Versailles Convention Centre in Mississauga reverberated with the beats of Punjabi folklore as members of the local Seniors Club, mostly in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, performed “Giddha” for an elite gathering that came together to support Sukhmani Haven.

The occasion was the 2025 Haven of Hope Fundraising Gala. “We invest in the needs of international students who are facing abuse in Canada. We aim to provide emotional, financial, and housing support,” said Baljit Sikand, Chair of Sukhmani Haven, while outlining the purpose of the event.

Founded in 2022, Sukhmani Haven was established to provide a safe space for young women to live with dignity while pursuing their journeys in Canada. Its short-term goal was to provide accommodation and social services for 8 to 10 international students in crisis. Currently, the organization is housing 11 women, with plans to accommodate four more, according to its brochure.

A special brochure released for the event featured a painting that reflects the organization’s philosophy. It reads: “Bibi Harnam Kaur was one of the first Punjabi Sikh women to immigrate to British Columbia in the early 1900s. She was highly respected as a pillar of the pioneer community who paved the way for future generations to thrive. Piece ‘Sisterhood’ (see painting) by Canadian artist Keerat Kaur symbolizes community support: an organic growth of strength, deep-rooted and enduring, with the refinement and aesthetic sensibilities of vernacular design that carry into the hybrid cultures formed in the West.”

How effective has this philosophy been? Endorsements from beneficiaries highlight its impact.

“I am deeply grateful to the entire team of Sukhmani Haven – Baljit Sikand, Pawan Jeet Grewal, Satwinder Singh Gosal, Bhagwan Singh Grewal, Deepa Mattoo, Dr. Gurcharan Singh Syan, Lovely Virdi, and Harlene Bajwa – for their unwavering support and for providing me with housing during my difficult times,” said Sukhminder Mann, a beneficiary. “The positive environment of the house has been instrumental in my healing process, helping me feel safe and regain my confidence. Your kindness and dedication have truly made a difference in my life, and I will always cherish the care and support I received.”

Aparjita Monga, a third-year JD candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School, also spoke warmly about her experience with Sukhmani Haven. Originally from Chandigarh, she completed her undergraduate studies at Panjab University and moved to Canada in 2019 to pursue a Master of Management at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. She later worked in recruitment and marketing in Vancouver before moving to Toronto for law school.

Ontario’s Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Charmaine Williams, who is the first Black PC cabinet minister in Ontario and immigrated from Jamaica, spoke about government programs to combat human trafficking. As MPP from Brampton Centre, she said she has followed Sukhmani Haven’s work with great interest.

Baltej Singh Dhillon, the first turbaned Sikh to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and now a Senator, lauded Sukhmani Haven’s community service in a video message.

The event also featured an auction of historic photographs and paintings celebrating Punjab’s cultural heritage, with proceeds going to Sukhmani Haven. Highlights included the photograph Seva by Jaspreet Kaur and Jasprit Singh, a poster of Sher-e-Punjab by the Singh Twins, a painting of Gurdwara Rori Sahib, Eminabad, by Manjit Singh Chatrik, and a portrait of a Punjabi woman by Duck Yull Park.

Also present was Satyam Trehan, who identified himself as a great-grand descendant of Shri Guru Angad Dev. Now based in the Greater Toronto Area, he works in the insurance business with his father. The family had earlier moved from Punjab to Kolkata before settling in Canada.

The senior women of the Mississauga Club capped the evening with an enthralling “Giddha” performance.

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