REGION OF PEEL: Subhra Mukherjee, co-founder of the Sai Dham Food Bank, has been nominated for the Women of Worth Award by L’Oréal Paris Canada.
The signature philanthropic program, now in its second year, embodies the brand’s belief that ‘Every Woman Is Worth It’ by honouring women who find beauty in giving back.
On International Woman’s Day (March 8), the 10 Women of Worth Honourees, including Subhra Mukherjee, will be celebrated and awarded $110,000 in charitable grants at a star-studded Awards Gala in Toronto hosted by award-winning actress and L’Oréal Paris spokesperson,”Helen Mirren.
Each winner gets $10,000 to spend on their projects.
Subra Mukherjee started Sai Dham after reading a news report about the shocking statistics of people living in poverty in her local community. She was alarmed by the number of seniors and people living with disabilities unable to access services of food banks due to mobility issues and decided to take action to help eliminate hunger.
Subhra’s belief that “no one should go hungry” is reflected in her tireless work alongside Sai Dham Food Bank volunteers dedicated to providing and delivering healthy food to the less fortunate.
Gradually, the service area has expanded from The Region of Peel to cover the Greater Toronto Area. Today, Sai Dham is a 24/7 food bank that has provided and delivered 1 million lbs of nutritious food to seniors, frail individuals and families in crisis struggling with hunger across nine cities.
“Sai Dham Food Bank is a non-profit, charitable organization, dedicated to supporting, gathering and delivering quality food to those in need.
The primary focus is the provision of food to seniors and individuals with disabilities, facing unique financial, physical and mobility challenges and vulnerable to malnutrition. This is done through two key programs: Food for Elderly Seniors/Disabled Individuals and 24/7 Emergency Food Assistance. A vegetable garden and in-school breakfast programs serving nearly 700 children are also initiatives taken up to serve the community.
Sai Dham not only provides free food but is the first to deliver to homes for free to elderly seniors, handicapped individuals and families in need, as it recognizes that a huge gap has gone unnoticed in the system – the physical/financial inability to get the food. Moreover, the food provided is given in accordance to any medical, cultural, and other restrictions, as best as possible. By addressing their basic underlying difficulties, Sai Dham is making a true impact in people’s lives. “We are astounded by our 2018 Canadian Women of Worth Honourees and the humanitarian work they champion to help so many people including refugees, homeless, food insecure, cancer patients and autistic adults.
“It is our honour and privilege to recognize this year’s exceptional Honourees and help shine a spotlight on their inspirational work on International Women’s Day,” said Milan Mladjenovic, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris in Canada.
The Women of Worth program honours Canadian women who selflessly volunteer their time to serve and improve the lives of those in need. Selected from an impressive pool of public nominations, each Honouree was chosen by an esteemed judging panel based on the impact of the cause she’s championed and innovation she has demonstrated to benefit those less fortu nate.