The Okanagan Sikh Temple and Cultural Society received a $40,000 TD Bank Group donation that will be used to launch a mental health and addiction recovery initiative.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Okanagan Sikh Temple and Cultural Society/TD Bank Group
January 28, 2022 - 3:36 PM
The Okanagan Sikh Temple and Cultural Society is launching a mental health and addiction recovery initiative after receiving a significant donation.
The society received a $40,000 donation from the TD Bank Group that will be allocated to support a program for south Asian people living in the Okanagan, according to a TD Bank Group media release.
"Our community is not immune to the societal issues that many British Columbians are facing, including the opioid crisis and mental health challenges," president of the Okanagan Sikh Temple and Cultural Society, Amarjit Singh Lalli said in the release. “We want south Asian people who may be struggling to be able to seek help and access available resources that are both language-specific and culturally safe."
Through the initiative, drop-in sessions will be available for south Asian identifying individuals who are seeking help in overcoming mental health challenges that are associated with addiction.
The funding will also be used to improve the relationship between parents and children and increase communication around drug use and gang culture.
READ MORE: Canadians report struggles with mental health due to pandemic fatigue: survey
"There has certainly been a history of stigma around substance abuse, however, the conversation within the south Asian community is changing," Rutland TD branch manager Vik Bains said in the release. "Whether in our branch or out in the community, I am talking to people who are increasingly opening up about their own personal struggles or are expressing concern over loved ones. I believe people in our community do not want to be suffering in silence any longer."
The society is now working to recruit experienced counsellors fluent in Punjabi and English to lead the drop-in sessions, either in-person or virtually depending on public health orders.
"This funding will enable us to reach as many community members as possible during such a challenging time for everyone," Lalli said. "And, so long as the need exists, we are committed to keeping this conversation going while continuing to extend a compassionate hand."
To contact a reporter for this story, email Emily Rogers or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2022