Drishti women’s day golf event and awards: Reflecting diversity and inclusion

The first annual Drishti Women’s Day Golf event, presented by Save-On-Foods, was held on July 6, 2023, at the Peace Portal Par 3 Golf course in Surrey. This event was created to introduce women to the opportunities found by playing in a business golf tournament and an opportunity to reflect Diversity and Inclusion by recognizing inspirational women. Every woman golfer had fun playing golf and other activities at the golf course. 

Many thanks to our presenting sponsor, Save-On-Foods, who has exceeded all expectations of a presenting sponsor. Jas Athwal and Jas Randhawa became part of the golf committee, bringing added value, ideas, opportunities, and volunteers. Also, we sincerely thank Jas Randhawa for supporting the Kids Play Foundation by raising funds. Thanks to all our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible. Lunch sponsor, Brian Jessel BMW, Wine sponsor, Teja Foods, Silver sponsor, Gratitude Immigration, and BC Egg.

The inspirational women were recognized for their tireless work in the community, for charities and not–for–profits, and for making a difference. Emcee for the event was Sonia West.

Keynote speakers were Harjit Kaur, Finance Director with Save-On-Foods, Sara Scott, Director of Pattison Food Group, and Linda Mah, from BIIG Financial and brand ambassador of Brian Jessel BMW. Carleen Pauliuk, Vice-President Arthritis Society Western Canada, spoke on the importance of creating awareness of arthritis.

Each golfer and lunch guest received a Save-On-Foods thank-you gift bag filled with goodies, including items from Nature’s Path Organic Foods, eyeliner from Pink Orchid Studio, water bottles from Gratitude Immigration, popcorn from the Arthritis Society, products from Gia Foods, Western Family, and Save-On-Foods, PLUS, a bottle of BC Wine, from Teja Foods.

The Drishti Inspiring Women Awards- Reflecting Diversity And Inclusion
Nawal Tandon CEO Drishti Media Group

We thank everyone: sponsors, golfers, volunteers, donors, and fabulous emcee Sonia West for making 2023 a success.

Emcee: Sonia West
Harjit Kaur, Finance Director with Save-On-Foods
Sara Scott, Director of Pattison Food Group
Linda Mah, from BIIG Financial and brand ambassador of Brian Jessel BMW
Carleen Pauliuk, Vice-President Arthritis Society Western Canada
Nawal Tandon presenting trophy to Harjit Kaur
Nawal Tandon presenting trophy to Sara Scott
Jessie Tandon presenting trophy to Linda Mah
Abdel Awwad Karim, Brian Jessel BMW honoring Maninder Grewal, Community Branch Manager at Khalsa Credit Union
Mandeep Bains, Teja Foods, honoring Sandip Sodhi, a children’s book author and a Teacher-Librarian
Amanda Brittain, BC Egg honoring Chantelle Krish, CEO, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
Naomi McLeod, Save-On-Foods honoring Harp Sohal, founder of Pink Orchid Studio and Pink Orchid Academy
Mandeep Bains, Teja Foods, honoring Lily Dhadral, Director of Youth & Community Initiatives, with PICS
Ajay Sehgal, Gratitude Immigration, honoring Dr. Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra, Ph.D., a coordinator at the South Asian Studies Institute, University Fraser Valley
Harjit Kaur, Save-On-Foods honoring Annie Ohana, one of L.A. Matheson Secondary’s most decorated teachers
Abdel Awwad Karim, Brian Jessel BMW honoring Ruby Bains, RB Mortgages
Sara Scott, Save-On-Foods honoring Rena Dhir, Radar Immigration
Lina Sehgal, Gratitude Immigration honoring Susan Justice, lawyer, Co-Founder of South Asians Against Childhood Abuse, and author of Children Who Dance in the Rain
Jessie Tandon, Drishti Magazine honoring Jessie Lehail of Bennett Jones, sits on the Fraser Health Authority Board of Directors and is a storyteller and the founder of the Kaur Collective
Abdel Awwad Karim, Brian Jessel BMW honoring Raj Brar, Director of Career Services at PICS

Photos: Kathy Fitzpatrick, KF Photos, Leanne DeMarco, and Imperial Photo Studio