Three sessions in Abbotsford address ongoing gang violence

The Abbotsford groups WoMen on the Rise and Kirpa Our Hearts Foundation are holding three events this month in response to ongoing gang violence in the community.

The sessions include a discussion with RCMP officer Baltej Singh Dhillon, kirtan (music), simran (a form of meditation)/

The goal of the WoMen on the Rise is to engage youth in positive activities and deter them from going down the wrong path, as well as to raise awareness of youth programs.

The events also provide an opportunity to volunteer for a citizens' patrol group and mentorship programs; raise funds for "dunk gangs"; and sign a petition for funds for preventive programs.

The sessions are held in Abbotsford on:

– Sunday, Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Khalsa Diwan Society, 33094 South Fraser Way;

– Sunday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Banda Singh Bahadar Gurdwara, 31631 South Fraser Way; and

– Sunday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kalgidhar Gurdwara Sahib, 30640 Blueridge Drive.

Contact womenrise2018@gmail.com for visit facebook.com/WoMenRiseAbbotsford/ for more information.