The Leader 
A Surrey foundation named after a beloved Sikh saint is the force behind an upcoming event for victims of crime.

The Mata Gujri Foundation of Canada is hosting the candlelight vigil at Bear Creek Park April 26 to coincide with National Victims of Crime Awareness Week April 22-28.

The wife of Sikhism’s ninth guru and mother of the last human guru, Guru Gobind Singh, Gujri helped lead followers of Sikhism during a time of crisis 400 years ago. Gujri was eventually executed along with two of her grandsons.

As Gujri was a female victim of violence, the foundation’s founder Amy Ghuman said an event in remembrance of other victims was a perfect fit for the eight-month-old group, whose mission is to promote equality and justice in the community.

While recent victims of violent crime from Surrey’s South Asian community, such as Manjit Panghali, Navreet Waraich and Amanpreet Bahia, will be top of mind for many at the vigil, Ghuman said the event is being held to commemorate all victims of violence in B.C.

“We are trying to get the family members of victims and the victims themselves to share their experiences and beliefs.”

Beyond a remembrance of victims, Ghuman also hopes the event will provide a forum to educate the public about services available to past and potential victims.

Members of the Surrey RCMP, Delta Health Services and Save Our Daughters Coalition are scheduled to attend.

The candlelight vigil will take place at Surrey’s Bear Creek Park April 26 at 8 p.m. For information, contact Amy Ghuman at 604-612-4586 or Jai Birdi at 604-992-7473.