Association of South Asian Professionals teams up with Superstore to feed hundreds at Oppenheimer Park

THE Association of South Asian Professionals of British Columbia (ASAP) and the Real Canadian Superstore on Marine Drive partnered together to feed hundreds on Saturday at Oppenheimer Park in East Vancouver.

It was a cold, rainy day as hundreds of hot dogs were served up to a long line-up of hungry people.  A dozen ASAP members, family and friends distributed hot dogs.  By raising awareness, ASAP hopes others will join in to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the approximately 2,300 homeless people in Vancouver.

Supplies and food for this outreach event were donated by Real Canadian Superstore. “Our team believes in giving back to the community and helping those that need it most; through good causes like this one with the Association of South Asian Professionals of BC,” said Carlo Fierro, Manager of Real Canadian Superstore.

“After nine years of organizing these events at Oppenheimer Park, there is still a great need to give back more.  Many thanks to Superstore on Marine Drive for donating all the goods for the event.  We could not continue to do this outreach without the generous support of such great corporate citizens.  ASAP and its members are doing their part by getting involved, giving back to the community and raising awareness.  We encourage and challenge others to go out into the community and help others or better yet join us to make a difference,” said Jindy Bhalla, President of ASAP.

ASAP strives to recruit individuals who are looking to make a difference.  For those who join the team of professionals in volunteering; here are a few other ways ASAP makes a difference:

School Mentorship Program (since 2010) that involves ASAP members speaking to elementary and high school children regularly at various schools throughout the Lower Mainland to discuss their career path and help children learn about options for their future.

Awareness Campaigns that promote Stem Cell registry sign-up with Canadian Blood Services and Thanks Mom Give Life outreach events, building homes with Habitat for Humanity for a day, participating in the World Partnership Walk, Surrey Christmas Bureau Toy Drive, The Victor Ghirra Toy Drive and many other campaigns.

ASAP Networking Nights (since 2008) to get to know other professionals in the Lower Mainland area and help ASAP raise awareness.

To learn how you can make a difference, contact Bhalla at jbhalla@ekb.com, visit ASAP’s Facebook page or visit their website www.asapbc.com