Calgary sisters, 16 and 12, launch charity drive to raise $10,000 for community association

Two Calgary sisters — 16-year-old Shreya Shenoy and her 12-year-old sister Sakshi — have launched a charitable venture called Giving Forward Canada, aiming to raise $10,000 for the Ranchlands Community Association over the holidays. They have already raised $4,150 within a week of starting.

Giving back to the community that hosts their Diwali festival

The sisters are from the Amchigele community, a small community from South India, and hold their Diwali festival every year at the Ranchlands community building. Shreya said she started the organization as a way to say thanks to the community. Their goal is to raise $5,000 in direct funding alongside 1,000 non-perishable food items; the holiday drive and fundraiser runs from November to December 2, with donations accepted online.

Inspired by cadets and a film

Both sisters are members of the 918 Griffin Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, where they enjoy helping people in the community. Shreya said the idea was inspired by a film about a boy who raised money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Their efforts have been noticed by local leaders including Muhammad Yaseen, MLA for Calgary North, Julia Hayter, MLA for Calgary-Edgemont, and Ward 2 Councillor Jennifer Wyness.

(Sources: Calgary local report via Europe Says, November 11, 2026; photo is a file image of Calgary Food Bank volunteers.)