November 8, 2004

Contact: Dave Stephen
Phone 604-864-4611
Fax: 604-859-6653
E-mail: dave.stephen@ucfv.ca

New supporters sign on to help UCFV Indo-Canadian Centre effort

Some new and enthusiastic supporters have signed on to help raise funds for the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research at the University College of the Fraser Valley.

The Centre's Fundraising and Development Endowment Committee now has 16 new members, both bringing total membership to 36. 

Three of the new members are from Calgary, reflecting the fact that support of the idea for an academic centre devoted to Indo-Canadian studies and research stretches beyond the Fraser Valley and British Columbia.

  • Mr. Jo Chahal, realtor, Lighthouse Realty

  • Kelly Chahal, probation officer, Chilliwack Community Corrections

  • Dr. Malwinder Dhami, dentist, Dr. M.S. Dhami Inc.

  • Mr. Balbir Singh Gill, multilingual services librarian, Fraser Valley Regional Library

  • Mr. Moe Gill, Abbotsford city councillor

  • Mr. Jason Hari, CEO of Ethnic Charities International Inc., as well as an established commercial real estate owner/operator

  • Mr. Nuralla Jeraj, accountant, Vancouver

  • Mr. Harbans Kandola, manager, VanCity Savings Credit Union Society

  • Mr. Gurpreet Mahil, UCFV student, past Student Union Society president

  • Mr. Jeet Shergill, Calgary, independent business

  • Ms. Rano Shergill, Calgary, independent business

  • Mr. Jatinder Sidhu, local businessman, Liberal organizer

  • Ms. Rupie Suchdeva, concert promoter and Calgary subcommittee chair

  • Ms. Harjit Takhar, accountant, Manning Elliott Chartered Accountants

  • Mr. Raj Taneja, CEO, Clear Choice Technologies Inc., Vancouver

  • Ms. Wendy Lalli, realtor, Landmark Realty Corp. 

Continuing non-UCFV members are: 

  • Mr. Parm Bains (Endowment committee chair), Westberry Farms

  • Mr. Satvir Gill, HSBC, BC Chamber of Commerce district director

  • Mr. Adnan Habib, lawyer, Baker Newby Law

  • Mr. Tok Herar, local businessman, Rotarian

  • Mr. Amarjeet Jatana, Global Travel Centre and other local businesses

  • Mr. Dave Kandal, former mayor of Matsqui

  • Mr. Shinder Kirk, media liaison, Abbotsford Police

  • Ms. Marion Robinson, regional coordinator, Fraser Basin Council

  • Mr. Norm Sangha, Khalsa Diwan Society

  • Mr. Gurnaik Singh Brar, Khalsa Credit Union

  • Mr. Romesh Sood, retired business owner

  • Mr. Rana Vig, Mehfil Magazine, publisher

  • Mr. Paul Wadhawan (Endowment Committee Vice-Chair), G.P. Wadhawan Accounting

Last year, UCFV launched the drive to endow Canada's first Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research, a much-needed initiative that will result in an innovative program devoted to Indo-Canadian themes.

"This centre will define our institution as the best resource for information and insight into this dynamic and vital community," said UCFV president Skip Bassford. "Support for this project has been overwhelming and enthusiastic. Adding these respected members of their respective communities to our fundraising team give a welcome boost to our efforts." 

UCFV's plans to establish the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies and Research is in part a response to the fact that Canada's rapidly growing communities of people of Indian descent are crucial to the economic, cultural, social, and political spheres of our province.

The Fraser Valley in particular has the highest proportion of Indo-Canadian people of any metropolitan area in Canada.

The Centre will serve as a place to conduct urgent economic and social analysis to promote cooperation between communities, and to advance international trade and development.

Goals of the centre will include:  

  • Facilitating research on Indo-Canadian themes

  • Fostering economic growth

  • Recording histories

  • Incorporating Indian themes into curriculum

  • Providing research and exchange opportunities for students and faculty in India and Canada.

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