Dear Friends,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Last March, I made a move from corporate life to become the Executive Director at SALDEF, a pioneer and the most experienced organization that has been serving Sikh Americans for more than 20 years.
Having been a longtime follower and admirer of the organization I knew some of the good work that they did. I knew the programs, I knew the impact, and I knew some of the events they held. What I did not know was how the work was affecting Sikh Americans from all walks of life.
The real work of SALDEF is what goes on behind the scenes. The work that never makes the headlines but touches hearts and changes lives.
In the first month after taking on this role I began to understand the impact SALDEF has on the Sikh American community. The varied lives that SALDEF touches each day – the small problems within the Sikh American community, that SALDEF is there to provide assistance and solutions.
It is in these moments when a fellow Sikh American brother, sister or family member reaches out to SALDEF for support and they are given a SALDEF shoulder to lean on. Someone on our team becomes a companion and a problem solver whenever Sikh Americans need assistance. These are special moments and our calling at SALDEF.
Not too long ago we got a call from a Sikh American man who was getting bullied and harassed in his workplace. His supervisors were not helping and he and did not know who to turn to. He called SALDEF and immediately the staff jumped into action. We described to him his rights, got him in touch with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission officer in his area, and helped him through the process. This is just one of the many incidents that I could tell you.
These are the moments of inspiration and contribution that I cherish most.
There is so much more that we can do in 2018, with your support, to continue to enrich the individual lives we touch.
Help us continue this tradition by making a contribution TODAY. Visit www.saldef.org/donate now to make a 100% tax-deductible donation and ensure we have the resources to continue to fight for the Sikh community in 2018!
I hope you will join us in furthering our mission with a generous donation today to support our future.
Chardi Kala!
Baldev Singh Executive Director
P.S. Please forward this to your friends and family to encourage them to support SALDEF and help us start 2018 strong!