(November 22, 2016) –
MISSISSAUGA, ON - On November 21st, 2016, World Vision Canada and its Multicultural Council Ambassadors joined forces to host a fundraising evening to create awareness of the issues girls in India face, and to promote the campaign 'Rise Up Daughters of India'.
Distinguished guests included Nav Bhatia, 'Rise up Daughters of India' Ambassador, and Cherian Thomas, National Director for World Vision India.
'Rise up Daughters of India' is an integrated and targeted pilot campaign that works to create awareness about gender-based discrimination among girls in India. It also raises funds towards building school washrooms for girls in Faridkot community in India.
The Multicultural Council Ambassadors is a group of external supporters who help World Vision Canada build, establish connections and cultivate relationships with multicultural communities in Canada.
Quotes:
"I am honoured to be a part of an event like this. It's a chance for World Vision Canada to create new, and hopefully, long-lasting relationships as we continue to make life better for some of the world's most vulnerable children – including girls in India. 'Rise Up Daughters of India' is such an important campaign because girls, no matter where they live, should feel safe, dignified and empowered for the future. I hope through tonight's event, we came one step closer to making that a reality."
-Lara Dewar, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, World Vision Canada
"I have witnessed first-hand the bias against our daughters in India. My own daughter, Tia, was adopted from an orphanage in India. The value placed on boys versus girls in India needs to change and 'Rise Up Daughters of India' is one of the first steps towards that change. Ultimately, I hope to one day see an India where our daughters are equally valued as our sons are. There will be many challenges ahead but I am confident that alongside World Vision, we will make an impact together."
-Nav Bhatia, 'Rise up Daughters of India' Ambassador
Quick Facts:
- 63 million teenage girls in India have no access to washrooms
- Without proper washrooms, schoolgirls in rural India are forced to 'go' outside, risking their safety, health and dignity
- World Vision has been active in India since 1951, benefitting millions of children there
What Canadians Can Do:
Visit
www.daughtersofindia.ca to donate, share the cause with others on social media, or call 1-866-595-5550.