad and his wife, Tatiana, established the Bregman-Waisberg Fund for Healthcare Workers with a generous $300,000 donation. This gift not only honours Vlad’s mother’s legacy but also empowers skilled healthcare professionals to rebuild their careers and reach their full potential in Canada. Through their generosity, the Bregman family is creating a lasting ripple effect—one that will inspire others to give, support, and make a meaningful difference.
In a world that often feels divided, stories like these remind us of the strength that comes from community, from empathy, and from the simple yet profound act of giving back.
