Guru Gobind Singh Children's Foundation » Latest News

New Year’s First Meeting

amanjit — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:56:53 +0000

On January 7, Sarpreet chaired the first meeting of the New Year at Scarborough Gurdwara where accomplishments were shared with a slide show of all GGSCF activities during 2011. Ajmer and Baldev shared a video showing the work that has been going on at Chakar, a village in India. The village already has a sports academy but is now well on its way to having a sewer system and sewage ponds for the treatment of waste and, in time, will be a model village for India. The work is being done by the villagers themselves rather than government. Then, a video was shared of Fauja Singh’s world record achievements for those who could not attend the actual event and awards left by “Sikhs in the City” were presented. We also had 5 new members come to their first meeting – Aditi, Chas, Diljeet, Harminder and Richa as well as many faces we had not seen for a while. Jagdeep asked for support for a new video he was preparing for the GGSCF. Mandeep updated the group on the Building Bridges session that was held during the winter break. The Council mentioned the changes to the Board and all this information is on the web site which was updated by Amanjit.

Building Bridges Workshop & Board Changes

amanjit — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:00:26 +0000

This year’s Building Bridges leadership seminar took place on December 30 at Scarborough Gurdwara. Altogether, 26 people attended the full-day session which focused on setting goals for the foundation, learning how to organize events, and forming action plans for events that will take place in 2012 and beyond. The Council also announced changes that have been made to the Board for 2012.

The morning started off with a fun ice-breaker to allow everyone to get to know each other. Nimratvir Kaur led the session and started by talking about the Foundation’s Vision and Mission. It was briefly discussed that perhaps they should be interpreted differently to allow for inclusivity of older members as membership has changed over the years. The focus then shifted to goals. Amritvir Kaur talked about the importance of setting goals, how to overcome the fear of failure and how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals. Everyone then set goals for themselves within the Foundation for both 2012 and the Foundation’s twentieth anniversary.

After lunch, the Council and Board members spoke about what the Foundation means to them and shared stories. Other individuals also talked about its significance in their lives. Rashpal Kaur continued by talking about the importance of imagining and visualizing goals before they can be realized. She also talked about failure and commitment as well as characteristics or mindsets that individuals should bring to a project. Having learned about setting goals, the attendees then brainstormed ideas about events that could be done in the near future. In smaller groups, an action plan was developed for each of these events and presented to the larger group for feedback and discussion. These events included the annual seniors’ trip, visits to food banks, the annual Guru Nanak Walk, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, an adopt-a-senior program and a run around the world.

Upon conclusion of the session, the Council announced changes to the Board for 2012. Avneet Kaur, Jasmin Kaur and Sunny Singh stepped down after serving for two years or more. Chiranjeev Singh, Jagdeep Singh and Jasjit Singh were the new appointees and will join Nimratvir Kaur and Sarpreet Kaur.

Guru Nanak Food Drive Collection

admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:14:08 +0000

During the last two weeks collection was made from the Sikh Sangat from 18 Gurdwaras across Toronto in support of the Toronto Daily Bread Food Bank and Seva Food Bank. On November 14, 2011 the food, 6710 lbs was delivered to the Daily Bread Food Bank. This was the 10^th year the food drive was held on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab. This food amount is in addition to the food collected by Seva Food Bank on November 12, 2011 with the assistance of the Punjabi media. The GGSCF would like to thank all those who contributed and donated to this cause.

Invisible Children

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:08:30 +0000

Do we as a society forget children? Do we pass them by as no opinion worth considering? Do we remember them only for our own benefits or self-glory? Why do we forget so readily our own childhood and forget how it feels to be ignored? How can we as a society be so self-assured that a child experiences nothing like the emotion we do therefore giving us rightful opportunity to dismiss them?

Bottom line is that we cannot become a part of that society which dismisses the truth and creates its own reality creating detriment to only itself. Children are our souls, they are us and if we cannot see how much the world makes them suffer we can only see that suffering as a reflection of ourselves.

In retrospect this is one of the main reasons why the Guru Gobind Singh Children’s Foundation (GGSCF) was established, because people understood that something must be done. People here in Toronto realized that as fortunate citizens of humanity we could do our part to help the weak just as our Gurus did hundreds of years ago.

