Four Abbotsford students recently organized a charity gala and raised $7,500 for the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association (FVBIA).
Ramandeep Sandhu, Harleen Johal, Harsimran Dhillon and Harveen Padda are Grade 12 students at Dasmesh Punjabi School.
Dhillon herself faced a brain injury in 2106 and has focused on her recovery with the support of rehabilitation services and her school, family and friends.
Her friends know all too well how brain injury can change a life in an instant and were inspired to raise awareness and funds for services for people with acquired brain injury while celebrating Dhillon’s successes.
The gala event featured dance performances, food, music and family fun.
During a presentation from FVBIA executive director Carol Paetkau, the dinner guests learned more about acquired brain injury and the services the organization provides throughout the Fraser Valley.
These services include support groups; drop-in centres; health and wellness programs such as art, photography, yoga, fitness, and cooking; children’s groups; case management; and life skills.
The students were supported in this effort by the staff, board and administration team at Dasmesh Punjabi School as this was their Capstone project – part of the B.C. school requirements for graduation.
Capstone projects involve students selecting a topic that interests them, researching it, developing a portfolio and creating a final product.
Paetkau said she was impressed by the students’ efforts, saying they were “very organized, professional and skilled.”
“They really put their heart into raising awareness of brain injury and giving to their community,” she said.
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