By Balwant Sanghera

Disease of any kind is always very painful not only for the patient but also for the entire family. However, a skin disease can sometimes be devastating for all concerned. Fortunately there are wonderful human beings and professionals who do everything to help such patients. They even put their own well-being and health at risk. People like Mother Theresa and Bhagat Puran Singh are shining examples of this. There are countless examples of such heroes who stand out as shining examples. Skin diseases in general and leprosy in particular are dreadful diseases. In tropical countries like India, Bangla Desh, Pakistan and Africa there are a lot of people suffering from skin diseases. 

On Sunday, May 28, , two representatives of a non-profit charitable organization , Effect Hope, Leprosy Mission of Canada visited India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas. Their main purpose was to create more awareness about these diseases. Three  members of our management committee-Balbir Jawanda, Mohan Singh Sandhu and Balwant Sanghera as well as our Giani Gurjot Singh- –  were pleased to learn that this organization is doing an excellent job in some countries of Asia, Africa and South America. Skin diseases like leprosy are devastating. They destroy individuals and families. It has been reported that there are 1.7 billion people affected by these Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) around the globe. Most of their victims are from poor disadvantaged families. We were told that this organization is exclusively serving these people. Effect Hope’s representatives Deb Hopper, Director, Donor Development and Becky Hilbich, Major Donor Development Officer gave a detailed picture of this skin disease and its impact.

Hopper and Hilbich explained that in co-operation with other partners, Effect Hope delivers programs that address wellness in a holistic way. This includes physical and mental health, social well-being and breaking cycles of poverty. It serves people from all walks of life. They stated that Effect Hope partners with other global health organizations, local governments, and community leaders to prevent diseases and strengthen healthcare systems across Asia and Africa. Hopper and Hilbich explained in detail their work in countries like India BanglaDesh, Pakistan, Africa and South America. It was a moving experience for us to listen to their stories, dedication and drive in helping those who have been isolated or abandoned by society. 

Effect Hope, The Legacy Mission of Canada, 2022 Annual Report states that with the help of donors and supporters, this organization has been making a positive global impact on hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Its numerous programs, efforts and initiatives have been giving new hope to countless victims of the skin disease and their families .Before leaving; both of these special guests enjoyed a delicious vegetarian langar and thanked the Gurdwara management for a very warm welcome. We wish this organization well. 

Balwant Sanghera is the General Secretary of India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas, Richmond, BC.