As a lawyer for over 30 years, an advocate for women fleeing violence, and a member of Options Community Services Board of Directors since 1996, the Options’ affordable housing project aligns with Kamaljit Lehal’s values as she believes it’s a fundamental right for everyone to have a home.

“Whatever work I do must align with my core beliefs that every human being needs to be treated with respect and dignity.”

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Elaine Cheung co-founded Hilarapy, an organization dedicated to teaching people to share their vulnerable stories harnessing the power of comedy. As a passionate volunteer, when Elaine heard about the Options’ affordable housing project, she knew she wanted to be involved with a team of 50 inspiring, strong women who get things done.

“It’s very important to have a mix, no social stratification. It gives people a chance to succeed and be part of the community. Knowing we are part of something is life-changing, it gives me goosebumps!”

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Elected in 1983 as a city councillor in Surrey, Judy Higginbotham served for 25 years before retiring. She is now an active volunteer for many organizations and looks forward to raising the money needed for the Options’ affordable housing project and seeing it bloom.

“We have solutions, we know the answer to most of the questions to these challenges, we just need someone to put it together. That’s why the Options project appealed to me.”

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“Home” may look different for many people, some are fortunate enough to have their own home while others are renting and some are struggling in their life. Whatever home looks like, Dianne believes housing is critical to finding success.

“One of the greatest things we can do as a society is to ensure that people have a home. It’s important to make sure that we all come together and lift up those who are struggling and make sure they have a good opportunity to succeed.”

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As operations director for a busy trans-loading facility in Surrey, Gurmez (Gail) Sangha oversees day-to-day transport, which includes road, rail and water. She has heard stories of women being abused in Surrey and not having a place to live or go and she wants to help fund a safe place for them through the Options’ affordable housing project.

“I really don’t like anyone, especially women, to be without a home. I’m looking forward to helping make somebody’s life better. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

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As a third-generation Realtor, Nicole Quinn is proud to follow in her family’s footsteps of a lifetime of philanthropy and community service. Working in the housing industry has shown her the need and demand for affordable housing in Surrey.

“Surrey is massive and we have so many different sub-cities and communities. We’re stronger when we’re integrated and merged as one community.”

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Despite the pandemic, Michele Partridge is busier than ever with her work in the film industry, teaching classes and workshops and volunteering in the White Rock area. When she heard about the Options’ affordable housing project, she realized this was something she had always wanted to focus on and do more about.

“We have all had hardships in one way or another, and we need people who believe in us, help us and support us in those times.”

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Karen is very involved in local organizations and volunteering. In 2014 she co-founded the Chinese Village Club, which is dedicated to connecting communities and building bridges through colourful community activities. Since 2019 she has worked full time for the Club. She enjoys serving the community by organizing events and supporting nonprofit organizations.

“Our club’s mission is to connect people. I’m looking forward to learning more about affordable housing and how to make projects like this happen.”

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Before spending 13 years as a city councillor, Mary Martin worked in the medical industry for many years as an office manager. She believes that affordable housing is vital for families and individuals to have successful outcomes and be a part of a healthy community.

“Affordable housing in Surrey allows people to live, work and play in their own city.”

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Nine years ago, Sheila Harjani and her family moved to Canada from Indonesia so her children could receive better education. Now in Richmond, she has noticed the sharp increase in housing prices in the Greater Vancouver area and thinks this affordable housing project is a noble thing to do.

“Nobody dies in Indonesia when they live outdoors because the weather is so temperate. When I think about people here having to sleep outside on top of all this hardship, I know we need to do what we can to help.”

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Being relatively new to the Fraser Valley, Joan Forge is looking forward to getting involved and making a difference in her new home. Since retiring from her government and community relations business, Forge Ahead Communications, Joan is living out her dream of designing and creating handcrafted items and has started an online business called One Day Mercantile.

“I want to be more than a bystander. This is a chance to get involved in the community we now call home and to help those in need.”

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Isabelle’s passion in life is service to the community. Through her diverse contributions as a community volunteer, Isabelle supports projects that help promote resiliency, the environment, are sustainable, and address gaps in society that leave those in need struggling to live in a safe environment.

“I believe that affordable housing should not just be an aspiration, but rather a fundamental choice that should be available to all Canadian residents in need.”

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Retired Real Estate agent Lori Quinn is a busy mother of two, philanthropist and national competitor of Arabian horses. With the homeless population rising, and no affordable housing options, she has noticed we could be headed towards a housing crisis. Lori believes the Options’ affordable housing project is a wonderful initiative and a great way to give back.

“My family is in Real Estate and the prices have been skyrocketing. How can a young family buy anything? And if you’re single or on minimum wage, it’s not an option. Affordable housing is a necessity.”

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As a Real Estate agent, housing is very important to Louise McKnight. She has lived in the South Surrey White Rock area for almost 35 years. She’s looking forward to working with Options on this affordable housing project to support people in need and deepening her connections with the community.

