The Association of South Asian Professionals of British Columbia (“ASAP”) is a recently formed non-profit organization consisting of South Asian Professionals from various disciplines including law, engineering, education, sales, marketing, finance, medicine, accounting, media, technology and business. ASAP is a non-political, nondenominational organization.
The vision of ASAP is to exhibit social responsibility through positive action in the general community, foster leadership by acting as role models and mentors, and advocate for social issues in British Columbia. In addition, ASAP provides a forum for South Asian Professionals in various disciplines to interact, network and learn from each other.
The South Asian community has had a significant positive impact upon the growth and development of British Columbia and Canada for over 100 years. Unfortunately, in the recent past certain events have occurred in the South Asian community which have created an unflattering and inaccurate portrayal of South Asians in the general community.
ASAP members have taken the initiative to address this portrayal of South Asians by engaging in positive actions in the general community. ASAP actively encourages South Asian Professionals to become involved in socially responsible activities. It provides a vehicle for South Asian Professionals to participate in the general community and serves as a voice for those whose views have not been represented in the South Asian community.
During its short existence ASAP has held four major events. In December, 2007 ASAP members donated new blankets to over 300 homeless people during the winter cold spell. Each member of ASAP purchased these blankets with their own funds to show their commitment to ASAP’s vision. In March, 2008 ASAP held a ‘Hotdog Day for the Homeless’ in the downtown eastside of Vancouver where 1,000 homeless were fed and provided with clothing. ASAP has also shown its commitment to address areas of concern in the South Asian community which are not widely recognized. ASAP has been actively carrying out an awareness campaign to encourage South Asians to register with the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network because of the serious problem of a lack of South Asians as stem cell/marrow donors. Ethnicity is key in finding a suitable donor match and unfortunately some South Asians have passed away waiting to find a donor. At both the Surrey and Vancouver 2008 Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan, ASAP set up booths informing people of the urgent need for South Asians to register with OneMatch.
Watch for more events to be held by ASAP in the near future. If you are interested in joining ASAP or to find out more information, contact our President, Jindy Bhalla LLB at jbhalla@ekb.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
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