V Serve Canada, a federal nonprofit founded in 2019, is dedicated to enhancing community wellness, especially among vulnerable groups. We champion social well-being through cultural arts and heritage. Our mission is to create a positive impact nationwide through our events and programs.
V Serve Canada is a staunch advocate of holistic well-being across diverse groups, fostering awareness for improved quality of life through community building, arts, and culture.
We are at the forefront of preventative wellness practices with our community programs.
Our events are designed as platforms for communities to congregate and celebrate art. We showcase local and global artists and performers, while providing an immersive family oriented environment where you can sample amazing food, exclusive consumer deals and attend free music concerts.
Partnering with more than 50 businesses V Serve Canada plays its part in stimulating the local economy, and promoting equal opportunities for all to reach their full potential. Our organisation is wholly volunteer run with key stakeholders from underrepresented groups. Our diversity is our strength which ultimately propels us to create meaningful social impact.
V Serve Canada focuses on youth education, fostering well-being through holistic health and cultural arts workshops. Partnered with Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board, offering virtual and in-person programs.
V Serve Canada aids disaster victims internationally, providing essentials like food, medical supplies, clothing, and shelter for humanitarian relief efforts.
Our mission encompasses fostering physical, mental, and social well-being across Ontario and Canada by organizing cultural events, educating youth on wellness, offering diverse cultural experiences, and conducting need-based awareness and educational programs for youth, women, and seniors.
We envision communities embracing social well-being as integral to mental and physical fitness, recognizing the significance of preventative wellness practices and arts in daily life. Striving to become an Arts & Wellness Center of Excellence, we aim to showcase holistic health, arts, culture, and social well-being throughout Ontario and Canada.
Our team consists of volunteers, dedicated staff and key stakeholders in the local community.
Anu Srivastava is an exceptional community leader, a philanthropist, and an entrepreneur. Anu Srivastava is the Founder, ARRA Arts and Executive Director, V Serve Canada, established in 2017 and 2019 to foster socio-economic development and improve wellness through arts, music, and culture.
Anu Srivastava started her humanitarian journey at a young age by reaching out to the flood-stricken victims of Gujarat in India. Financial funds and sea containers of medical supplies were sent to India with her active contributions. Anu Srivastava has been the Community Chair of Trillium Health Partners Foundation Diwali Fundraiser and as part of the Diwali Committee for past 15 years, has helped raise $14m for the “OM Fracture Clinic”, Seniors Program, Endoscopy Unit, Cardiac Care, Cancer Care, Stroke Unit, and many hospital initiatives. Anu Srivastava is actively engaged in Education and Women’s Welfare, managing her own sponsored project $500,000 of educating 100 underprivileged girls from tribal rural areas of Unnao, UP, who do not have access to education, food, and shelter.
Anu Srivastava is the Past Chair of Panorama India and under her leadership, India Day Festival and Grand Parade which is the signature event of Panorama India grew from a small local event of hundreds to a high-profile largest Indo-Canada event.
For almost two decades Anu Srivastava contributed as a senior finance professional in the Municipal Government and Hospital sector. As part of her municipal career, Anu has been instrumental in providing international exposure to the Greater Toronto Area while leading the international event of IIFA and initiating the cultural vision for “Year of India in Canada”.
Anu Srivastava is the recipient of Queen Platinum Jubilee Award and Queen Diamond Jubilee Award; CIBC’s Midweek top ten South Asians in North America in the field of Community Leadership; Top 20 CIBC South Asian Power List; Top Forty over Forty; Leading Women Building Communities by Premier of Ontario; Jewels of India: Leading Indo-Canadian Personalities.
Monica Lu has a LLB from the Univeristy of Birmingham and an Honours Bachelors of Arts specializing in sociology from McMaster University. She currently works as a Legal Admin Assistant for the Health Litigation Team at Hill Dickinson on track to qualify as solicitor in the UK. Day to day, she assists the firm in correspondence with experts and claimant solicitors regarding a wide range of healthcare matters.
