Harinder Kaur OAM
HARINDER KAUR OAM for service to the community through social welfare organisations
Harinder Kaur and her husband Maninder Singh set up the Harman Foundation in 2013 after their eldest son died in a car crash. Harinder said they felt so lost following Harman’s death “we were looking for a purpose”.
While the Harman Foundation started off as a grief and loss support network it has evolved into supporting victims of domestic violence and the homeless. Harinder says they have a holistic approach and as well as helping people in DV situations they also work with people struggling and have a chaplaincy.
The Harman Foundation is run by volunteers and deals with people in crisis around the clock. The Foundation has food drives and runs events, since 2013 it has reached 20,000 people.
In 2015. The Foundation set up a helpline (1800 116 675) which operates 24/7. In the DV area alone the Foundation has had 500 calls and helped in 150 complex DV cases.
Harinder says the culturally appropriate service is aimed at the South Asian community.
“As we travelled down the path of providing support for grief and loss we came across so many cracks in services,” she said.
“We ran a survey of 500 people to find out what services people needed so we started the 1800 number.
“As.a family we had never come across family and domestic violence. We had to find resources. In 2016. We opened a shelter in Western Sydney which has helped 75 people. There is such a need, it is always full There’s such a scarcity of accommodation that is culturally appropriate.
“In 2022. Because of the need. We also opened a multicultural community hub as well. We have no Government funding.”
Harinder says the OAM Recognises the work of the Foundation which is also supported by the couple’s children Manu and Nikki.
“The Harman Foundation’s work is grounded in a collaborative approach, for the community by the community. I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to our more than 200 volunteers and our donors, “ she said.
She hopes that the government at all levels will help support the foundation and the services it provides.
