Building on last year’s success, the second annual Punjabi Mela Festival is set for Sunday at Gyro Park.
In 2017, several young members of the South Okanagan Punjabi community came together to raise funds in support of advancements in cancer research and care as well as showcasing their Punjabi culture.
The net results of the inaugural event turned out to be $15,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation and organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.
“Everyone is welcome and we would love to see your support,” said Ikjot Kahlon, one of the organizers in a news release. “Our whole team works so hard and we know all of our efforts towards the cause can help save lives.”
Ikjot’s grandmother, Baljinder, passed away in 2016 at the age of 65 after her ovarian cancer had spread to other organs. Her experience initially sparked the idea for a Mela to help support other families impacted by the disease.
Related: Mela makes a joyful start
Other members of the Punjabi community, including Rav Matharoo and Ajeet Brar are putting on the day’s activities.
The Mela team says they plan on building on the event each year and continue supporting a cause that hit so close to home.
“We are very happy to be raising money for cancer research and also raise some awareness for our Punjabi culture at the same time,” said Kahlon. “I think my Naniji (grandmother) would be proud.”
The festival hopes to raise funds for a PET/CT scanner for the Southern Interior located at the cancer treatment centre in Kelowna. The scanner has an ability to detect cancer cells at an early age — even before a tumour has formed. To date, $3 million of the $5 million has been raised for the cause.
Related: Cancer scanner camping halfway to its goal
The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. and for more information go to http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/Penticton_Punjabi_Mela_2018.
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