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Friday, September 4, 2015 Peace Arch News ADVERTISING FEATURE
Family business embraces the importance of ‘Give where you live’
M
r. and Mrs. Manjit Atwal wanted a better life for themselves. They made the difficult decision to leave their home and families in India and cross the world to Canada to find it. Upon arrival, Manjit enrolled at BCIT to pursue his welding diploma. Unfortunately, once he completed his program, the Canadian market crashed, and the jobs he had hoped to secure were no longer available. To support his family, Manjit took a job with a roofing company and became a roofing
technician. With hard work and dedication, he was able to open his own roofing company in 1996, Atwal’s Enterprises, based in Surrey. Hard work, dedication, and a commitment to quality service helped to secure large contracts throughout Surrey and ensured the success of his enterprise. While her husband worked diligently building a successful company, Raghbir Atwal made the decision to return to school for a typing class to improve her skills as she sought employment. Her teachers also owned an insurance office. They took an interest in Raghbir and encouraged her to complete her own insurance license. After completing her exams, she opened her first insurance office in 2000 in Surrey. As part of her success, she has expanded into Abbotsford.
Don Hickling, who raises funds for the Surrey Hospital & Outpatient Centre Foundation, first met the Atwals last fall and began speaking about some of some of the needs in the hospital. In particular, Hickling mentioned that the physiotherapy team was in urgent need of a LiteGait machine. Right then and there, the Atwals decided they would buy the equipment. This was fantastic news for the physiotherapy team as the LiteGait helps support a patient’s weight as they undergo rehabilitation therapy. The LiteGait helps patients get back on their feet much sooner – which is an important step on their road to recovery – by providing the tools and confidence as they learn to walk again. It also relieves the physical stress on the physio team and allows for only one team member to be present with the patient instead of two. This frees up staff for other patients. “The one thought that’s always front of mind for us is ‘what can we do to help other people?’ ” says Raghbir. “It’s not money alone that can help people – it’s how you use it and who you trust to steward it wisely that matters. It’s a team effort that makes a difference in other people’s lives.” The Atwals are grateful to Surrey Memorial Hospital as their parents have received excellent care.
Mr. Manjit Atwal, Chiara Singh (Pediatric Physiotherapist) harnessed with the LiteGait, and Mrs. Raghbir Atwal
“The one thought that’s always front of mind for us is ‘what can we do to help other people?’ ” says Raghbir. “It’s not money alone that can help people – it’s how you use it.” Raghbir and Manjit Atwal, Atwal’s Insurance and Financial Centre
Coming from India, the Atwals are very aware that many countries are not as fortunate as Canada to have the privilege of universal health care. They are grateful to have all three of their children born at Surrey Memorial Hospital as well. In some countries, money doesn’t even guarantee good care. Surrey Memorial Hospital is a community-based hospital and it can only improve with help from the community who use it.
“The Atwals epitomize community spirit. Through their business, the create jobs and prospects and though their giving they provide hope and comfort for people suffering with diseases and illness.” Jane Adams – President, Surrey Hospital and Outpatient Centre Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation
The couple also owns a Booster Juice Franchise in Langley.
We Live Here. We Give Here.
Working together to serve our community.
Find out how you can make a difference. www.championsforcare.com
The
Leader In partnership with Surrey Hospital and Outpatient Centre Foundation