Locals tackling global problems
Two Abbotsford residents are making their mark in the world of humanitarianism.
Deesh Sekhon, founder of GirlKind Foundation, began her journey earlier this year after viewing the trailer to the film It's A Girl. After watching the film, she was moved deeply by what she saw and couldn't stop thinking of all the girls who have gone missing, have been aborted or thrown away because of the simple fact they were female.
She learned of a home in India called Unique Home which saves these unwanted little girls and takes them in and raises them.
Sekhon wanted to do something nice for the girls to show other people around the world cared for them. She set out and collected almost 1,500 items, which included personal care products and clothing.
Her family delivered these items to India in March. The girls were ecstatic and this bond created from half way around the globe has continued to grow. Sekhon's ultimate goal is to inspire other people to take a stand and create a better world where every girl matters.
The film It's A Girl deals with the many faces of gendercide and hopes to educate and inspire individuals to stand up against it and create a movement.
The United Nations estimates as many as 200 million girls are missing in the world today because of this so-called "gendercide". The film reveals the issue. It asks why this is happening, and why so little is being done to save girls and women.
The film also tells the stories of abandoned and trafficked girls, women who suffer extreme dowry related violence, brave mothers fighting to save their daughters' lives, and of other mothers who would kill for a son.
GirlKind Foundation is presenting the select screening of Shadowline Films' It's A Girl this Saturday, Sept. 15, at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way in Abbotsford.
There are select screenings happening all across the world, but this is only screening taking place in British Columbia.
Doors open at 6: 30 p.m. and the program for the evening will begin at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.girlkind.org to ensure seating.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door while supplies last.
Dylan Kular is another inspiring local individual, who is currently attending Quest University.
He spent part of this summer in Rwanda representing STAND, which conducted a Genocide Awareness Project.
While Kular was there, he met with many organizations that supported genocide survivors and also met with government officials.
From there they would analyze and see if the people of Rwanda were getting proper aid.
He also travelled to the villages and visited genocide memorials, listened to stories and to see if they regained strength since the genocide.
Kular also volunteers with a homeless shelter in downtown Squamish, and continues to donate his time to STAND to increase anti-genocide awareness among Canada's youth.
Genocide has been a topic of great interest for Kular since his last year of high school when he was first introduced to this horrific fact of life in Africa.
"Since my eyes were opened by what the reality of genocide is, I have investigated ways become involved with and support the awareness of anti-genocide, which is how I came to know of STAND," he said.
He now spends his time speaking to students about his trip and the topic of genocide.
Ken Herar is a freelance columnist with the Abbotsford-Mission Times. Contact him via e-mail at kenherar@ gmail.com.
Deesh Sekhon, founder of GirlKind Foundation, began her journey earlier this year after viewing the trailer to the film It's A Girl. After watching the film, she was moved deeply by what she saw and couldn't stop thinking of all the girls who have gone missing, have been aborted or thrown away because of the simple fact they were female.
She learned of a home in India called Unique Home which saves these unwanted little girls and takes them in and raises them.
Sekhon wanted to do something nice for the girls to show other people around the world cared for them. She set out and collected almost 1,500 items, which included personal care products and clothing.
Her family delivered these items to India in March. The girls were ecstatic and this bond created from half way around the globe has continued to grow. Sekhon's ultimate goal is to inspire other people to take a stand and create a better world where every girl matters.
The film It's A Girl deals with the many faces of gendercide and hopes to educate and inspire individuals to stand up against it and create a movement.
The United Nations estimates as many as 200 million girls are missing in the world today because of this so-called "gendercide". The film reveals the issue. It asks why this is happening, and why so little is being done to save girls and women.
The film also tells the stories of abandoned and trafficked girls, women who suffer extreme dowry related violence, brave mothers fighting to save their daughters' lives, and of other mothers who would kill for a son.
GirlKind Foundation is presenting the select screening of Shadowline Films' It's A Girl this Saturday, Sept. 15, at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way in Abbotsford.
There are select screenings happening all across the world, but this is only screening taking place in British Columbia.
Doors open at 6: 30 p.m. and the program for the evening will begin at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.girlkind.org to ensure seating.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door while supplies last.
Dylan Kular is another inspiring local individual, who is currently attending Quest University.
He spent part of this summer in Rwanda representing STAND, which conducted a Genocide Awareness Project.
While Kular was there, he met with many organizations that supported genocide survivors and also met with government officials.
From there they would analyze and see if the people of Rwanda were getting proper aid.
He also travelled to the villages and visited genocide memorials, listened to stories and to see if they regained strength since the genocide.
Kular also volunteers with a homeless shelter in downtown Squamish, and continues to donate his time to STAND to increase anti-genocide awareness among Canada's youth.
Genocide has been a topic of great interest for Kular since his last year of high school when he was first introduced to this horrific fact of life in Africa.
"Since my eyes were opened by what the reality of genocide is, I have investigated ways become involved with and support the awareness of anti-genocide, which is how I came to know of STAND," he said.
He now spends his time speaking to students about his trip and the topic of genocide.
Ken Herar is a freelance columnist with the Abbotsford-Mission Times. Contact him via e-mail at kenherar@ gmail.com.
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