By Jasleen Sohal, Research Assistant

In a world where connection and support are crucial, organizations like the South Asian Cultural and Health Association for Youth and Seniors (SACHAYS) play a vital role in fostering inclusivity and well-being within communities. SACHAYS, which stands for “truth,” is dedicated to upholding the values of sincerity, commitment, and inclusivity, drawing inspiration from Canada’s ethno-cultural heritage. The journey of SACHAYS began in 2018 when Mahesh Nileshwar, the Executive Director and founder, recognized the vulnerability of seniors in the community to loneliness and isolation. To address this issue, he started SACHAYS as an informal group that would gather for yoga and social activities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated their growth as the need to keep seniors engaged and active became even more urgent. Physical activities were moved online, and SACHAYS began providing support to seniors, women, youth, and families through various health and wellness programs, music, dance, arts and crafts, info-sessions, mentoring, peer support, and counseling.

The mission of SACHAYS is to serve the multicultural and diverse communities of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by delivering programs that promote the mental and physical well-being of seniors, youth, and families. By making the invisible feel visible, SACHAYS brings hope, dignity, and practical value to individuals, ensuring that their programs are inclusive, sustainable, and accessible to everyone.

SACHAYS believes in the power of music, dance, drama, and all forms of arts and crafts to connect people with one another and with their roots. They provide multiple platforms for youth and seniors to hone and display their talents, fostering cultural connections and assisting newcomers and international students in assimilating into Canadian life.

‘Keytaab’ – Talking Books, is one among the many programs offered by SACHAYS. It is a virtual book club that brings joy and social connection to seniors through the power of reading. Another program, ‘Gulshan’ (meaning garden), is dedicated to inspiring people of all ages, particularly seniors, to experience the joy of gardening. SACHAYS also runs ‘Yuva,’ a program designed to assist international students and newcomers in achieving success in their careers and personal lives.

Recognizing the challenges faced by community members, particularly seniors living alone, during the COVID-19 pandemic, SACHAYS started delivering groceries to them through volunteer efforts. However, they soon identified the need for hot meals to be provided as well. To address this need, SACHAYS worked with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, and used the help of their kitchen to serve Indian, Chinese, and Sri Lankan cuisine on different days of the week, providing culturally specific food to the community. The impact of SACHAYS’ efforts in serving culturally specific hot meals during the pandemic was significant and led to the organization being recognized by the city with the prestigious ‘Toronto Community Champion Award.’ SACHAYS is also a part of the Scarborough Food Network (SFN), a network of organizations, businesses, institutions, and other groups working together towards the collective goal of increasing food security in Scarborough.

On July 6th, 2023, SACHAYS launched its TRUPTI Hot Meals Program, further expanding its support to the community. Every Thursday, their dedicated volunteers cook and provide vegetarian hot meals to community members. TRUPTI, meaning satisfaction, encapsulates the essence of the program, which aims to spread love and support within the community. On the inaugural day of the TRUPTI Program, the SACHAYS team started cooking at 10 am, preparing approximately 50 meals. The menu for that day consisted of cooked kidney beans with rice and a salad, reminiscent of a simple, wholesome, and comforting home-cooked meal. The opening day was a resounding success, with 30 sets of lunch meals delivered to SPLC (Senior Person Living Connected), and about 20 meals served in person. Esteemed officials such as MP Jean Yip and Councillor Jamaal Myers visited the location to show their support, encourage the program, and congratulate the SACHAYS team on their remarkable efforts.

While SACHAYS has already been providing food assistance since the beginning of the pandemic, the TRUPTI Hot Meals program marks a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to community support. However, to expand the reach of this program and provide hot meals to community members facing food access challenges, SACHAYS is actively seeking additional volunteers and funding.

The SACHAYS team intends to extend their outreach to seniors living in shelters in the future. However, they are currently facing challenges due to rules that prohibit outside food on the premises. This poses a significant difficulty for seniors with mobility issues who require culturally specific meals but are unable to access them independently.

As SACHAYS continues to make a difference in the lives of community members, their TRUPTI Hot Meals program represents a beacon of hope, nourishment, and compassion. By signing up via email at info@sachays.com by Tuesdays at 5:00 PM, individuals and organizations can avail themselves of the opportunity to benefit from the hot meals program. The meals can be accessed through two methods – delivery by the team or in-person pickup. SACHAYS invites everyone to bring their family, friends, and anyone in need of nourishment to pick up the meals every Thursday at 12:00 PM at 2330 Midland Ave. Together, with the support of volunteers and the community at large, SACHAYS aims to extend their reach, nourishing both the body and spirit, and ensuring that no one goes unnoticed or hungry.