(Clockwise from top): Satyanm Trehan, Dr Gurcharan Singh Syan displays a painting before its auction, / Pictures by Maninder K. Chandhoke

Versailles Convention Centre in Mississauga reverberated to the beats of Punjabi folklore as members of the local Seniors Club, mostly in their 50s, 60s and 70s, performed “giddha” to an elite gathering that had assembled to throw its weight behind 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,” says Baljit Sikand, Chair of Sukhmani Haven, while highlighting the philosophy behind holding the event.

Sukhmani Haven was established in 2022 to provide a safe space for young women to live with dignity while pursuing their individual journeys in Canada. Our short-term goal was to provide accommodation and social services to international students in crisis, for 8 to 10 young women. Currently, we are catering to 11 women with plans to house four more, reads its brochure.

Sukhmani Haven, in a special brochure brought out to mark the event, has a painting on its cover that reveals its philosophy.

It reads:” Bibi Harnam Kaur was one of the first Punjabi Sikh women to immigrate to British Columbia in Canada 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, the tree symbolises community support: an organic growth of strength, deep-rooted and enduring. It is an organic growth of strength, with the refinement and aesthetic sensibilities of vernacular design that carries into the hybrid cultures formed in the Werst.”

How effective has this philosophy been? Endorsements from the beneficiaries speak volumes about the work the society is doing.

‘I am deeply grateful to the entire team, 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. 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. Thank you for being a source of strength and hope,” commented Sukhminder Mann, one of the beneficiaries of Sukhmani Haven.

Aparjita Monga is a third-year JD candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School. 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. After graduating, she worked in recruitment and marketing in Vancouver before moving to Toronto for law school. She talked at length about her wonderful experiences with Sukhmani Haven.

Ontario’s Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Charmaine Williams, who incidentally is the first-ever Black PC cabinet minister in Ontario (she immigrated from Jamaica), talked about various schemes her government has envisaged to check human trafficking. As MPP from Brampton Centre, she said, she has been watching with immense interest the work of Sukhmani Haven.

Baltej Singh Dhillon, who became the first turbaned Sikh to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and is now a Senator, in his video message lauded Sukhmani Haven for its great community service.

The event also witnessed the auction of some historic photographs and paintings related to the rich cultural heritage of Punjab, the proceeds of which went to Sukhmani Haven. Photographs and paintings that evoked great interest from the audience included a 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 painting of a Punjabi lady by Duck Yull Park.

Also present was Satyam Trehan, who claimed to be a great-grand descendant of Sri Guru Angad Dev. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, Satyam Trehan joined his father in the insurance business. Before moving to Canada, the family had shifted from Punjab to Kolkata.

The Senior women of the Mississauga Club enlivened the evening with their enthralling “Giddha” performance.