“Every person including children and youth need to feel safe to relax and dream. They need to feel worthy and have a place to call home.”

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Since 2004, Luisa Hough has worked as a mortgage professional, helping people with getting into their homes and helping clients with their financial goals. As a young woman, she faced some challenges and it’s important to her to support other women who need help. She believes that affordable housing is a necessity as it builds communities and provides people with stability.

“Having affordable housing enables its residents to search and find jobs that allow them to pay for their shelter as well as put food on the table and create a healthy environment in which to raise their families.”

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Ritu Khanna brings to this project a wealth of experience from BC and Ontario in the not-for-profit and private sectors. She believes in the services offered by Options.

“Surrey is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. Providing affordable and safe housing for residents of diverse backgrounds, incomes and abilities is critical.”

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Born and raised in Surrey, Rebecca Bollwitt has blogged about life in BC since 2004 on Miss604.com. She is looking forward to supporting the Options affordable housing campaign as housing is a big concern and an essential resource that everyone deserves to have.

“Everyone has the right to affordable housing, especially in my hometown of Surrey where there’s such an incredible need.”

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For 15 years, Kiran Dhaliwal worked in human resources and for the past six years has been involved with politics at the federal and provincial level. She is a firm believer that safe and secure housing is a basic human right, which is why she’s supporting the Options’ affordable housing project.

“There is a need for affordable housing and I am very excited to be a part of this and to work closely with the voices and experiences of the other women who have joined to make this happen.”

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Before attending law school, Rebecca Darnell honed her skills in banking, as a court recorder/transcriber and as a freelance paralegal at several law firms. Her work in family law has shown her how many women are trapped in unhealthy or abusive relationships because they don’t have the economic means to leave.

“It’s important for the success and self-esteem of every citizen and individual to have a place to call home.”

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With a background in sales, Tammy Bourelle, a wife and mother of two for the past 11 years, enjoys supporting small local non-profit organizations. Always wanting to help with a project like this, she is looking forward to making people more aware of what help is needed in Surrey.

“I didn’t realize how many women and children are struggling to find safe housing accommodations and I was inspired to find a way to help.”

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When retired grade one teacher Caroline Scott heard about the Options’ affordable housing project, she recalled the early days when she was a single mom of four young children and attending university part time to get her Bachelor of Education degree. While she had help from family, she knows many others don’t.

“If people are struggling, they need support. I’m excited to be able to help enlighten others and make them more aware of the programs Options has available.”

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As a busy Realtor in the Surrey White Rock area, Karen Conyers has basically lived her whole life in the peninsula. She’s a firm believer that when people have a safe place to live and sleep well, then they’re not as dependent on other things to escape the pain and fear.

“When people have a place that they feel safe in, they can sleep better and their stress levels go down.”

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Now retired after representing Surrey first as a manager with the city of Surrey, then as a three term city councillor and ultimately as mayor, Linda Hepner is passionate about looking for ways to help and improve the lives of the people of Surrey. She says there are many families living at or below the poverty line and there’s a great need for affordable housing.

“This project is filling a community need even at a time when we have all been so insular and isolated with COVID. It gives us an opportunity to help.”

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Beginning in a junior role and growing to senior vice president at Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing Ltd., Michelle DesRosiers has always had a passion for homes. Though people may never know about her involvement in this Options’ affordable housing project, it’s the joy this initiative is going to bring so many lives that excites her.

“The same as food or water, everyone deserves a safe space to retreat to. Unfortunately, it’s not within reach for many. Housing is essential and I believe it’s important to support initiatives that work towards offering accessible housing to both individuals and families alike.”

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Rosemary Wallace has been involved with Langley City for more than 20 years, contributing on many levels from volunteering to serving as a school trustee and city councillor. She hopes the Options’ affordable housing project in Surrey is successful, as that will establish doing more of this for other municipalities.

“When you’re housed and you feel secure you’re able to do so many more things. It comes down to that—helping one person helps so many others.”

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For the past decade, Trish Stew has worked part time as an administrative assistant at Alldritt Property Management. From her volunteer work with Kimz Angels, she knows there are many families that can’t afford to get into a house and affordable housing is in big demand.

“Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who can’t afford housing—the prices are so ridiculous and it’s something we need more of.”

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Before becoming the morning show host for 94.5 Virgin Radio, Nira Arora worked in TV and print broadcasting. She believes we’ve all learned a lot from the pandemic and people have come together to build something for those who are less fortunate. They have another opportunity to come together with this affordable housing project.

“Isn’t it a huge place of pride to know that you as a city want to help those who may not be able to provide for themselves or their family? I think it’s amazing.”

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A lawyer by profession, Puneet Sandhar immigrated to Surrey in 2002 and is married with two young girls. She is looking forward to raising awareness and funds for the Options’ affordable housing project and seeing it come to fruition, especially since this project will assist vulnerable youth, who are our future.

“I look at my girls and would do anything so they can have a good future. Other people deserve just as much.”

