The Power of Giving Back

The seeds deeply sown into our subconscious from childhood eventually manifest and bloom magnificently.   When they do, their fragrance transforms life and magically touches everyone around us.

I spent the first 10 years of my life in a small village in Northern India. It was one of the happiest, most playful and carefree childhoods anyone could ask for.  My father was a teacher at the village school, but his love of teaching went much further than his duty.  Along with other members, he formed a “society” (as they called it).  Members of this society taught adult education classes in the evenings.  Every year they organized a Sports Day and held different competitions for us young children including public speaking.  They say children don’t listen to you, they observe you.  Observe I did.

My family later moved to Canada.  When I look back at my year-books, the desire to give back was always there.  In the scheme of things this dream was down on the list somewhere as I met my soulmate and we got busy making a life for ourselves.  Raising our three children was truly my calling and I loved every minute of it.  As I supported my children with their volunteer activities I felt like I was doing my part.

Through out these years I was very fortunate to have found this group of amazing girlfriends.  We’ve met for lunch once a month every month for the past 22 years. We have laughed, cried, celebrated, travelled, learnt and  literally grown up (no I will not say grown old) together.  Our children have the fondest memories together and some precious friendships have formed in the next generation. As our children began to become more independent we often expressed a desire to do something a little more meaningful.  

One fine afternoon, sitting with my younger daughter, Suneet, I shared all these thoughts.   Children not only observe but eventually become your compass.  She said, “Mom, what is holding you back? Let’s register a foundation!” Within a few hours (after FaceTiming my older daughter, who was doing her residency away from home at the time) the whole family was on board.  We would register a non-profit, charitable organization to help empower young children in need.  We would call it  “The Saheli Foundation” (http://thesahelifoundation.com/ ).  This is a name I had fiddled with for a while. A group of friends (sahelis in Punjabi) coming together to be a friend (saheli) to women and children in need.

At our next luncheon, I shared this proposal with my friends who embraced it with enthusiasm and open arms.  We contacted the local school board to see how we could work with them.  There was no looking back. That was July 2015.  Three and half years later we have over 30 volunteers across four generations, and 6 different programs.  The commitment, generosity, and dedication of each of our volunteers, ranging in age from 5 to 83  years old, blows me away every day.

Our Programs:

The Bi-Weekly Grocery Delivery Program:  Before you can empower any child their basic need for food has to be met.  We met with one of the principals of a local school and he mentioned how some kids come to school without food.  This gave birth to our bi-weekly grocery delivery program to families in need.  We have supported 10 different families over two years. We are grateful to the local Save-On-Foods for working with us to provide free delivery service.  To raise funds for this program our volunteers knitted, wrapped and personally sold these beautiful infinity scarves during the Christmas season. 

Backpack (including all supplies) Drive:  In our local school district, approximately 1,400 children come to school on the first day without a backpack. This statistic pains one’s heart.  Every child born on this earth deserves a fair chance to be the best they can be.  With this vision, we request our families, friends and local businesses to consider sponsoring a backpack with all the necessary supplies for primary and elementary students. In 2015 we started with 50 bags and the past two years we have been able to do 100 each year.  Our aim is 150 backpacks for September 2019.  Our local Staples Store has teamed up with us to provide these backpacks at a discounted price.  

Adopted School In India: It was surreal to see our logo displayed across the oceans in a small rural school in Nagal, India. Through one of our dedicated volunteers, we have connected with a social worker who has made volunteer work his life’s mission.  With his help we have adopted this school with approximately 80 students.   Last year we provided fully equipped backpacks to all the students.  This year she happened to go to India and was able to personally deliver sweaters, shoes and socks for all the students. Scholarship Program:  This is our newest program. Every year we will support a student devoted to their talent and goal despite challenging circumstances.  This year, working with the Close Look United Foundation, we awarded a $500 scholarship to an aspiring artist, Janette Bundic.  Overcoming personal challenges and anxiety, Janette aspires to study visual arts at Emily Carr.  

Supporting Other Organizations With Similar Mission:  There are many great organizations in the world doing an incredible job of building schools and empowering young minds.  One such organization is Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (http://www.idrf.org/ekal-vidyalaya/).   It’s a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing basic education to every child across rural India.  Again connecting through another one of our amazing volunteers, we have donated towards three school so far.  We hope to continue this commitment.

Paulo Coelho, a renowned author says, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it “.  That is exactly how I felt when I came across an amazing being while watching a very popular Indian TV Show called Kaun Banega Crore Pati (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire).  From being a beggar in the street of Kolkata to running a school and orphanage for 400 under-privileged students, this man is a true inspiration. Thanks to social media, I was able connect with his organization, Sundarban Orphanage (http://sundarbanorphanage.org/ ) and we were able to make a contribution towards his mission.  We look forward to this commitment each year.

Christmas Hampers: Embracing the true spirit of Christmas, we adopt local families facing challenging times.  It is such joy to take each person on the list and shop, wrap and deliver everything on their wish list. This photo is from last year.  This year we have gone bigger and have also included food donations.

Transitional House (temporary house for women and children facing difficulties): We have adopted a local transitional house and deliver groceries to them on a bi-weekly basis.  Throughout the year we will be providing brand new personal packs (including bedding, towels, soaps, etc.) for women arriving here with literally nothing in their possession.  We also include them in our Christmas Hampers.

The Impact:

The first and foremost impact this foundation has had is on us volunteers.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi

 We have all come to realize the true essence of this quote.  The joy, fulfillment and happiness each of us feels as we come together to raise funds, pack the backpacks, knit scarves, or shop for Christmas hampers is beyond measure.  With the grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sons coming together for a shared cause, we have a renewed sense of appreciation and respect for each other. This shared purpose has uplifted each and everyone of us.

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.  This is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beyond this my estimate is that we have touched the lives of over 1,000 children and their families.  We do not know a lot of these families and we never will.  But to know your actions put a smile on a child’s face or helped a mother sleep better at night, in some corner of the world,  is the best fulfillment known to mankind.  Letting your actions be the messengers of love, compassion, care and hope for someone in need, is the real power of giving.