At some point, you have to stand up for what you believe in.

I remember, as a child, growing up in Kelowna, I was walking downtown through City Park. I saw an old, disgruntled, homeless man shivering in the cold. I just looked at him, shook my head, and kept walking.

One day, one of these homeless people came up to my father and I and asked for some money. My father, having lived in the community for over 30 years, immediately pulled out his wallet and gave him twenty dollars.

I asked, “Why did you give him the money? He’s just going to use it to buy drugs or alcohol.”

My father’s response surprised me.

He looked directly into my eyes and said “He is as much of a human being as you and me. If I can do anything to help someone, I intend to do it.”

I was shocked. My father didn’t say anything against the man. He didn’t talk about the way he looked, “people like him”, or anything. He just wanted to help.

It was an important moment for me. I learned that all people are “equal”, and I should help wherever I can.

Over the years, I have given as much as possible to local causes. Especially those that move me personally.

I remember when I was growing up my family would participate in events like the Terry Fox run, help feed the homeless through local associations and support the mentally handicapped as often as possible.

Today, we have decided to launch the “Evergreen Foundation,” named after our family business.

We intend to continue the tradition of lending a hand and supporting our community and as many people as possible.

This page lists some of the organizations we have committed to support every year.

If you have a cause that is close to your heart, supporting the community in Kelowna, the Evergreen Foundation will be happy to consider it in their “matching grant” program. Just send us an email with the details and we will get back to you.

Ranjit Takhar,
CEO Evergreen Building Maintenance.