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As someone who is always trying to give back, Joat Dhaliwal grew up in a political family that emphasized treating others with kindness and giving back to the community. In life, and more specifically in her career, she has seen many individuals succumb to unfortunate circumstances they never asked to take part in, and strongly believes it is our duty as a community to provide support to our neighbours.

“If we can provide people with affordable housing, we’re giving them a place they can feel safe and safety/shelter should always be considered a basic human need. Having a home becomes a stepping stone for individuals to achieve more and provides them with a brighter, healthier future. Eventually everything comes full circle and these individuals will be in positions to also give back to our beautiful community. And why wouldn’t we want to make our community better and stronger together?”

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As someone who has always been interested in the power of innovation, Shelly Howard has spent her entire career working to help customers and partners leverage technology to drive new and improved business solutions. Working together to drive positive outcomes is in her DNA and she is excited to bring her passion to the Options’ affordable housing project. Shelly believes that affordable housing is a basic need and that we just don’t have enough options in the Lower Mainland.

“How can you even begin to support yourself or your family if you don’t have a place to call home and a stable roof over your head?”

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Deborah Salh’s work in social work and politics has shown her the importance of affordable housing on a personal level. At the rate Surrey is growing, Deborah believes both industry and housing are needed so people can live and work in the city. She loves how this building project will create community instead of segregating people.

“When we pull together, for me that’s when we stop looking at each other as the ‘other’ and we start to connect. It brings out the best in us. We stop looking the other way and we become stronger communities.”

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Before being elected to all levels of government, Penny Priddy was a nurse, CEO, consultant and a college instructor. When she was asked to support the Options’ affordable housing project it was an immediate “yes.” Options is known to create multi-age programs that are always focused on strengthening our city of Surrey.

“Surrey’s trademark is The Future Lives Here! With the help of Options and affordable housing, we will grow and thrive in the years to come.”

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Susan Tucker is a registered massage therapist at Susan Tucker Massage Therapy. When she learned about the Women of Options’ affordable housing project she thought it was an exciting and important campaign. As Surrey continues to grow, Susy believes it becomes more and more important to balance all housing options.

“A city is only as strong as its weakest link and we can and must support all members of society in order to make our city the best place possible.”

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Author Raj Arneja has just released her debut memoir Love at First Sight: A Mother’s Journey to Adoption. She is also the director of community engagement at Nanak Food focusing on philanthropy and community, and believes initiatives like the Options’ affordable housing project allows people to secure housing and be part of a community.

“This affordable housing project is such an important, relevant cause for our local community.”

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A self-described “recovering politician,” Mary Polak served as a Langley MLA for 15 years. The communities of Surrey and Langley are so closely linked, she knows this affordable housing project is going to have a positive impact on her home community.

“This is something we all feel good about, professionally and personally. It’s always wonderful to be involved in a project that brings together a great group of people.”

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Ryan Moreno, CEO and Co-Founder of Joseph Richard Group (JRG). Ryan Moreno is a business leader, community champion, and industry innovator. In his years of operating businesses across the lower mainland, Ryan has dedicated himself to making a positive impact in the communities that JRG operates in.

“I believe in actively working to improve the areas we live and work in. The Lower Mainland is my home and I want to provide others with the same opportunity that the local communities have provided me.”

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Bettina Reid is the team lead for Balance Real Estate Group with HomeLife Benchmark Realty Corp. Bettina has been an active member of the community she lives and works in, supporting a variety of causes. From taking part in our annual Charity Golf Tournament raising funds for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, organizing Christmas Hampers each year to Habitat for Humanity. As a mother of 2 adult women, one of which her and her husband adopted, getting to be a part of creating affordable housing for women and children in need as well as children aging out of the foster care program is something that resonates strongly with her family. Bettina is honoured to be able to take part in such a great cause.

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Sandra Sherbaty is the Administrator, Life and Wellness Coach of Pacific Titans Athletic Program Ltd. Sandra is an active member in the community she lives and works in. As a Community Partner for the Surrey School district, she is one of the lead physical literacy coaches for youth at risk. Her energy and passion inspire and motivates her community, with weekly walking and group events to live a healthy active lifestyle. She is married, a mom
to adult son and nana to 4 grandchildren.

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Wendy has lived in Surrey for 45 years and believes that Surrey has many wonderful things to offer all its citizens. She hopes that everyone who has secure housing will help this housing venture, even a little.

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Sue Inouye is an intuitive holistic bodyworker, serving those looking for natural solutions, alternative healing and holistic approach to their lives, stress management or chronic illness.

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At Fasken, we are genuinely committed to helping and improving the communities in which we live and work by investing our time, expertise and philanthropy. This is a critical and inspiring initiative and, together, we can make a difference.

Fasken is a leading international law firm with more than 750 lawyers and ten offices on four continents. Our practice spans every sector of business, industry and government. We provide strategic advice to a broad range of clients. We work with corporate clients (large, medium and small companies), government agencies, regulatory authorities, non-profit bodies and individual clients.

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