About us

Our Mission

SAF_icon-earth

Recognize the entire human race as one

SAF_icon-love

Spread love and joy as taught by Guru Sahib

SAF_icon-integrity

Work with integrity and honesty

The SAF Story

As a dedicated and passionate group of Vancouver Sikhs with a deep connection to Sikhism, our mission is to help underprivileged communities of all faith across South Asia. With our help and the support of our donors, families can find stability and access the resources they need to succeed and prosper.

A Brief history of SAF International

2014

Sikhi Awareness Foundation is founded to provide education to children and raise awareness of the many hardships faced by families across India.

2015

We established our first Gurmat center, rebuilt 3 homes, and started a monthly food aid program.

2016

Launched 7 more Gurmat centers across Punjab, opened an office in Canada, and provided 1 million gallons of water during the MP droughts.

2017

Launched our first Gurmat center in Gujarat, expanded our sponsor program to 4 more states, and opened our India office in Punjab.

2018

Started Sikligar outreach programs in 3 separate communities, child sponsorship surpassed 500, and lifetime donor donations passed $500,000.

2019

Launched programs like “Smarter India” to uplift India’s public schooling infrastructure. We also provided vital support during the floods in Punjab.

2020

expanded all projects, built our first school, and supported communities at home and abroad during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

We’re building more homes, educating more children, launching a community gift-giving program, and supporting the farmers of India.

Our Team

Proud B.C Sikhs who believe in supporting vulnerable communities across South Asia. The directors meet several times a year and act in the best interest of our sponsors and donors to ensure that the donations we receive are used in the best way possible. 

Board of Directors

Harjot Kaur Sivia

Director

Read Bio

Harjot Kaur Sivia

Director

As a child, I witnessed family members actively volunteering, instilling a deep appreciation for community service. Volunteering with SAF International is essential, ensuring children receive the support to thrive. I am an enthusiastic volunteer with experience at various nonprofits, eager to make a difference. It brings me immense satisfaction to be part of SAF International, where I witness actual impact through mentorship, fundraising, and Langar sewa.

Sukhmandeep Singh

Secretary

Read Bio

Sukhmandeep Singh

Secretary

Sukhmandeep currently works as a Developer for Langara College in Vancouver and also pursuing BBA. He is involved in various local community organizations and loves spending time on Panthic work. His contribution to SAF began many years ago as an Intern and soon after became part of our donor community. He was chosen as the president of SAF International at our recent AGM in July 2022.

Gurmeet Singh Director

Gurmeet Singh

President

Read Bio

Gurmeet Singh Director

Gurmeet Singh

President

Gurmeet has been working as a Mortgage Consultant in the Metro Vancouver area for the past 25 years. He is a co- founder and President of Financial Key Mortgage Corporation, and gives back to his community through his work with charitable organizations.

Sundeep Singh Grewal

Treasurer

Read Bio

Sundeep Singh Grewal

Treasurer

Sundeep is an immigration lawyer who owns and operates his own law firm, Lawgical Law Corporation, catering to clients throughout the Fraser Valley. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in history, with a particular focus on South Asian studies, including Punjabi and Sikh history. Sundeep attributes his fondness for history to the stories of the Sikh Gurus that were narrated to him during his childhood. Sundeep’s association with SAF began when he sponsored a child. In 2023, he joined the board of directors as he was deeply moved by SAF’s incredible work. Sundeep perceives his role on the board as a chance to leverage his advocacy skills and passion for Sikhi to make a positive impact…

Daily Operations

Daily operations

Shamandeep Singh

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Read Bio

Shamandeep Singh

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Born and raised in Punjab, I grew up hearing stories of great Sikh men and women that had selflessly served and sacrificed for others. These stories ignited my passion to follow the path created by my ancestors. The problems in my homeland such as drug addiction, poverty, and abuse of girls and women only strengthened my desire to make a difference. Admittedly, creating my own journey to make a difference has been an overwhelming and humbling experience. After much contemplation, with Waheguru Ji’s Kirpa, me and my friends started small programs in my family village to work with youth and inspire them to learn and grow. This simple initiative received a great response and was very successful. Children were getting…

Supinder Kaur

Donor Relations

Read Bio

Supinder Kaur

Donor Relations

Supinder is our Donor Relations Coordinator. She ensures efficient communication with our donors to keep them informed on any concerns they may have. She also handles the child visits, birthday gifts and anything else that is related to existing donors.

Kirandeep Kaur

Administrative Assistant

Read Bio

Kirandeep Kaur

Administrative Assistant

Kirandeep is the receptionist at our Headquarters; she is the one that is responsible for greeting everyone over the phone with her pleasant voice. She handles all the mailing processes and other administrative duites. When home, she is kept busy by her children. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors seeing adventurous activities that calm her mind and get her connected with nature. Working at SAF since 2021 has taught her to be humble and grateful for all she has.

Lovejeet Kaur

Data Entry & Accounts Clerk

Read Bio

Lovejeet Kaur

Data Entry & Accounts Clerk

Lovejeet Kaur joined the organization as a Data entry & accounts clerk. She handles the execution of payroll & other employee related HR. She is learning many new work processes at SAF and ready to take on multiple roles within the Canada office’s accounts and data entry department. When not working, she enjoys going the beach with sunsets. Her recent hobby of reading books also keeps her entertained during the Vancouver rainy days. Just like any Panjab, she loves eating the traditional saag and maaki di roti.

Financial Reports

Each year, we provide a breakdown of our costs to show our donors how their donations are being used. This is because we believe in full transparency with our donors.

2022

Impact Report

Check it out
2021

Impact Report

Check it out
2020

Impact Report

Check it out

FAQ

If you have questions or concerns regarding sponsorships, donations, your account, or SAF in general, you may find the answers you’re looking for in our handy help center.

Read our FAQ