Gunwant (Gunni) Bains, President
I enjoyed volunteering at BC Children’s Hospital, but I knew that was not enough. It was during one of my volunteer sessions that I held a premature baby that weighed just over one pound that I decided, I wanted to do more and that is when I created the Golden Girls Group. I brought together a group of my friends who were also passionate about giving back to the community and we have not stopped since! I believe that children are the future of the world, and we need to help them by investing in their health and well-being
During the creation of the group, I have learnt many lessons and have overcome great challenges and obstacles. But I know that if we have the right people in place, and the support of the community, we can achieve anything!
Every year, we set a target of how much we want to raise and by the grace of waheguruji, we have raised over $5 million dollars so far. My vision for the future of the foundation is to take it to new heights and help as many children as we can. At the same time, we want to raise awareness of our group in the community so that we can raise even more funds for BC Children’s Hospital.
Darshan Kaur, Director
I joined Golden Girls in 2015. After I retired, I was helping to raise my grandchildren and that meant taking them to their appointments at BC Children’s Hospital. It is during these trips to the hospital that I realized, I wanted to do something to help the children. It is heart-breaking to watch the children who are struggling with their health and their parents who seem so helpless. That was my motivation behind joining the foundation. We need to do all we can to help kids be kids. They have their whole life in front of them and as grown adults, it is our duty to ensure they are healthy and growing.
Santokh Jauhol, Director
I have been member of the foundation for 25 years. I was working as a RN and I worked with sick childrens which motivated me to be part of the foundation. I had also lost my husband and I thought this will help me channel my energy into something positive. It gave me the opportunity to work with a women-led organization. Gunni encouraged me to get involved and I felt it is a tight sisterhood that helps the community.
Balvir Brar, Director
Having worked in the healthcare industry, I know what it’s like to care for the sick. I also know that a great many resources and funding is required to run hospitals. I became involved with the Golden Girls because the BC Children’s Hospital is where we see the most vulnerable patients – children. It is our duty to do our part in ensuring that the best care is provided to the future generations.
Parmjit Gill, Director
I have been part of Golden Girls for over 25 years. The foundation is close to my heart because I believe we should help children in need. Our work helps strengthen the community. I will continue to work with the Golden Girls foundation for as long as I can.
Ravinder Takhar, Director
I joined the Golden Girls because I am passionate about children and our community. I wanted to do everything in my power to help the future generation. Being a mother and now a grandmother, I know the worries parents face when raising children. When you add the stress of children being sick or hurt, that worry, and heartache is unimaginable. With our fundraiser every year, I know that we are making a difference in the lives of children and their families. I feel so proud every year when we meet our fundraising goal and hand over that cheque to BC Children’s Hospital.
Ranjit Bains, Treasurer
I got involved with the Golden Girls after I retired in 2025. I met Gunni by chance at an event and this led us to a conversation about volunteering and giving back to the community. When she told me about her group’s work with BC Children’s Hospital, I knew that I wanted to join the group and do my part. I know first-hand, about the ground-breaking research and care that BC Children’s Hospital provides. My twins were born premature and were in the hospital for seven months. Even after the twins were discharged, there were many visits to BC Children’s throughout their childhood and into their teenage years. The follow-up and care that each member of the hospital provided was unmatched and unwavering. My twins are now healthy adults, and I attribute that to the care they received from BC Children’s Hospital.
Now I have the time the opportunity to work and connect with a group of women who share the same passion for helping others. Together, we work to raise funds for ground-breaking research and equipment in order to bring hope to families all over British Columbia.
Raj Luddu Nahal, Director of Marketing
This is my first year with Golden Girls. I was asked to join the foundation, so I did my research on them. I was humbled by how many lives the foundation has changed and the amount of funds they had raised.
My son when he was 3 months old got really sick we took him to children's hospital. The care, love and support that we received was emotionally overwhelming. I was also sick at that time and the nurses also helped me while they took care of my son. It was an honour to join the foundation and assist in helping raise funds for the vulnerable. Children are so fragile and it is our duty to help them in any way we can.
Mona Dhaliwal, Secretary
Joining the Golden Girls has given me more than just an opportunity to volunteer – it has given me a chance to connect with caring women who share the same passion for helping others. Together, we come with one goal; to bring hope and support to children and families right here in the Lower Mainland as well as all over British Columbia. I am grateful for the new friendships and connections made with wonderful iconic members. I am very
excited to be starting my “golden years!”