17
October
Vancouver Island Dentist Partners with SAF to Provide Free Dental Care in Panjab
Uplifting Communities Through Sewa
At SAF International, our mission is to uplift communities and create lasting change through sewa (selfless service) and compassion. In early 2025, that mission came to life during a 3-day dental camp in Panjab (Feb 19–21, 2025)—bringing free dental care to families in need and showcasing the transformative power of volunteerism.
From Vision to Action
Dr. Jagdeep Singh Shoker— a passionate and community-driven dentist from Port Alberni, in beautiful Vancouver Island, BC—reached out to us via Instagram with a heartfelt idea. With roots in Panjab and a deep commitment to giving back, he proposed organizing a free dental camp for underprivileged Sikh families in Panjab, particularly those facing severe hardships.
Dr. Shoker didn’t just offer his skills—he also ran a crowdfunding campaign, rallying support from family and friends to help fund the initiative. As an active SAF International child sponsor, he understood firsthand the impact that direct aid can have. With his dedication and SAF International’s coordination, we turned his vision into a reality. The camp was set up in Guru Hargobind Nagar, Phagwara, where it could serve those in the surrounding areas who needed it most.
Bringing Free Dental Care to Those in Need
Over three days, 30+ patients—from children to seniors—received vital dental treatments. Many traveled from Ludhiana, Amritsar, Mansa, Gurdaspur, Phagwara, and Kapurthala.
Treatments Provided:
- Dental fillings & cavity removals
- Root canal therapy & crowns
- Scaling & deep cleaning
- Extractions & emergency care
- Denture fabrication & adjustments
Accessibility: SAF covered travel, food, and lodging so no family faced financial barriers.
Partners in Sewa
Every treatment was provided with care, ensuring that patients not only received the dental services they needed but also felt valued and supported.
Dr. Pranav Handa from V Smile Dental Care in Guru Hargobind Nagar, Phagwara, also played a crucial role in making this camp a success by generously offering his clinic space and volunteering his expertise, ensuring that patients received high-quality care. His staff, including Dr. Prabhleen Kaur and Assistant Rajdeep Kaur, worked tirelessly to help ensure that every patient received proper care. Our dedicated SAF International team—Gurdeep Singh, Daiya Singh, Sandeep Singh, and Vikramjeet Singh—coordinated all logistics, planning, and execution to make this initiative possible.
Their combined expertise and commitment epitomize the true spirit of sewa, reminding us that using our skills to help others is not just a duty, but a blessing.
Overcoming Challenges, Achieving Impact
Like any first-time initiative, the dental camp faced its share of challenges. From navigating differences in supply standards between Canada and Panjab to ensuring patients understood the importance of dental care or translating information sheets into Panjabi, logistical hurdles tested our resolve.
"By working together and adapting on the fly, we provided essential care and transformed countless lives."
Dr. Jagdeep Singh Shoker
To maximize impact, we conducted preliminary checkups and contacted families ahead of time to ensure we reached those most in need. Many patients traveled long distances for treatment, recognizing that this was a unique opportunity to receive the essential dental care they had long gone without.
One unforgettable moment was when a humble hospital worker—who once served tea to staff—received the dental treatment she desperately needed. Recognizing her struggle, Dr. Shoker personally ensured that she was treated.
“Her renewed smile and improved health were a powerful reminder of why we do this work.”
Inspiring Future Volunteerism
This dental camp was just the beginning. With the success of this three-day camp, plans are underway to establish an annual dental camp in Panjab, but this time at a larger scale—welcoming more volunteers, treating even more patients, and refining our approach to maximize impact. Keeping the group small this year allowed us to learn, improve, and lay the foundation for a larger, more impactful initiative moving forward.
Whether you’re a doctor, healthcare worker, or simply someone looking to give back, your skills and compassion can change lives. There are countless ways to make a difference.
Volunteer Abroad with SAF International
Building on the success of our recent dental camp, we are excited to expand our volunteer initiatives, including our Volunteer Abroad program. This program offers individuals the opportunity to make a tangible difference in communities across South Asia.
What You Can Expect:
- Community Engagement: Work closely with local communities on impactful projects, fostering meaningful relationships and understanding.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich tapestry of South Asian cultures, enhancing personal growth and global awareness.
- Skill Application: Utilize your unique skills in real-world settings, contributing to sustainable development and community empowerment.
- Comprehensive Support:Receive full backing from SAF International in logistics and planning, ensuring a seamless and rewarding volunteer experience.
- Transformative Impact: Play a pivotal role in initiatives that uplift communities, providing education, healthcare, and essential resources to those in need.
By volunteering with SAF, you become an integral part of a movement dedicated to service and compassion. Your involvement not only transforms the lives of others but also enriches your own, fostering a deeper connection to the global community.
👉To learn more and apply, visit our Volunteer Abroad page.
Be Part of the Movement
What started as one volunteer’s vision became a collective effort that transformed lives.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Shoker, Dr. Handa, and every volunteer who made this initiative possible. Their dedication to sewa is an inspiration and a reminder that we all have the power to uplift others.
Related Stories
- Dusvand Child Sponsorship: Fatima Seema Story
- Impact of Child Sponsorship: Sahil’s Journey of Resilience and Hope
- Transform Lives with SAF International: Empowering Children through Robust Sikh Child Sponsorship
- Volunteer Abroad
By sharing stories like these, SAF hopes to inspire more volunteers to step forward and spread the light of sewa across the world.
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