Almost two years ago, Melbourne mother Ravinder Kaur faced one of the biggest challenges any parent could ever face.
She suffered the unimaginable heartache of losing her only son who died falling of a high-rise balcony in Melbourne in December 2014.
Ms Kaur who is a support worker at Royal Melbourne Hospital, has now decided to dedicate her life to help the society by setting up a charity organization ‘Rehmat Sandhu Foundation’.
Ms Kaur is personally involved in innumerable noble causes, including helping foster carers & widows, organizing workshops for mental-health & women empowerment and running blood and organ donation drives.
Ms Kaur recently donated her house and property in India to services run for widows and orphan children.
Now she has also taken a bold decision to commit her house in Melton (in Melbourne's west) to Anglicare Victoria.
Ms Kaur told SBS Punjabi’s that her son Rehmat Sandhu had a noble heart who really wanted to help people in need.
“Rehmat loved kids. Actually, it was him who wanted to donate the house to a foster care.”
“Before his sad demise, we were in conversation that before we perish we should donate our house to charity.”
"Rehmat's friends look after me. They are very loving and caring. Life wouldn't have been possible without them. I see Rehmat in them,' said Ms Kaur.
"Each year, Anglicare Victoria supports over 80,000 children, young people and families through a range of different programs: out-of-home care (including foster care) emergency relief, financial assistance and mental health programs, amongst many more services."
Rehmat Sandhu (black cap) with his friends from Federation of Bhangra dance group Source: Supplied
“I know Rehmat must be looking from somewhere and will be proud of this decision. This is his legacy to the world.”
“The house was purchased from Rehmat and my income. So it’s an easy decision. Moreover, all my other family members, relatives are living a decent life. I wanted to give to someone in need.”
“I have also given my property in India to help set a care center for widows and kids in need.”
“Rehmat wanted me to do this noble work. I miss him every single day. He was fantastic, loving, giving, caring and full of energy.”
“No parent is prepared for the loss of a child, and when it happens, the world changes forever.”
“My loss is the most tragic and traumatic thing that could have ever happened to me. He was my lifeline. But such is life, the reality of life and death.”
Jasvinder Sidhu is involved in some of the charity works conducted by Ravinder Kaur.
“It has been wonderful to work with her over the last two years to set up the ,” said Mr Sidhu.
“For a parent, the pain of losing a child is just unimaginable. But Ravinder is not a quitter. She has a mission and a path to follow. My sincere respect to her, the way she has responded back is just amazing.”
“She has continued the charity work that her son really wanted her to do. The belief she will give to other families, single mums, foster children is her gift to this world.”
“We shall thank Ravinder for keeping memories of her late son alive by giving so much to those who are needy and disadvantaged.”
“It is the best tribute to her son that after losing her only family member she has shown courage and finds solace in helping others. Highest respect for her and we can all get a lot of inspiration from her.”
“The boy meant so much to her. But he is not gone, he is around in our memories, and he will live on with the charitable work of ‘Rehmat Sandhu Foundation’,” adds Mr Sidhu.
