Meet our featured beauty with brains, Harinder Kaur. She is the owner of the Harman Foundation Charity Organisation. Here is an interview with her:
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you started the Harman Foundation.
My name is Harinder Kaur. I am an Educationist, social counselor and registered Sikh Chaplain. I am passionate and compassionate, working as an education coordinator for Justice since 1993. I am a mother of three including Harman, wife, and most importantly a survivor.
In 2012 I lost one of my beloved children Harman in a tragic accident; he was the purest of souls and had the biggest of hearts. Through this tragic event we as a family and friends decided to continue his legacy through the founding of the Harman foundation.
2. You are doing a lot to help the less fortunate. What inspires you and motivates you to keep going?
It’s the smile and appreciation on people’s faces that gets me every time, the feeling that you have done something even though may not be big, it’s all about contribution to the community. I feel that this country has given a lot to my family and myself in ways you cannot imagine therefore, I want to give back to those that are in need or need support. I feel that we as a member of society should also adopt that charitable model as a united and diverse community and help those in need like Australia has gifted to us.
Just being able to be there for those that are in need that’s a reward in itself.
The more I indulge into this kind of field, I find that we can do a lot for people in our community. I feel that I haven’t done enough, it is imperative to reach out and encourage others to help towards volunteering to organisations that assist those that are in need.
3. What are the foundation’s goals? Have you achieved them?
Our main aim is to grow further across NSW especially those in remote areas and eventually reach out to other states through our support lines. We also want to strengthen our relationships and collaborate with other organisations both government and non-government sectors to achieve better outcomes.
Yes and no.
Yes because we are working with more than 25 organisations, NGOs and government agencies and continue on a regular basis and develop these other relationships as well.
No, as we are a young organisation that has a lot more room to grow. In each and every aspect, I also believe that no matter how old anything is, it is never too old to learn and evolve.
4. What is a typical day in your life like?
I like to wake up before sunrise, do my prayers, this helps me summon that inner strength through my passions to power on and do as much as possible within the day to help those that are in need. Helping others around me and developing the Harmon foundation in its growth sets an example to others to offer their helping hands towards building a more united community.
5. Are there any major changes in Harman Foundation’s work?
Since its formation in 2013, the foundation has continued to evolve into a web of cost-free community support services, delivered by a committed group of volunteers, to address a range of individual and group needs, issues and concerns. This includes:
2013 to 2019
· Chaplaincy in hospitals, prisons etc. (30+ people a week in hospitals and prisons)
· 24 x 7 helpline (More than 6000 calls of needy people in the last 5 yrs)
· Direct counseling through professionals (Referrals , Telephone conferencing and direct one on one support groups )
· Setting up and provide welfare schemes and financial assistance through fundraising for various reasons which has resulted about $130,000 of funds raised to assist individuals in a crisis. (see below for intricacies of assistance)
· Collaboration and partnership with other organizations more than 25 Govt and NGOs
· Seminars and workshops (organized more than 70 seminars/workshops and 10 health expos)
· Free Food Services for the Homeless which allows HF to provide for 7000+ meals annually at Blacktown. 75-80 needy or homeless people are benefited
· Grief and Loss Program/ Funeral Assistance more than 25 families assisted
· Free meditation/ Yoga Classes four years free meditation classes every week 2015 to 2018
· Two yoga workshops( two days ) every year from the last 3 years
· Assists individuals affected by Domestic Violence (currently supporting 85+ women and men who suffer from DV)
· Establishment of a Safe Home Project/ Women’s Shelter- HER housing since July 2018
Feel free to check out their FB page
Empowered Brave Women Building Futures 