ICCC Weekly Newsletter – 17 May 2021
The power of giving
VIJAY THOMAS
President, ICCC
On 16 May our Chamber organized Oxygen for India virtual coast-to-coast marathon fundraiser. The program will continue for the next three Sundays – 23 May, 30 May and 6 June.
I may sound a bit immodest, but I am proud to report that the program was an unprecedented success. It received tremendous support and participation from political decisionmakers, diplomatic corps, community leaders and perhaps more importantly individuals.
The twin objectives of Oxygen for India were not just to raise resources but also to raise awareness. And it is heartening that the program succeeded in achieving both these objectives in full measure.
For me, personally, it is immensely gratifying that we have been able to enthuse individuals to come forward and contribute to the cause. It is the participation of individuals who dip into their purse and contribute $25 or $50 or $100 that really makes an effort such as this one genuinely people focused and oriented.
It takes a lot for an individual to give to charity and the fact that our campaign managed to touch the hearts of so many people is a cause for celebration.
We have done our part - have you?
Campaign
Our purpose is to help India. As I said in my interview to Jessica Cheung of CBC on Sunday, “This is something that the best of nations, if they got hit with what hit India, they would not be able to do it on their own as well. They would need help as well.”
I am confident that in the next three weeks we will reach our target of raising two million dollars for Oxygen for India project; and in the process, we would have created awareness on an unprecedented scale.
A project of this magnitude is only possible when a team coalesces together perfectly to achieve common objectives. I want to place on record the contribution of our team that worked selflessly and strenuously to make the program a success – Ramesh Chotai of Vraj Community Services and our Chamber’s past president and a former Advisory Board member; Dave Kapil of New Brampton, and a community leader who has dedicated his life to philanthropy and community service; Bidhu Jha, former MLA of Manitoba; Aruna Anand, a devoted and well-connected community leader; Bhavik Parikh, my colleague on the board; and Ajay Tandon, our Chamber’s past VP and Director.
I invite you to participate in our forthcoming programs that we will be organizing on the next three Sundays. Participate and contribute. This is for India, and as Indo-Canadians, it is our duty to come forward and do our bit.
Report on 16 May 2021 program
TORONTO: The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) launched its 'Oxygen for India' marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India. Almost $500,000 was raised during the very first session of the marathon fundraiser on Sunday. It will be held for three hours every Sunday for four weeks.
ICCC president Vijay Thomas said their initiative aims at garnering donations not only from the 1.6 million Indo-Canadian community, but also businesses and cities across Canada. “The money will be used to send oxygen concentrators and generators and we will find new pathways to send oxygen to India. We want to ensure that oxygen reaches tier 2 and 3 cities and towns before they get severely hit by the virus,” Thomas said.
Top business owners and medical professionals took part in the marathon fundraiser. Among the political decisionmakers who participated in the program included Hon. Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Public Services and Procurement; Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; Hon. Kelvin Goertzen, Deputy Premier of Manitoba; David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation; Mayors Bonnie Crombie (Mississauga); Patrick Brown (Brampton); and Frank Scarpitti (Markham). They individually appealed to their constituents to contribute to the Oxygen for India campaign.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that 2,000 additional ventilators are being sent to India, in addition to 3,000 already delivered. “The whole plane-load of Air Canada is filled from front to back and arriving (in India) by Tuesday with all sorts of supplies. The people of India have been there for us and we will be there for them,” the Ontario Premier said, referring to India’s delivery of one million vaccine doses to Canada earlier this year.
The biggest contribution of $50,000 came from Canada’s native or indigenous Metis people. “We have similarities with Indians even though we are from different parts of the world. India will be there for us when we need, and we should be there for them now. We will donate $50,000 to the ICCC and do more if needed,” announced David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation.
Virtual coast-to-coast marathon fundraiser
Watch the recording here
And join us on 23 May, 30 May & 6 June
Organizing Core Committee
Vijay Thomas
Ramesh Chotai
Dave Kapil
Aruna Anand
Bidhu Jha
Bhavik Parikh
In the News: Oxygen for India coverage
CBC: Toronto non-profit organization raises over $400K to send oxygen to India as it fights COVID-19. Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce aims to raise $2M through virtual fundraisers on Sundays (link)
Weekly Voice (link)
The New Indian Express (link)
CanIndia (link)
Financial Express (link)
Daily Hamdard (link)
Navhind Times (link)
Hindustan Times (link)
FR24 (link)
The Tribune (link)
Outlook (link)
Prime Asia TV - News Snippet (link)
Prime Asia TV - Exclusive Interviews (link)
Omni TV (link)
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An Appeal for India
As a Canadian organization, the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce adheres both in letter and in spirit to Canadian laws and values, and support and respect cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity of the Canadian society. In the spirit of non-partisanship and in accordance to Canadian values of multiculturalism, the ICCC provides a list of organizations that are at present working on raising resources for India to fight the resurgence of Covid-19.
The ICCC encourages its Members and stakeholders to contribute directly to any of these organisations.
Read more: Appeal for India:
Updated List of Organizations
CONNEXT 2021
ICCC's Virtual Trade Mission to India has been rescheduled to the third quarter of 2021. New dates will be announced later.
Download presentation: CONNEXT 2021
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Youth Membership
At a Meeting held recently, the Board of Directors decided that from January 2021, Youth Membership would be restricted to University and College students only. All Youth Members will have to provide proof of being a valid student in a Canadian educational institution.
