KidsPlay's Kal Dosanjh Supports Drugs & Gangs Public Safety Forum with Foundation for a Path Forward скачать в хорошем качестве

KidsPlay's Kal Dosanjh Supports Drugs & Gangs Public Safety Forum with Foundation for a Path Forward

On March 26, 2025, a Public Safety Forum on Gangs, Drugs and Guns was held at the Taj Park Convention Centre in Surrey, BC. This free community forum was co-hosted by the Foundation for a Path Forward and the KidsPlay Foundation, in collaboration with SACH and Moving Forward Family Services. The event was organized in response to growing concerns about gang violence and the fentanyl drug crisis in Surrey​. Addressing Islamophobia, intercommunal hate, and other forms of systemic discrimination directly connects to the forum's central themes, highlighting the deep psychological toll these factors can impose on marginalized youth. Persistent experiences of discrimination and prejudice exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, significantly increasing vulnerability to negative coping mechanisms, including drug abuse or gang involvement. By openly confronting these forms of hate, the forum emphasizes creating inclusive, supportive environments as a fundamental strategy in reducing youth susceptibility to gangs and fostering healthier communities. With over 550 participants in attendance (approximately half of them youth), the forum marked a significant community mobilization around issues of drugs, gang violence, youth mental health, and public safety. High-profile support from all levels of government underscored the forum’s importance – attendees included Hon. Garry Begg (BC Minister of Public Safety), Hon. Terry Yung (Minister of State for Community Safety & Integrated Services), Jessie Sunner (Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives), Amna Shah (Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health & Addictions), MP Randeep Sarai, and Surrey Councillor Rob Stutt (City of Surrey), among others. These officials joined forces with community leaders like Kal Dosanjh (Founder, KidsPlay) and Tariq Tyab (Co-founder, Foundation for a Path Forward) to engage the public in frank discussions about keeping youth safe. The evening’s program featured panel discussions, personal testimonies, interactive workshops, and networking sessions​ – all geared towards exploring prevention strategies, youth empowerment, and support resources. A unique highlight was the on-the-spot distribution of $5,000 in youth bursaries as a tangible commitment to help families keep youth engaged in positive extracurricular activities​. The forum’s collaborative, interfaith approach and the presence of top officials created a bridge between community voices and policy-makers, aligning grassroots experiences with public policy initiatives for safer communities.