She has previously had many years experience working in the customer service industry and has always had a strong passion for helping others in the community.
Julie Tran has a Master of Public Health and an Honours Bachelor of Science specializing in Neuroscience from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University.
Currently, Julie works with the Ontario Ministry of Health where she analyzes data about our health workforce, creates robust models and forecasts, and identifies issues and gaps within our health system that require innovative solutions.
Previously she worked as an analyst with the Canadian Red Cross designing epidemiological research studies and conducting analysis of COVID-19 related data in long-term care facilities across Canada. Her interests lie in improving population health outcomes through ethical innovation and thoughtful design.
Ajay Deep is born and raised in India in a family with a rich history of volunteering, philanthropy and charity encompassing building and operating schools and shelters for under-privileged, abused women, children, and the blind. Ajay has strong diplomatic skills and natural affinity for cultivating relationships and building consensus among diverse individuals.
Currently working for City of Toronto, a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, he has extensive financial and project management experience. Ajay volunteers at TRIEC [Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council] Mentorship/Mentee program where he has been a mentor and life coach since 2013 to individuals matched by immigrants and individual needs. He is also involved in health-related safety protocols to be disseminated for Environment Monitoring & Protection staff for Toronto Water/City of Toronto.
Ajay has been volunteering for Habitat for Humanity (HFH) since 2010 and was awarded the prestigious gold star for his time and effort. As the Chair for Habitat for Humanity, Family Selection Committee from 2012 to 2016, he with his team awarded qualified families with houses built by HFH, based on selection criteria mandated by HFH. As a Chair, he also monitored the crisis hotline. He was instrumental in organizing high level events for charity with local politicians and community leaders. Outside of Canada Ajay has volunteered avidly for the Big Brother Big Sister program in Houston, Texas.
Divya Naiken is a Data Scientist at FGF Brands, an innovative tech-based manufacturing company creating quality artisan level food for clients around the world. By using AI, robotics, and creative solutions, FGF Brands has transformed food production.
Divya is a 4th year student of a computer science program at Wilfred Laurier University. Through volunteer and work experience, Divya has developed many skills with excellent customer service as well as the ability to work efficiently under pressure. Her volunteering role at Multiple Sclerosis Youth Council, Mentor College helped her handle arrangements for general meetings, transportation to events and supervision of 12-hour long volleyball games. Divya gained her vast event experience as the event coordinator of Panorama India Day 2019 and was responsible for the intake of artists and performers, production schedule and stage management of 250 performers.
Heidi Ng is passionate about life-long learning and paying it forward. As a part of her career path, she has ventured into customer service, community engagement, patient care, scientific research, and consulting. In each of these roles, she was driven to create a positive impact on others.
Heidi currently holds quality engineering and technology transfer roles at DECIEM where she develops quality management strategies, optimizes manufacturing processes and oversees the commercialization of new products. Prior to joining DECIEM, she was an engineering consultant for SNC-Lavalin where she led the implementation of new manufacturing technologies at the largest vaccine company in the world — Sanofi Pasteur.
Heidi also serves as an executive at Bridging Borders Toronto, a non-profit organization that develops and implements sustainable services and programs to tackle socioeconomic, cultural, and educational borders within local and global communities. Using her first-hand experience in the non-profit sector, she became a pro-bono consultant at Endeavour and developed a marketing strategy for a national LGBTQ2+ archive.
Rashika Agarwal is a small business owner of RANS International importing Pharmaceutical Menthol to Canada. She is a keen leaner and likes to teach music to children in her spare time. Rashika volunteers her time for the local community organization (ABC) and organizes their leading festival events Diwali, Holi and Terry Fox Run.
Ruchira Nigam has a passion for the aviation industry and works at Air Canada. Ruchira is totally customer focussed and enjoys helping airline partners and colleagues to enhance exceptional service and support to passengers.
