The Rehmat Sandhu Foundation is a Melton-based charity that supports people across the west who are living with disability, struggling financially, experiencing domestic violence and much more. The founder, Ravinder Kaur, is driven by her strong will to rise above her grief and make a difference to the lives of people in need. She spoke to Liam McNally about the foundation’s journey.
Shortly after Ravinder Kaur’s son passed away in 2014, she received a call from a young girl who had met her son at a low point in her life.
The girl said she was sitting in a park alone in the city when a 21-year-old Rehmat Sandhu approached her.
“He said hello to me, and then he asked, are you okay? Are you crying?” she told Ms Kaur.
The girl said she was initially confused by the stranger, but she explained to him that she was alone on her birthday and feeling sad.
“Straight away he called all his friends and they organised a birthday for her, a party and a cake and everything and celebrated her birthday,” Ms Kaur said.
“That was Rehmat, and he would do that for anyone.”
Ms Kaur said that it was to honour her son’s caring spirit that inspired her to launch her charity organisation, and name it the Rehmat Sandhu Foundation.
“The very word, Rehmat, means blessing,” she said.
“He was very compassionate, very kind and he always desired to make a positive impact on people, on the lives of others. So I am just trying to do that.”
Since 2015 Ms Kaur’s tribute to her son’s legacy has been successful in uplifting the community in Melton and across the west.
Ms Kaur has a long history in the healthcare field, and The Rehmat Sandhu foundation began with blood drives and organ donation programs.
It quickly expanded into a leading charity organisation in the disability support field, as well as assisting people who are struggling in any way it can.
“Our aim is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by offering essential support services and promoting inclusivity within our community,” she said.
“We aim to reach out across all cultures and abilities, rendering assistance to anyone in need across Melton and the western suburbs.
“We meet the needs of homeless people, disadvantaged youth, seniors, those affected by domestic violence and vulnerable and financially struggling families.
“We also provide support and counselling services to new migrants and victims of domestic violence.”
The foundation’s success has been recognised through record-breaking blood donations, a Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions award, and celebrated community events, but for Ms Kaur it’s one-on-one assistance that brings the most satisfaction.
“We are particularly proud of our work in providing vital assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them lead more fulfilling lives,” she said.
“Additionally, our foundation has made significant strides in promoting community awareness. Any positive change we bring to someone’s life is a source of pride for us.”
The current economic climate has seen demand for the foundation’s services increase, with Ms Kaur noting an increase in vulnerable families in need of food assistance, with fuel and day to day supplies.
The organisation responds to rising demand by making an effort to be available when many organisations aren’t – including on weekends and holidays – and by doing little things that help struggling people regain their confidence, such as providing personalised birthdays for kids.
Ms Kaur said the organisation is soon set to expand following the purchase of a house in Melton West that is almost finished being renovated.
“We can accommodate more people with disabilities, or who are homeless, or domestic violence affected families,” she said.
“We’re going to have a community garden so that we can have a veggie patch and people can come and have coffee, socialise.
“Im very, very, excited about this one.”
Looking further ahead, Ms Kaur said her vision is for the foundation to continue to expand its reach and impact.
“We aim to continue providing comprehensive support to individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive community. Additionally we aspire to create partnership and collaborations that enable us to make an even greater difference in the lives of those we serve,” she said.
Ms Kaur said it’s the community that keeps her going.
“I’m just trying to make a positive impact,” she said.
“The love and support I get from everyone, it makes me keep going.
“Rehmat Sandhu foundation is we, not I, it’s all of us.”
Ms Kaur said anyone in the community who is struggling should reach out to the foundation to see how they can help.
“Anyone who is in need, we dont judge, we don’t ask questions,” she said.
Details: rehmatsandhufoundation.com.au/
