Rupinder Singh Parhar has been a major supporter of Seva Canada since 2008. He is a graduate of Simon Fraser University and lives in Victoria, British Columbia where he works as software developer. Rupinder has used company matching programs over the years to help double the impact of his donations.
"As I am legally blind and live in a high-income country, I have been afforded luxuries that would not have necessarily been provided in other regions of the world...I believe that it is my duty to do what I can to give back. I strongly believe that we should not be limited by the birth lottery for social, geographical, and gender statuses, but rather be supported and raised by humanity to be the best versions of ourselves." - Rupinder
We recently spoke with Rupinder to learn more about why he supports Seva Canada.
Rupinder and his son
Seva: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Rupinder: I am a quirky person who is looking to make an impact and change in this world. I love a great "Dad" joke and currently work as a Software Development Team Lead at Benevity, a Certified B Corporation (businesses that aim to balance profit and purpose). I experience this world slightly different than most as I am legally blind, with a few degrees of central vision, which gives me a new angle/lens to see the world through. I'm not known to sit down much thanks to my wife and son, who continually challenge me to push a little further each and every day.
Seva: Do you have a personal connection to Seva's work?
Rupinder: As I am legally blind and live in a high-income country, I have been afforded luxuries that would not have necessarily been provided in other regions of the world. Throughout my childhood I have been supported and encouraged to grow myself without bounds and I believe that it is my duty to do what I can to give back I strongly believe that we should not be limited by the birth lottery for social, geographical, and gender statuses, but rather be supported and raised by humanity to be the best versions of ourselves. I am very fortunate for the opportunities bestowed on me and I'm happy to support Seva to make a positive impact in the world!
Seva: What inspired you to donate to Seva Canada?
Rupinder: There are 2 major things that attracted me to Seva:
1. Impact
In countries where there is a struggle to survive let alone thrive, that is where Seva is-serving the underserved. Seva's work elevates entire communities and regions, but more specifically serves those that typically would not receive care. Our societies show wealth and abundance as standards of success, I say we have that flipped. Success should be evaluated by the standards of care for those that have been neglected. The work Seva does at the core is not just serving a region or a country, but rather raising the standards of success for the world.
2. Empowerment
One of the most underplayed facets of Seva that differentiates it from other organizations is empowerment. It is one thing to go in and help, but it is another thing to go and train, educate, and empower folks to build-on/continue the work This is a huge multiplier and will bear fruit for many generations to come. The training services Seva provides along with other forms of support without a doubt differentiates Seva from other organizations, hands down.
Thank you Seva and thank you Benevity for multiplying the impact I can make to Seva's mission!
Thank you Rupinder for your ongoing support of Seva Canada. Because of your generosity, local eye care personnel will be trained and people in low- and middle-income countries will have their sight restored and their lives transformed!
