“We are a fully registered, non-profit, volunteer run organization. All donations go directly to our selected programs.”
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.
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” . 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.
The first and foremost impact this foundation has had is on us volunteers.
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.
Beyond this my estimate is that we have touched the lives of over 5,000 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.
With Gratitude,
Devinder
Founding Member
