From Diagnosis to Purpose: Baswinder’s Volunteer Journey

Baswinder’s life took an unexpected turn in 2023 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Amid the shock and uncertainty, volunteering became a lifeline, helping her rediscover a sense of purpose and build a community that supported her through even the toughest moments.

Before her diagnosis, finding work had never been a challenge. But the months that followed brought intensive treatments, long recoveries, and a new reality to navigate – one that made returning to full‑time employment difficult.

Eager to stay active and reconnect with others, Baswinder began looking for opportunities to give back. That search led her to Archway, where she applied for a volunteer role with the Community Van program.

“I felt that with the second chance God had given me, I needed to give back,” Baswinder recalled.

However, since the role required physically assisting seniors in and out of the van, it wasn’t suitable for her after her diagnosis. Instead, she was referred to the South Asian Day Program for Older Adults.

There, she met Gurcharan Dhillon, the program supervisor who welcomed her with compassion and understanding.

“Gurcharan was such a kind human being,” Baswinder said. “In a way, it felt as if she helped me get my life back.”

Building Connections Through Service

Volunteering quickly became more than a way for Baswinder to spend her time, it became part of her healing journey.

“When I volunteered, I didn’t feel like I was sick,” she said. “It put me in a good mood and gave me the strength to believe I could work again in the future.”

Volunteers in the program help serve breakfast and lunch, tidy the kitchen, and assist seniors with activities organized by Fraser Health. They also ensure participants are supported during outings to parks, gurdwaras, and local malls.

“We work hard to ensure our seniors feel safe, included, and connected. Our volunteers are the heart of that effort. They show up with kindness, patience, and reliability, and because of them, our participants can enjoy meaningful activities and a sense of community,” said Gurcharan.

Staff and volunteers also help coordinate special celebrations throughout the year, such as Diwali and Christmas.

“I’ll never forget when Santa visited our Christmas party,” Baswinder shared. “One participant came to me beaming with joy and told me it was the first time she had ever taken a picture with Santa.”

Program participants at the Christmas party.

For Baswinder, the relationship with participants is not one‑sided, it’s a mutual exchange of kindness and strength.

“In so many ways, they’ve supported me just as much as I’ve supported them,” she said. “They offer me blessings, share their stories, and pass down wisdom you wouldn’t get anywhere else.”

She credits her desire to give back to the teachings of her religion and the values instilled in her by her family. Those lessons have shaped her belief that when you are given a second chance at life, the most meaningful response is to serve others.

“I think everyone should take time out to give back to the community. I’ve even told my own children that they should come and volunteer at the program for themselves, even if it’s just for an hour or two,” she shared.