Her personal desire in the Arts and Culture field has prompted her to perform in many recognized events locally and internationally. She is a powerful trained vocalist and enjoys dancing in various South Asian dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak.
Surbhi Guleria Joshi is a TV Host turned Entrepreneur, Founder of Poōrna Wellness, as well as a former TV host & wellness advocate for natural & balanced living. Surbhi formerly co-founded The AppLabb with her husband and hosted two national television shows on OMNI Television & Rogers TV.
Surbhi has served on the Board of Directors for Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce along with AWIC – a Community & Social Service organization that focuses on helping women rise.
She is a well-known face as she modeled for Holt Renfrew along with some major brands. She is also the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal & Woman Hero Award for her contributions in the community.
Ajay Sharma is a well-known media personality, CEO/President at Cain Films Productions INC, Director, while doing Production & Marketing at ICTV and, in addition to being the CEO of AJ Media Entertainment Inc. with 25 + years of experience in Marketing and Business Development. He is the execution and administration brain behind the inception and growing acceptance of AJ MEDIA in the market.
Ajay Sharma’s commitment and love for the community is what makes him gain respect in the GTA and Toronto event industry. He is dedicated to producing and bringing entertainment events to GTA that portray India’s rich culture, art, and heritage. His passion towards his work is seen in every project he partakes in. His events are known to connect people and bring them everlasting memories.
Angie Rehal is a personable community engagement builder and a newly retired from 34 years of service with Government relations as a paralegal with the Department of Justice. She is passionate about giving back to the community by building solid relationships within the agencies that help the vulnerable members of society.
She has been part of the Board of Seva Foodbank for over 11 years and is currently serving as Board Vice Chair. Seva foodbank ensures access to safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food to people experiencing or at risk of poverty in the communities we serve. The board works on various strategic tasks and handles client-centric duties. She enjoys board work immensely and is passionate about volunteering her time at the foodbank, talking to client families, and helping with the shopping and day-to-day operations.
Bharti Tank has been actively taking part in various Community Events/Services in the GTA area. She is the Administrator of Rajasthanis in Toronto Community Group which has around 520 members on WhatsApp and 1.2K members on Facebook. The group has been organizing various events and activities for group members which bring people together, promote cultural exchange, and help them create social connections. They have been offering workshops, seminars, zoom meetings that help people gain more knowledge on various topics of public interest.
Jey Jeyakanthan is the Founder & Chairman of AVAJ Group. Jey is a highly successful entrepreneur and IT professional with over 22 years in Business Development, Project Management & Business Transformation for Fortune-200 companies.
He is a Director of Sophia Hilton Foundation of Canada, Executive Director of Never Give up Foundation, and was also a past Director of Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce & Member of Markham Board of Trade.
Jey is also the Co-Founder & CEO of Landed for Success INC, the professional establishment that connects businesses, people, leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Utilize the LFS platform to promote your trade, collaborate and build business partnerships, and network with likeminded people in and around the globe, become a co-author and write your untold success story, get business coaching, advice, resources, tips, ideas, mentorship, and tools that will help guide you become a successful entrepreneur and a professional leader in your business category.
He is also an International Bestselling Author, and Social Media influencer and is actively involved with many volunteer and advocacy organizations in Canada.
Loveen Gill is a Host and Reporter at OMNI Television. In her role as a reporter, along with covering human interest and community-centred stories, Loveen has recently worked as a lead reporter for an 8-part investigative series on domestic violence in Canada in collaboration with City News. The series was nominated for the CEMA awards in 2021. Along with that, Loveen’s series on International students in Canada received tremendous attention and appreciation from the South Asian audience in Canada and across the globe.
Loveen is the founder of Canada’s first South Asian organization that opened up a dialogue about the need for organ and tissue donation, living and deceased. In her efforts to raise the number of registered donors, Loveen has led hundreds of events across GTA, British Columbia, and India by involving youth, families, and community leaders.
