Mississauga, Ontario, CA: The Punjabi community in Ontario came together in large numbers to celebrate and support Sukhmani Haven during its 2025 Haven of Hope Fundraising Gala, held at the Versailles Convention Centre in Mississauga. Established in 2022, the non-profit offers young women, especially international students in crisis, a safe environment to live with dignity while pursuing their aspirations in Canada.
The evening opened with a vibrant performance of traditional giddha by members of the local Seniors Club, many in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, delighting the distinguished audience that had gathered to endorse the organization’s cause.
“Our mission is to stand by international students in Canada who are vulnerable to abuse. We provide them with housing, financial support, and emotional care,” explained Baljit Sikand, Chair of Sukhmani Haven, in her address.
According to the organization’s brochure, the initiative initially aimed to house 8–10 women in crisis but is currently supporting 11 and is preparing to expand accommodations for four more.
The brochure also highlighted the story of Bibi Harnam Kaur, among the first Punjabi Sikh women to migrate to British Columbia in the early 1900s, symbolizing strength and resilience for future generations. Featured artwork, Sisterhood by Canadian artist Keerat Kaur, depicted a tree that represents deep-rooted community strength and growth across cultures.
The impact of Sukhmani Haven’s work was reflected in heartfelt testimonials. Beneficiary Sukhminder Mann shared:
“I am immensely thankful to the Sukhmani Haven team – Baljit Sikand, Pawan Jeet Grewal, Satwinder Singh Gosal, Bhagwan Singh Grewal, Deepa Mattoo, Dr. Gurcharan Singh Syan, Lovely Virdi, and Harlene Bajwa – for their support and for giving me a safe home during my hardships. The warmth of the house helped me heal, feel secure, and regain my confidence. Their kindness has been life-changing.”
Aparjita Monga, a third-year law student at Osgoode Hall Law School and originally from Chandigarh, also praised the organization, recounting her positive experiences since moving to Canada in 2019 for higher studies.
The gala drew attention from political and community leaders. Charmaine Williams, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, applauded the initiative while emphasizing her government’s programs to combat human trafficking. Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon, the first turbaned Sikh officer in the RCMP, sent a video message commending Sukhmani Haven’s community service.
An art and photography auction added to the evening’s highlights, with proceeds directed to Sukhmani Haven. Among the notable pieces were “Seva” by Jaspreet Kaur and Jasprit Singh, a Sher-e-Punjab poster by The Singh Twins, a painting of Gurdwara Rori Sahib by Manjit Singh Chatrik, and a portrait of a Punjabi woman by Duck Yull Park.
The gathering also included Satyam Trehan, who identified himself as a direct descendant of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji. Now based in the Greater Toronto Area and engaged in the insurance sector, Trehan’s family originally migrated from Punjab to Kolkata before moving to Canada.
The cultural flavor of the evening was enriched by another round of giddha performed by senior women from the Mississauga Club, leaving the audience energized and inspired.
