A grassroots non-profit that has donated more than $1 million to different charities locally and globally is once again hosting its annual fundraising dinner.
East Meets West Children's Foundation will hold the Diwali dinner a little early this year, Sept. 27 at the Parkinson Recreation Centre.
Charity founder Mohini Singh said that while Diwali is on Oct. 20, the festival of Diwali is based on the lunar calendar.
鈥淭his year, the festival symbolizes hope, light and new beginnings. That is what we try to bring to the lives of young people. Our goal is to give them hope and the opportunity to live their best lives,鈥� she said.
East Meets West Children's Foundation focuses on helping children and youth in need and, in the past year, has donated more than $150,000 to charities at home and abroad.
鈥淚t is very targeted what we do,鈥� said board chair Rahul Virk. 鈥淲hether it is helping hospitals in India, prenatal care in Kenya or here in 91大黄鸭 with Karis, the Women鈥檚 Shelter, Starbright Children's Development Centre, and Autism program in Penticton, there is no overhead; it is all done by us volunteers.鈥�
Even when the volunteers go out to check on programs overseas, they pay their own way, added Virk.
The board is filled with dedicated volunteers, explained Singh.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been 18 years, the board is very dedicated and devoted to the cause with no sign of slowing down,鈥� she said.
The focus of the charity is on health and education for children. 鈥淲e want to give children who are disenfranchised or who are very poor the chance to live their best lives,鈥� said Singh.
Tickets for the Diwali dinner are selling fast.
鈥淲e urge people to buy their tickets soon. It is a fantastic evening, amazing food, dancing and at the same time it brings people of all different backgrounds together to help children in need,鈥� said Virk, who added none of the charity鈥檚 efforts would be made possible without the help of donors.
For tickets go to