In the same way the GGSCF was created by a realization as so was Invisible Children.

Invisible Children is non-profit organization which was created by 3 young youths who had an itch to discover the truth. Invisible Children now has evolved as an organization giving individuals a way to respond to the situation in Uganda where many innocent children have been and are being forcefully inducted into the war
rebellion. The story of the invisible children sparked a grassroots movement mobilizing thousands of youth into action to raise money to rebuild war-torn schools in northern Uganda and provide
scholarships to African youth. One of many ways that the organization gets the word out is through meeting new people in their community, state, country, continent and WORLD! Many of the volunteers and members are backpack travelers and are so eagerly passionate about this cause that they may even become a roadie. Roadies are members who hit the road at the end of summer and travel across the continent to spread the word and find undying passionate people just like them to further spread how terribly important it is to listen to the pain the children are going through.

We were so lucky and fortunate that this year the roadies were back on the road and the foundation was able to get in contact with them so that we could also meet them and help host a screening of their new documentary! The documentary was called Tony Bracelet: A story about a Ugandan boy who has had firsthand experience of what it means to be war inducted.

Here is a preview: Tony Bracelet: http://vimeo.com/16189889

October 29th was the day of the great documentary screening, held at the Mississauga City Hall at 5:30 pm. A few members came early to help set up and got to meet our roadie friends from Invisible Children. Gerri Lutaaya, the giggly team leader for Northern Exposure, grew up in Ottawa Ontario and is a native of Uganda! She went to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario where she studied Global Development Studies and is happy to be returning to her stomping grounds this fall for the Frontline Tour. When she’s not on the road advocating for social justice, she enjoys riding her bike.

Bryan Funk has been a ‘New Englander’ for life living in Connecticut. He attended college at Plymouth State University in Northern New Hampshire. As a long time supporter of Invisible Children he could not be more excited to go on the road to share this story with Canada. Every day we are a day closer to ending this war, and we can’t do it with you!

Chelsey Echevarria is a girl who took a year off from University to go see some snow for the first time in her life. Hello Northern Exposure, she assumes she will need a pair of mittens, preferably with a maple leaf on them. She has been studying Women’s Studies and Nonprofit Management at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida.

Juliet is 27 years old and works with our Schools for Schools staff as an education assistant. She is also a school teacher. She is interested in development and so she is interested in explore the different communities in the US and Canada. Juliet is ready to brave the cold and snow of Canada and is excited to meet the people there.

The documentary proved to inspire and motivate us. The personal stories in addition to the documentary helped to further touch us in a place where we could relate. Especially knowing that the person standing right in front of you talking and looking in your eyes had been right in the middle of such a crude rebellion, continued to make us more inquisitive and thoughtful to the situation these children are inducted into. Juliet was one of the roadies, but more importantly she was the member of the roadie team whom of which was born and raised in the rebellion but got out of it due to the organizations efforts. The Q&A continued and the roadies explained to us how exactly each penny was spent to help the situation. They also explained their new radio satellite initiative and the facts about
how president Obama has even shown support. (Detail information through links found at the end of article).

After the screening and Q&A with the members, there were also merchandise that were set up outside to sell to the viewers who came by Saturday evening. The amazing fact about their merchandise is that it is all 100% beneficial to the Ugandans because they are the ones who make them. It creates jobs, and money and economy. More importantly it creates awareness to the world and local society informing people that change must happen, children should not be brutalized and desensitized for war purposes.

Overall the night was great! Truly inspirational! It was also an amazing opportunity to get to know these passionate human beings who showed us how much of a difference our commonalities and righteous passion can make. If we truly believe in the truth it is possible to make anything happen, after all that is what drove our foundation and Sikhi to become what it is today.

