KIRAN TOOR

President, Kids Play Youth Foundation

Kiran Toor is one of those rare individuals who discovered her calling early in life. As a daughter of immigrant parents from India, she found her mentor in Kal Dosanjh, a veteran police officer with the Vancouver Police Department, who motivated her to be a part of something bigger than herself. Thus began her journey with the Kids Play Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Kal that allows youth to become involved in sports and other recreational programs, steering them away from drugs and gang violence.

As president of the organization, Kiran collaborates with leaders and volunteers in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto in Canada; Punjab in India; Columbia; and Uganda, who help facilitate multiple programs across six streams, which include sports, mentorship, education, counselling & mental health, environment, and community engagement. “We want to provide creative outlets to the youth to give them a sense of belonging and self-worth. To ensure that they come on board, we remove all financial barriers,” emphasizes Kiran.

The organization also supports and offers free counselling to women undergoing post-partum depression so that strong mothers can raise infants and children since growing up in dysfunctional families is one of the primary reasons why kids fall into the trap of drug abuse and gang violence.

Until now, the Kids Play Foundation has supported over 100,000 youth who have undergone multiple programs with the organization free of cost.

At this moment, Kiran is busy preparing for the Mental Health Gala on May 5th at the Arya Banquet Hall. Through the event, the organization aims to raise funds from the community to help support its multiple programs and review and share its successes and failures from the previous years.

Not the one to be deterred by either, Kiran has learnt to take both success and failure in her stride. Raised by her maternal grandmother in Himachal Pradesh, India, she is mindful of not letting her ego get in the way of her work and always reminds herself to be grateful. She considers all the wonderful people around her her biggest superpower and aspires to continue learning and giving back to the community.

What does being a woman mean to you?

A woman can be strong yet vulnerable, resilient but empathetic. As a woman, I want to be true to myself and those around me. I have the power to understand myself, accept myself and make this world a more welcoming and accepting place for all.

What has been your most significant achievement?

Understanding and accepting that I am not perfect. Knowing I will make mistakes and that is the only way to learn. Learning to be kind to myself; giving myself the respect I want to give others. We are all seeking a sense of belonging, and my KidsPlay family has accepted me; now, it is my job to ensure I make this platform both inclusive and welcoming.

What or who inspires you to do better each day?

My loved ones. Fortunately, I have the most beautiful family at home and KidsPlay Foundation. We work hard for each child participating in our programs to keep them on the right path. We recognize that their social circumstances, family environment, or mental health may not be “ideal,” which motivates me to work harder every day. Their resilience inspires me to keep on going.

What is your advice to women who wish to follow your path?

Just do it. You don’t always need a plan or have everything in order. Embrace the spontaneity and make this a place for all of us to belong. Strong women have raised me, and I continue to surround myself with resilient women. I have learned from my Nani (maternal grandmother) and mother that if you don’t see the path, start paving it yourself. Also, be kind, love yourself, and go easy on yourself.

What’s your success mantra?

“Sarbat Da Bhala”

Mortgage advice that’s simply convenient

Exceptional service from a TD Mobile Mortgage Specialist

At TD Canada Trust, we work hard to provide you value, exibility and convenience when choosing your mortgage. Not only will you get competetive rate and the most innovative selection of mortgage features available, you will get the TD Canada Trust di erence.

Before renewal, new mortgage or second mortgage, please feel free to contact us for expert advice. We will help save your money.

TD Canada Trust

Neetu Bedi

Manager, Mobile Mortgage Specialist

Lower Mainland

C : 604-379-7212 F : 1-855-267-7836

E : Neetu.bedi@td.com

Love makes the world go round. Given that humans are inher ently social animals, a sense of belonging, partnership, and companionship can be integral to happiness. While there are many sources to making such connections, a prominent way that has exponentially grown over the last decade is that of online dating platforms. However, there still exists a gap in the online dating market for South Asians looking to build genuine relationships, propelled by a solid, data-driven platform. Here to fill that gap is the founder of state-of-the-art online matrimonial site, called Eternal Strings, Gail Bains. Rewinding to her background, Gail’ professional journey has always been full of exciting opportunities. After coming to Canada in 1986 with a diploma in Interior Decorating and a Bachelor of Arts that was no longer recognized in a new country, she began working at a fabric store. In April 1989, while on maternity leave after having her son Arvin, she completed a teller training course and quickly landed a part-time job with a bank. Within a week, the hardworking and motivated new employee was offered a full-time position because of her impressive work ethic and quick learning abilities.

Despite having a daughter with special needs in 1991, Gail continued to advance her career, working her way up from Part-Time Teller to Customer Service Representative, and eventually to Mortgage Sales Manager. After 17 years in banking, the caring mother made the difficult decision to leave her job in order to be more available for her daughter’s doctor appointments. Still motivated to succeed professionally, Gail then took a course at the University of British Columbia to become a realtor.