Emajjin Children's Foundation
Is a registered Canadian charity managed by a voluntary Board of Directors
10 Years in Action
We are committed to supporting children who have special needs and those who are impacted by political, economic, social, and environmental challenges. We strive to partner with organizations that have a history of service in the community, demonstrate fiscal responsibility and most of all, focus on children with special needs or children who have disadvantage.
That has been the cornerstone and forefront of all the recipient charities that Emajjin has chosen.
"One of the most wonderful outcomes of working in the non-profit sector is that we have the opportunity to interact with others who are also trying to serve the community in their own realm. It is through these interactions that the Foundation has forged friendships, and made connections in the community. Frankly, the outpouring of encouragement and support has been overwhelmingly humbling."
Our History
We strive to make a difference in the lives of children.
A Better World
Giving back to the community is an opportunity to improve the lives of others and a chance for an individual to be an active part of their community. For Anil and Jyoti Sanwalka, philanthropy has taken on a new level of importance. Inspired by their daughter who has special needs, Anil and Jyoti established Emajjin (EE-MAJ-JIN) Children’s Foundation in 2014.
Since its inception, Emajiin has raised funds for numerous Canadian charities, making a significant impact on the lives of children who have special needs and those who are impacted by political, economic, social, and environmental challenges.
- Provide food, safe spaces, shelter, education and recreational opportunities.
- Supply bedkits, clothing and school supplies.
- Build schools, orphanages, and housing.
- Help youth in low-income communities graduate and pursue higher education.
- Further medical research for conditions that affect children.
Our Mission
that improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children
Life Management & Counselling
Recreation, Education & Social Integration
Research
Poverty Relief
Our People
Our Borad of Directors are passionate volunteers. The team consists of individuals who come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. The one core value they all adhere to is the belief that everyone can make a difference. Everyone can and should strive to improve the community they live in for the greater good and that even the smallest gestures, can have big ripple effects.
Jyoti Sanwalka
Founder/President
Jyoti is the Founder/President of Emajjin Children’s Foundation.
She is a former Educator. Jyoti received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor and her Bachelor of Art from the University Of Toronto.
During her professional career, Jyoti taught in regular classrooms as well as special education classes. She also held Centrally Assigned positions in the Toronto District School Board as a Special Education Consultant and Special Education Coordinator.
Jyoti is a staunch believer in the adage that “we have to leave the world a better place.” Over the last 30 years, she has been privileged to serve on boards of directors of Epilepsy Toronto and Epilepsy Ontario. She served as Co-Chair of the annual walk for Autism Speaks in Toronto for six years. Jyoti was a public speaker for the United Way and currently serves as the Executive Director at the Pine’s Adult Day Centre.
Anil Sanwalka
Founder
Anil received this MASc in Electronics Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Toronto. He is co-founder of Neesus Datacom and joined the consortium that is credited with developing WiFi technology. Anil grew Neesus Datacom to become a leading WiFi company prior to its sale to Prosoft Technology of California in 2012.
Anil and his wife became passionate about giving back to the community and those less fortunate due to the challenges their daughter has faced. They noticed that it’s the small charities that have the most direct impact when it comes to helping disadvantaged and disabled children. They founded Emajjin Children’s Foundation in 2014 to help fund these small children’s charities achieve their missions.
Divya Steinwall
Divya has over 20 years of experience in the Investment Funds industry and is the Business Manager and Head of Sales Management & Enablement for iShares Canada business at BlackRock Canada.
Ms. Steinwall earned her Bachelor of Commerce (Honors), Specialist in Management & Economics degree from the University of Toronto. Ms. Steinwall serves as the Chair for the Canadian chapter of BlackRock’s Women’s Initiative Network.
In 2016 she was honoured as a “Champion of Change” by Women in Capital Markets for her leadership to push the boundaries for the advancement of women in Corporate Canada’s leadership teams and boardrooms.
I believe every child has the right and the ability to thrive if only given the opportunity. A disability or a disadvantage should in no way be a barrier to succeed. I am proud to be part of an organization that is focused on supporting children to overcome obstacles that stand in their path to achieve their dreams.
Melissa Sachter-Coleman
Melissa received her Bachelor of Education in 1984 and Bachelor Early Childhood Education in 1983. Her career at Toronto District School Board include: Teacher-Intellectual & Physical Disabilities (Gr. 1-8), Grade 12 Canadian Law, TDSB Summer Swim Program-Physical Disabilities, Special Education Consultant and Summer School Vice Principal.
She has served as Supervisor-Holland Bloorview Children’s Core Head Injury Swim Program, Public Relations/Community Education Officer with Operation Springboard and John Howard Society of Metropolitan Toronto. She is author of workshops and resources for at-risk youth in Toronto. With Emajjin Children’s Foundation, Melissa is committed to working together, with colleagues, to help make our world a “better place” for us all.
Mirella Sanwalka
Mirella has over 30 years of experience in education and working with youth. She received her Honours Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.
Throughout her career, Mirella has held various roles in the education sector, including Teacher, Secondary School Vice Principal, Secondary School Principal, and Central Principal focusing on Student Success and Pathways. In each of these roles, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to student success.
One of Mirella’s greatest passions is working with students with special needs and those at risk. She has always been deeply committed to creating opportunities and programming that provide students with the necessary support to earn their diploma and access post-secondary career pathways. As a School Board Student Success Lead, Mirella played a pivotal role in developing and implementing innovative programs and initiatives that have helped countless students achieve their goals.
Although Mirella is currently enjoying retirement, her passion for supporting children in risk remains as strong as ever. She continues to seek out new ways to make a positive impact in the lives of young people, and will continue to advocate for students for years to come.
Ruby Rana
Ruby has been member of board of Directors since the beginning over 10 years ago! Recalling our first board meeting , still remember the excitement and discussion about the foundation’s mission.
She has over 35 years of work experience in the business world, initially as a product development and senior category manager with major retailers throughout Canada and then as an investment advisor.
She has travelled across South East and Central Asia for decades exposing her to significant disparities. Recently she returned from East Africa, where she observed that while tourism benefits local economies, the disadvantaged often miss out. Over the last decade, in the investment industry she encourages clients to donate and leave a charitable legacy aligning with our mission to create a better future for children in need.
Natalia Rendon
Natalia is a passionate real estate agent who finds joy in helping others. After completing her university degree in marketing, Natalia quickly Leaned toward customer service roles, realizing that every opportunity to assist someone brought her a deep sense of fulfillment.
Her dedication to making a difference extended beyond her professional career. When Natalia met Jyoti and learned about the foundation’s mission, she didn’t hesitate for a moment to offer her knowledge and support. She has always believed that there’s a way for everyone to contribute. whether it’s through monetary donations, material goods, sharing expertise, or simply giving their time.
Natalia’s philosophy is simple: we all have something valuable to offer, and by adding even a little, we can collectively make the world a better place.