For more information:

- History of Invisible Children: http://vimeo.com/22917561
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Exposure-Roadies/108560009247264

- Tumblr (blog): http://northern-exposure-ic.tumblr.com/
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/icnorex
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ICnorEX

Scotiabank Marathon

admin — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 02:24:05 +0000

Despite the cold weather and long day, Volunteers came out to support the Annual Scotia bank Toronto Waterfront Half/ Full Marathon on Sunday October 16th,2011. This event is co-ordinated with the Canada Running Series which includes the Annual Sporting Life 10 K Marathon in May that the GGSCF also partook in. An honorarium was presented to the GGSCF in the amount of $500 for the 25 Volunteers that helped out that day.
Again, In October, Mandeep Bal took on the task of rounding up 55 Volunteers for the Scotia Bank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
Volunteers were treated to Transportation at Seven AM which was provided from Dixie Gurudwara and Scarborough Gurudwara along with snacks and a T-Shirt for their time. The GGSCF was the biggest group to volunteer. The Volunteers jobs were to be crowd marshals, cheer on runners and guide pedestrians and vehicles. They were set along the first half of the marathon route and roughly around 1PM got back onto the bus where they were taken to the finish line to cheer on the rest of the runners. A Crowd started to form as the last of the runners were to approach the finish line, this including the world famous runner Baba Fauja Singh Ji who at the age of 100 set the world record of being the oldest Marathon runner in Eight hours and 25 minutes. He was greeted at the finish line with media, the GGSCF Volunteers, and a crowd of motivated and inspired people. Volunteers then took the buses back home. Again, an honorarium of $650.00 was presented to the GGSCF for their dedication and help. In total, the Canada Running Series has donated $1150.00 to the GGSCF. Mandeep Bal Thanks all the Volunteers who helped out in BOTH events despite the long day and cold weather for both the May 1st 10 K Marathon and the October 16th,2011 Marathon, your help is greatly appreciated as this money can now assist those who are less fortunate than us in the GTA and around the world.

Fauja Singh $12,609 donation to SickKids

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:46:03 +0000

On Monday evening just before heading to the airport for a flight to England, Fauja Singh presented a $12,609 cheque to the SickKids Foundation. “Sikhs in the City” team from England and GGSCF volunteers turned up at very short notice to be present, many who had helped to collect the funds from the Sikh community on the occasion of Fauja Singh setting eight new world records at Birchmount Stadium in Toronto last week on October 13^th.

Fauja Singh’s coach Harmander Singh mentioned that this young man has always run for charity and has not received any prize money. Fauja Singh said running has kept him alive, the records happen if they happen. SickKids representative Stephanie Willett received the donation and a “Sikhs in the City” T-shirt and thanked all those who made this happen. Jagdish Grewal from the Punjabi Media recalled that the Sikh community always has been there for the Hospital and in fact recalled that the first run done by the children in 1993 was for the Hospital and then again in 1999 when the community donated about ½ millon dollars on the 300^th Anniversary of the Khalsa and more recently when the GGSCF children/youth completed the Run Across Canada for 10 Children’s Hospitals in Canada.

Congratulations to Fauja Singh for becoming the oldest marathoner in the world!

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:45:55 +0000

100 year old Fauja Singh made history this weekend at the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon in Toronto by becoming the oldest person to ever complete the full marathon. He completed the gruelling distance of 42km in just over 8 hours and was welcomed by hundreds of supporters (“Fauja Fever”) at the finish line. “He is absolutely overjoyed, he’s achieved his long life wish” stated his coach Harmander Singh. It was remarkable accomplishment that provides proof that impossible is nothing. We hope in time this will inspire others to take the challenge and take on doing the 5km, half or full marathon distances. Also,

thank you to the group of volunteers who marshalled and cheered participants throughout the day and eagerly anticipated the arrival of Fauja Singh!

We congratulate the entire team “Sikhs in the City”!

Congratulations Fauja Singh, you are an inspiration to all of us!

Fauja Fever in Toronto

On October 13th 2011, Guru Gobind Singh Childern’s foundation hosted a tea party to celebrate Fauja Singh’s 100th birthday. As Fauja Singh made his way to the front of the hall, the community knew that they were a part of something very special. This was a moment that they would tell their coming generations about. GGSCF volunteers presented awards to Fauja Singh and his entire team. The community was eager to gather around Fauja Singh for pictures. At the end of the night, Fauja Singh spoke to community. Sikh Gurus have taught us about the simplicity, strength and endurance that Fauja Singh embodies. His appeal spans all generations, as he is truly an inspiration to all, both young and old. We hope to celebrate his 101st birthday with him next year!