Additionally, Loveen is a published Anthologist with a released book with articles on women’s issues contributed by over two hundred female writers from across the globe. Loveen has received provincial recognition, such as Leading Women Building Communities from the Minister of Status of Women (2017) and several other community awards for social work. She is the recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (2018) for her tremendous efforts and contributions to her community. Her future goals include aspiring to continue her work with women and youth in bridging the gaps and bringing awareness to their untold stories through her Journalism and community work.
Meena Chopra is a Canada based visual artist, digital artist & poet She has been practising her poetry and visual art for over three decades. She has exhibited her art in many countries and has had over 90 solo and group shows. Her paintings are with art institutions, Corporations, Government Bodies, Embassies, Hotels and in Private Collections in India, Canada, Australia, England, Switzerland, Dubai and Kuwait (Princesses Aisha al Sabah of the royal family of Kuwait). As a poet she has authored three poetry books and co-edited one.A painter, sculptor, designer, producer, curator and a poet, Meena has been a recipient of many awards for her contribution to arts and literature. To name a few, she received first prize by Visual Arts in Canada in 2017. She has also been awarded by the National Ethnic Press Council of Canada (NEPCC) for her distinguished work in art and poetry. Her art and poetry has been recognized and critically appreciated by leading media in Canada as well as in India and England which includes The Toronto Star, Mississauga News, Voice Group, Hindustan times, Times of India, Statesman, Pioneer and the list goes on. She has been awarded grants from Canada Council for Arts. She has also been awarded for ‘Outstanding Service and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusiveness’ from Peel Community Connections, Canada in 2007. She has been the finalist for MARTYs Awards for her art in 2021, 2019 and 2010.While practicing visual arts & writing poetry, she simultaneously entrepreneured in advertising, media and broadcasting with a life time career.
Mokshi Virk is the founder Director of Indo Canadian Association (ICA), She has been organizing the International Women’s Day Gala event for the past ten years, where women from diverse backgrounds are recognized as ‘Woman Hero’ and an amazing Women’s day celebration is organized with Fashion shows, Business Networking, vendors market and traditional dance performances for our guests.
Mokshi Virk is one of those Professionals who are always looking to do more. As the successful Broker in Real Estate working with IPRO Realty Ltd in GTA, she’s already a busy professional buying and selling properties besides holding workshops for her clients. Building a stronger community where she lives with her family and runs her real estate business and non-profit organization is very important to her. She encourages local business networks to support the events that would enable women entrepreneurs and youth to showcase their talent and achieve excellence.
She is working towards building a better world where men and women live harmoniously, free of violence and discrimination.
Monica Dilawari is a passionate woman who has always been positive towards every step of life. Being happy and genuine towards the people she meets is her biggest trait that she is proud of. Monica is an achiever with two amazing kids, a loving husband and is the winner of Mrs. South Asia Canada 2017. Monica is looking forward to giving back to the community as the community ambassador of V Serve Canada’s Living with Wellness Festival with full excitement and honesty.
Nillia Lal is settled in Canada for the past over 28 years. A Fashion Designer by profession and a full time Mom to 3 awesome boys. Nillia started her career with a Law firm in Downtown, then full back office support for 15 years in an Immigration firm in Mississauga and Brampton with several offices all over the world. Nillia has extensively travelled and learnt a lot that wherever you are India and Indians are the best. Nillia started her volunteer services with Elspeth Heyworth Women Shelter in Vaughan about 25 years ago and has continued with several shelters which includes youth shelters, women shelters, food banks and food for the homeless. Nillia is the founder of a Women’s group called South Asian Ladies Lounge and Helping Hands Women’s Circle where she is trying to help local businesses and women working from home. Nillia is a community motivator and has been providing full support to new Immigrants. Affiliated with lawyers who are fighting Pro-Bono’s cases for the Domestic Violence women in need and help them settle down in their new locations. Nillia has arranged Christmas food drives for shelters and during COVID tried providing food and other help through the group SouthAsianLadiesLounge.
