Blood Donation Camp at AsaMai Temple
Dear APS Family,
A highly successful Blood Donation Camp was held today (Aug 10, 2025) at AsaMai Temple, Hicksville, led by Ms. Navneet Sondhi, Chairperson of the APS Women’s Forum, along with her dedicated team — Ms. Dilsheet Kaur, Shweta Malhotra, Priyanka Khanna, Binny Kaur, and Swati Anand.
The target for the camp was 25 units of blood. Still, the response far exceeded expectations — about 50 people successfully donated, more than 10 could not donate due to eligibility criteria, and many who arrived after 4:00 PM had to be turned away.
The event was organized in partnership with AsaMai Temple, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, New York Blood Center, and AAPI-QLI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin – Queens & Long Island), represented by Dr. Devendra Srivastava, Dr. Abhay Malhotra, Dr. Sunil Mehra, and Dr. Prabhu Mehta., along with Dr. Tarun Wasil (NY Cancer & Blood Specialists) and Mr.Gobind Bhatija(AsaMai Temple). Ms. Anju Kakkar (Asmai Temple) graciously oversaw the arrangements for tea, snacks, and lunch for all present.
Strong support came from the American Punjabi Society — Mr. Gary S. Sikka (Founder & Global President), Mr. Mohinder S. Taneja (Senior Vice President), Mr. Varinder S. Sikka (General Secretary), Vice Presidents Mr. Paul Bindra, Mr. Ajai Vir Sondhi, Mr. Ravinder Narang, and Mr. Jaspal S. Arora, Pradeep Tandon (Director, Media & Public Relations), and Mr. Mohinder S. Chandok.Ms. Janessa Sondhi (Director Youth Engagement), and volunteers – Alissa Sondhi, Radhika Sardana, Bhavi Khanna, Mahi Anand and Ms. Palwinder Bhatti efficiently managed registration and other organizational tasks.
Setting an inspiring example, Gary S. Sikka (Global President, APS) and Ajayvir Sondhi (Vice President, APS) were the first to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
Navneet Sondhi shared, ”It is heartwarming to see our community respond so strongly to a humanitarian cause. Every donor here has made a difference today, and when we work together, we can create real and lasting impact.”
Gary S. Sikka called the camp “a shining example of how partnerships between community organizations can save lives,” praising Navneet’s “tireless commitment and compassion” as the driving force behind its success.
Gobind Bhatija expressed, “Serving the community is at the heart of our temple’s mission, and it was an honor to open our doors for such a noble cause.”
Dr. Tarun Wasil emphasized, “Blood is a precious resource, and today’s efforts will directly help patients in need,” noting the remarkable turnout and collaboration.
🙏 A heartfelt thanks to all donors, volunteers, and partners for making this camp a success!
📩 For more info:
Gary S. Sikka – Global President, APS | info@americanpunjabisociety.com | 917-208-4027
Pradeep Tandon – Director, Media & PR, APS | 718-564-3092