Second annual Diwali Charity Dinner raises $6,000 for Kincardine Hospital

The Swajan Samanvay Sanatan Centre hosted its second annual charity dinner, Wednesday, at the Kincardine Pavilion, transforming the evening into a celebration of unity and generosity rooted in the timeless principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family.

About 120 people gathered in the spirit of Diwali, with Hindu volunteer families preparing and serving a delicious, three-course meal that fostered connection, joy, light and giving spirit.



People fill their plates with the delicious food at the Diwali Charity Dinner, Wednesday evening, at the Kincardine Pavilion; photos courtesy of Chandra Tripathi

Mike Diebel of the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation expressed gratitude to the Hindu community and Chandra Tripathi for the gesture, and provided an update in fund-raising efforts. Both he and Tripathi in their addresses, inspired attendees to give generously for the right cause - health care.



The crowd at the charity dinner

While $6,000 was collected directly through tickets, there was a promise of tens of thousands more through connections with people who attended the dinner. Last year, through this dinner connection, the foundation raised a substantial amount.

So far, about $11.7-million has been raised out of the $18-million target for upgrades to the Kincardine Hospital, including a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.

Tripathi thanked all attendees and volunteers, highlighting the spirit of Diwali: selfless service, togetherness, unity within diversity, and shared light.



Chandra Tripathi (left) of the Swajan Samanvay Sanatan Centre is joined by Graham Mahood, Kathryn Freimanis and Jack Nancekivell of the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation in welcoming people to the second annual charity dinner