Nillia is a Grand Reiki Master and with that she has been helping a lot of people and kids. Nillia has also been awarded the Red Blazer award from the USA. Nillia is always trying to help our people and give it back to the community
Raghbir Chauhan is a Realtor, Financial Advisor and works in the office of MP, Ruby Sahota. With a background in Chemical Engineering nominated by the President of India, Raghbir moved to Canada and being interested in Media likes to host TV shows, has interviewed celebrities and organized spiritual wellness events. As a Community Ambassador of V Serve Canada, he would like to volunteer for the Living with Wellness Festival and give back to the community.
Reema Sarin is an avid practitioner of Yoga since 2004 and is a Certified Yoga Teacher since 2012. She has attained her Teaching Diploma and Post Graduate Certification from Annamalai University, India and is about to complete her Masters Degree in Yoga from their Canadian campus. She has extensive teaching experience, specializing in Hatha Yoga, Chair Yoga and mindful meditation techniques. Currently, she adapts her teachings to best apply to corporate professionals and those looking to pursue a consistent home practice.
Ritu Kohli Sethi is a mother of two and the Managing Partner at Greater Toronto Executive Centre, a business centre providing fully furnished office spaces, meeting room rentals and virtual office solutions. Ritu is passionate about her community and giving back. Amongst her initiatives, she currently serves on the Steering Committee of 100 Women Who Care Mississauga Chapter as well as the Vice Chair of the Professional Development Committee, Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT). To Ritu, success is not only achievements and accreditations, but also having personal satisfaction. Through her photo blog page (@ritukspics), Ritu not only shares her experiences and insights, but also supports and helps promote local businesses. She’s passionate about her community, connecting people and strongly believes, together, we can achieve great heights.
Sanjukta Das was born and educated in India, she migrated to Canada in her forties and is now an author based in Toronto, Canada.
In her professional role, Sanjukta Das is a Business Placement Advisor with Humber College. In her volunteer capacity, she is a certified Art of Living Teacher, the Founder of a Canadian Women’s Organization popularly known in Toronto as WINGS (Women’s Initiatives to Nurture, Grow & Support) and a Life Coach at “Be Your Own Horizon”. A great advocate of “networking” Sanjukta remains unwavering in her pursuit to connect with people in the community, to enhance her own experiential learning. Sanjukta is currently rejoicing in her recently published nonfiction prose poetry book: “My Twirls The Said and The Unsaid”.
Sanjukta rejoices in the fact that she keeps herself engaged in serving the community in two realms: her international students and with women, like her. Sanjukta believes every woman is a lighthouse in her own realm and the heart of every family. When we empower women to succeed, we are enabling society to prosper.
Simrin Gatlekar is a versatile professional with a wealth of experience in event management, real estate, and entertainment. She was born and raised in Mumbai, India, where she honed her skills in the Mumbai TV industry by working with leading production houses like Balaji Telefilms , AK Films , Jay productions , UTV and many more.
Simrin’s passion for the entertainment industry led her to explore new opportunities in Canada, where she quickly made a name for herself in the Indo-Canadian media and entertainment industry. Leveraging her skills in digital marketing, content creation, and event management, Simrin built a reputation as a talented and reliable professional. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Simrin is also a certified PMP -Project Management Professional and a licensed real estate Broker. She currently works as a New Development Project Manager at Re/Max Ace Realty, Toronto, Canada.
Simrin’s diverse background and experience have given her a unique perspective on the importance of inclusion and diversity in today’s society. As the Managing Director of AJ Media Entertainment Inc., she combines her Indian heritage and values with the Canadian value of inclusion to create experiences that bring people together. Simrin’s success in multiple fields has made her a role model for young women who aspire to achieve success in their careers.
