Mata Khivi
Bursary Fund
About
Supporting the well-being of children
Manisha’s Story
“In 2023, my 12-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Our family was suddenly faced with a steep learning curve – adjusting to the demands of daily care and new routines. But we made a commitment: his diagnosis would not define or limit his life. Early on, we saw how closely mental health and chronic illness are connected. We focused on building up his resilience through sports, music, and other activities that made him feel strong, confident, and connected. These programs became essential tools in his emotional and physical well-being.”– Manisha Singh
Inspired by their journey, the Singh family created the Mata Khivi Bursary Fund to help other families access similar opportunities. The fund supports Help Fill A Dream children both current and past, covering costs (up to $500 once per calendar year per child) for extracurricular programs such as music lessons, sports teams, art classes, dance, yoga, and other enrichment activities.
Why It Matters
For children managing a chronic condition like Type 1 diabetes, mental health and emotional support are just as important as physical care. Participation in creative and physical activities can play a powerful role in helping a child develop confidence, emotional resilience, and a sense of community.
The Mata Khivi Bursary Fund exists to ease the financial burden for families and ensure that children with life-threatening / critical medical conditions can fully participate in life – beyond their diagnosis.
The bursary is named in honour of Mata Khivi, a revered figure in Sikh history known for her compassion, service, and deep commitment to the well-being of others. Her legacy of selfless care and nurturing guidance continues to inspire acts of generosity and kindness today. The spirit of this bursary echoes her enduring message: to serve with love, dignity, and devotion.
How to Apply
- Must have received support from Help Fill A Dream either with a Dream or through the Family Assistance Program.
- Must be between the ages of 5 and 19
- Must be a resident of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands
- Has been diagnosed with a life-threatening / critical condition
- Activities are extracurricular programs such as music lessons, sports teams, art classes, dance, yoga, cooking classes, and other enrichment activities.
- The child must be currently enrolled or will be enrolled in activity to start within 8 weeks of applying for the Mata Khivi Bursary.
- Past activities will not be reimbursed.
- Applications are processed and supported on a continual basis.
- Funding will be disbursed at a rate of up to $500 per application until the Bursary fund is depleted for said calendar year.
- Request an application from the Program Manager at [email protected]