Earlier on October 13th Fauja was at Birhmount Stadium and set the following records:

* 100 metres — 23.40 seconds (previous 29.83)

* 200 metres — 52.23 seconds (previous 77.59 seconds)

* 400 metres — 2:13.48 (previous 3:41.00)

* 800 metres — 5:32.18 (no previous record)

* 1,500 metres — 11:27.00 (previous 16:46.00)

* 1 mile — 11:53.45 (no previous record)

* 3,000 metres — 24:52.47 (no previous record

* 5,000 metres — 49:57.39 (no previous)

Donate Button Finally Here

admin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 19:27:12 +0000

We have finally added the Donate button to our website. Here you can make a donation to our foundation. We also have created a new tab at the top called “Donate Now” and have the buttons on our homepage.

http://www.ggscf.com/wp/donate-now-2/

Invisible Children

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:24:34 +0000

Oct 29^th is going to be a tremendously exciting day for the Guru Gobind Singh Children’s Foundation as together we are going to be playing host to a special guest advocate group called Invisible Children. Invisible Children is non-profit organization which was created to giving individuals a way to respond to the situation in Uganda where many innocent children have been and are being forcefully inducted into the war rebellion. The story of the invisible children sparked a grassroots movement mobilizing thousands of American teens into action to raise money to rebuild war-torn schools in northern Uganda and provide scholarships to African youth and now they are on a North American tour to show their new documentary and keep the movement alive.

No child deserves to not have a childhood. No child deserves not to be cared for. No child deserves to die due to the ravages of the world when they don’t have to. “Children Helping Children” is what the GGSCF stands for and is reasoning to why this is a great cause to support!

We will together be hosting a screening of a documentary called Tony Bracelet. A story about a Ugandan boy who has had firsthand experience of what it means to be war inducted. The link to the trailer is provided below for you to see yourself.

Tony Bracelet: http://vimeo.com/16189889

In addition, our friends from Invisible Children will be there to talk to us and answer any questions as they have experienced firsthand what is happening.
THE STAR LINE UP:
Gerri Lutaaya, the giggly team leader for Northern Exposure, grew up in Ottawa Ontario and is a native of Uganda! She went to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario where she studied Global Development Studies and is happy to be returning to her stomping grounds this fall for the Frontline Tour. When she’s not on the road advocating for social justice, she enjoys riding her bike.

This is an opportunity for us to continue our passion to help others and insure our future; the CHILDREN of our world are going to have it better, and that we will not stand for injustice to the innocent.

I urge everyone to please come out and show your support as they are coming all the way from Sand Diego it would be amazing and quite informative!

The screening will be held at:

The Mississauga City Hall
300 CITY CENTRE DR, Mississauga, Ontario
From 5pm-6-:15pm (please arrive 15 minutes early)
on
Saturday OCTOBER 29^th 2011.

Here is a Facebook page for this event:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=203306949740734

If one wanted to find out more on this amazing group of people, Invisible Children Tour and this movement, here are several links to direct you in the right direction.

- History of Invisible Children: http://vimeo.com/22917561

- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Exposure-Roadies/108560009247264

- Tumblr (blog): http://northern-exposure-ic.tumblr.com/

- Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/icnorex

- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ICnorEX

>>If anyone has any further inquiries about this event you can contact Pavan through her e-mail address: pav.k.u.88@gmail.com

Fauja Singh

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:30:35 +0000

FAUJA SINGH in TORONTO – October 13, 2011 Birchmount Stadium – 8:00am to 12:00noon – Located northeast corner of Kingston Road/Birchmount, Scarborough M1N 3J7 Fauja Singh will be training and running the following distances – 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 1609m (1mile), 3000m and 5000m distances. It is possible that there may be some new records as some of these distances have not been run by a man in his age category up till now. The Sikh community is urged to come out and support him and in some cases there may be an opportunity to run alongside him.

National Banquet Hall – 6:00pm to 7:00pm – 7355 Torbram Road, Mississauga L4T 3W3 The Guru Gobind Singh Children’s Foundation (GGSCF) is having celebration with Fauja Singh 100th Birthday. Everyone is invited to come and meet him and have some cake and tea. In honour of this special occasion the GGSCF will be collecting donations for SickKids Foundation. The target is to collect $12,609 (in other words $1 for every metre Fauja Singh runs at Birchmount Stadium). Because of the short notice we will announce where people can hand in donations but the best place would be at the stadium in the morning or at the banquet hall. Tax-receipts will be available at both locations.