By R. Paul Dhillon
VANCOUVER – The Punjabi spirit of generosity and a helping hand to those in need is very much alive in South-Van boy Jagtar Singh Purewal, who heeded the call of a group of Indo-Canadian seniors from the area near Memorial Park along 41st Avenue between Fraser and Knight Streets and quickly sprung into action into getting them a space where they can socialize and relax over a card game and snacks.
The City of Vancouver had just finished spending $900,000 to renovate facilities in the park and Purewal saw the perfect opportunity to turn a former changing room now renovated into a club house into a gathering place for Indo-Canadian seniors. He spent 9 months lobbying and doing all paper work to turn the place into what it’s now called – the South Memorial Field House.
The House located at 5900 block of Windsor Street is open to all seniors all year around where they can gather and unwind and join friends for conversation and tea. The facility can also be booked by seniors for special occasions like birthdays.
“All the seniors would like to thank Jagtar for his hard work and dedication for getting us this facility,” said Mr. Randhawa, president of the South Memorial Indo-Canadian Seniors Association.
“This is a labour of love for me as the seniors really needed this facility and I’m glad the City of Vancouver agreed and has made this facility available,” said Purewal, a motorcycle enthusiast who imports Royal Enfield motorcycles (anyone who needs to import or bring one from India can contact Jagtar).
“A lot of hard work went into getting this facility and I want to thank from the bottom of my heart Karen Grant from Sunset Community Centre and Jennifer from City Hall for helping to make this a reality,” Purewal added.
The South Memorial Field House is open Monday to Friday from 1-7pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 12-8pm. For more information contact Jagtar Purewal at 604-649-1117.