Hands for Life Foundation was founded on a simple belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to learn how to help in an emergency. Established in September 2024 by Gaganpreet Heer and Sukhman Dhillon, the foundation provides free CPR awareness sessions that make essential knowledge more accessible to communities.
Through interactive sessions offered in English, Punjabi, and Hindi, Hands for Life addresses financial and language barriers that can prevent people from accessing emergency response education. Its approach creates a welcoming space where participants can ask questions, practise skills, and build confidence without worrying about cost.
Since its founding, Hands for Life has reached more than 3,000 people through community outreach. By bringing sessions into places of worship, seniors’ centers, churches, and other familiar gathering spaces, the foundation connects with people where they already feel comfortable. Collaborations with organizations including Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar, Age Strong Unity, and the Benguet Society of BC have helped extend its reach across different ages and backgrounds.
At the heart of each session is participation. Demonstrations and practical learning opportunities help make unfamiliar skills easier to understand. These sessions focus on CPR awareness rather than formal certification, providing an accessible introduction and encouraging participants to continue learning.
Rooted in the spirit of seva, or selfless service, Hands for Life connects education with community care. Its mission recognizes that preparedness begins with making knowledge available and giving people opportunities to practice together.
As the foundation grows, it remains committed to reaching more communities and making CPR awareness approachable for everyone. Each session is an opportunity to share practical knowledge, encourage questions, and strengthen people’s confidence in their ability to help. Through free, multilingual education and community collaboration, Hands for Life is working toward a future where more people feel prepared to step forward when someone needs them.