Sunita Mohan, HD, RHN, RNCP
Sunita is a Culinary Nutrition Expert, Metabolic Balance Coach, Holistic Nutritionist, Homeopath and coauthor of family cookbook, “Feed Me...I’m Hungry”. This cookbook was created in her kitchen with recipesthat her whole family enjoyed. She started her health journey after suffering for years with migraineheadaches; she tried homeopathic medicines, diet & lifestyle changes to find some relief. She made theconnection between food and body, after these changes, her energy increased, and hasn’t had a migraine forover 10 years. This great healing is what made her decide to study Nutrition and culinary nutrition, now she isdedicated to helping her clients reach their optimum health and nutritional goals. You can see her on Rogerscable 10 hosting Health Matters and as a health expert for “Kitty Talk” on Omni TV. She was featured on theDr. Oz show talking about Ancient Ayurvedic Secrets for weight loss in May 2012.
Srijeet is a dancer, singer and anchor, all of which he completes with a high degree of excellence.Srijeet has worked with many types of different artists and performers such as Lara Dutta, Udit Narayan, Kumar Shanu, Kavita Krishnamoorthy, Alka Yagnik, Abhijeet, Sadhna Sargam, Anupam Roy, Shreya Ghoshal and Arijeet Singh. As a radio video jockey, Srijeet has used his experience to better our community. Srijeet is also an artist manager and an insightful person to have. He has influenced the Indian diaspora. In Canada, Srijeet continues to excel the entertainment industry.
Elvira V. Hopper, a multi-award winning Miracle Mindset CoacHealer, International Speaker, Podcaster & Showhost. She now lives authentically as an Inspirational Artist & Speaker, leaving behind a lucrative 27-year in healthcare and pharmaceutical sales. Following a transformative breakdown, she achieved her childhood dream to become a pro jazz artist at 51. Elvira empowers others to overcome self-limiting beliefs and find their True Purpose. The Miracle Magnet Movement she founded is supported by her growing global team, and is inspiring countless heart centred souls to become Miracle Magnets! She lives in Mississauga with her beloved hubby of 35 years ♡
Born and raised amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal, Shristi traveled to India and lived by herself at a very young age to pursue her dreams of becoming a Chartered Accountant. With her unwavering dedication, she achieved success in her career, establishing herself as a trusted professional, in the fields of Banking and Education for 8 years in India.
She moved to Canada in 2018 with her family to begin a new chapter of her life, where she immersed herself in roles within the hospitality industry and not-for-profit sector before finding her stride at Humber College where she currently works at the Financial Planning department.
She’s a devoted mother to a bright 9-year-old girl, and understands the importance of balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities.
Recently, Shristi made history by winning the prestigious title of Mrs. Nepal Canada 2024.
Her accolades speak volumes about her impact on the community. Recognized by the Embassy of Nepal for her groundbreaking win as the first-ever Mrs. Nepal Canada. Her contributions have been acknowledged by esteemed institutions, including the Office of Member of Provincial Parliament, where she received commendation.
In addition to her professional and community endeavors, Shristi is a proud recipient of the Shashkay Women Empowerment Award and has been nominated for the Elite Women in Power award in the realm of art and culture. Her recognition from the Canadian Newa Guthi and the Newar community in Nepal further underscores her impact and influence.
As a community outreach member for the Niagara International Film Festival, Shristi continues to champion diversity and inclusivity, using her platform to amplify her voice, facilitate wider reach of the event and communicate the power of storytelling through the films.
From participating in fashion shows to judging casting calls and choreographing events, Shristi wears her confidence on her sleeve, inspiring others to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Beyond her professional and community endeavors, Shristi's ability to connect with people transcends language barriers. Fluent in six languages , she effortlessly bridges cultural divides and fosters meaningful connections wherever she goes. Her genuine desire to support her community and uplift those around her is a testament to her compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication to making a difference.
