South Asian Community Hub (SACH)Society hosted its second annual “SACH a Worthy Cause” fundraising gala at Crown Palace Banquet Hall in Surrey ON May 2. It was a well sought after event that sold out with nearly 500 attendees, and notable participation by many dignitaries, including politicians, business leaders, faith organizations, and key social services and health leaders. Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon, the keynote speaker, inspired the audience to reach out to help those struggling with mental health and homelessness. SACH impact speakers included Fawad Kalsi, CEO of Penny Appeal Canada and Gary Thandi, Executive Director of Moving Forward Family Services, who both shared their personal struggles with mental health and addiction. The event started with a prayer by Kevin Kelly of the Kwantlen First Nation, Indigenous dances by One Nation Dance Troupe, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Lapu-Lapu tragedy, led by Narima Dela Cruz, a prominent Filipino Canadian community leader.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY - South Asian Community Hub (SACH)Society hosted its second annual “SACH a Worthy Cause” fundraising gala at Crown Palace Banquet Hall in Surrey ON May 2. It was a well sought after event that sold out with nearly 500 attendees, and notable participation by many dignitaries, including politicians, business leaders, faith organizations, and key social services and health leaders.

Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon, the keynote speaker, inspired the audience to reach out to help those struggling with mental health and homelessness. SACH impact speakers included Fawad Kalsi, CEO of Penny Appeal Canada and Gary Thandi, Executive Director of Moving Forward Family Services, who both shared their personal struggles with mental health and addiction. The event started with a prayer by Kevin Kelly of the Kwantlen First Nation, Indigenous dances by One Nation Dance Troupe, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Lapu-Lapu tragedy, led by Narima Dela Cruz, a prominent Filipino Canadian community leader.

During the event, MLA Amna Shah, the Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions, announced a $100,000 funding commitment from the Government of British Columbia. The funding from the Ministry of Health allows SACH to continue providing the vital outreach support that is culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, and family-oriented, for individuals who need it the most.

A $15,000 donation from the Islamic Relief Canada organization will go to support SACH in providing a wraparound mobile hub of services through their SACH Clinics at various locations throughout Surrey. Other notable donations included $7,500 from Pacific Hospitality Inc., $5,000 from Foundation for a Path Forward, and $2,500 from A-Class Autobody & Glass.

The impactful work that SACH is doing to raise awareness and advocate for a collective approach to improving mental health is making a significant impact as many individuals personally donated to support SACH a worthy cause!

The donations that poured in overwhelmed the SACH team and board of directors. The generous community support and their interest to discuss issues of mental health and addictions show how important it is to create safe spaces to educate, advocate and collaborate. Attendees noted that this is a unique event where long-needed conversations on the impact of mental health and addictions in the South Asian community are finally happening. SACH, which means truth in Punjabi, is truly creating a space for truth and healing.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has shown us their confidence and belief in our vision by not only attending the gala but by personally donating to our cause. When individuals, businesses, governments, and faith organizations attend, donate and ask to join our movement, we feel reassured that we are on the right path, and we have the community support backing our efforts. This gives us more courage to continue creating safe and transformative spaces for social change. We are deeply honoured by the support for SACH a Worthy Cause!,” said Daljit Gill-Badesha, Executive Director, SACH.

For more information about SACH, or to donate, please visit www.sachbc.ca