A Canadian charity
built on belief.
Managed by a passionate voluntary Board of Directors, Emajjin Children's Foundation has been championing small, deserving charities since 2014.
For Anil and Jyoti Sanwalka, philanthropy has taken on a new level of importance. Inspired by their daughter who has special needs, they established Emajjin (EE-MAJ-JIN) Children's Foundation in 2014.
Since its inception, Emajjin has raised funds for numerous Canadian charities, making a significant impact on the lives of children with special needs and those impacted by political, economic, social, and environmental challenges.
They noticed that small charities have the most direct impact on disadvantaged and disabled children — and built Emajjin to find those charities and give them the support they need.
charities to date
Since 2014, Emajjin Children's Foundation has been partnering with small, fiscally responsible charities that are making a real and lasting difference in the lives of children. We don't just write cheques — we seek out organizations with a proven history of service, strong community roots, and a laser focus on children who need it most.
From funding mobility devices for children with disabilities, to supporting food security programs during COVID-19, to helping children in East Africa access education and clothing — every gala we host translates directly into impact on the ground.
That cornerstone of fiscal responsibility and genuine community focus has guided every recipient charity Emajjin has chosen over the past decade.
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.
- Provide food, safe spaces, shelter and education
- Recreational opportunities for children in need
- Counselling and mental health support
- Supply bedkits, clothing and school supplies
- Build schools, orphanages, and housing
- Help youth in low-income communities pursue higher education
- Fund medical research for conditions affecting children
- Support organizations advancing disability science
- Partner with evidence-based charities
- Direct support for disadvantaged children and families
- Food security and essential supplies programs
- Community-based poverty reduction initiatives
Our Board of Directors are passionate volunteers who come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. The one core value they all share is the belief that everyone can make a difference — and that even the smallest gestures can have big ripple effects.
A former Educator with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor and a BA from the University of Toronto.
Jyoti taught in regular and special education classrooms and held centrally assigned positions in the TDSB as a Special Education Consultant and Coordinator. She has served on boards of Epilepsy Toronto and Epilepsy Ontario, co-chaired the annual walk for Autism Speaks for six years, was a public speaker for the United Way, and currently serves as Executive Director at the Pine's Adult Day Centre.
Anil holds an MASc in Electronics Engineering from the University of Toronto and is co-founder of Neesus Datacom.
He is part of the consortium credited with developing WiFi technology and grew Neesus Datacom into a leading WiFi company before its sale to Prosoft Technology of California in 2012. Inspired by the challenges his daughter has faced, Anil and Jyoti noticed that small charities have the most direct impact on disadvantaged and disabled children — and co-founded Emajjin in 2014 to help fund them.
Divya has over 20 years of experience in the Investment Funds industry at BlackRock Canada.
She is Business Manager and Head of Sales Management & Enablement for iShares Canada and holds a BCom (Honors) from the University of Toronto. She chairs 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 in advancing women in Corporate Canada's boardrooms.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with a career spanning the Toronto District School Board.
Her TDSB career includes teaching intellectual & physical disabilities, Grade 12 Canadian Law, Special Education Consultant, and Summer School Vice Principal. She has served as Supervisor at Holland Bloorview's Head Injury Swim Program, Public Relations Officer with Operation Springboard and the John Howard Society, and is an author of workshops and resources for at-risk youth in Toronto.
Mirella has over 30 years of experience in education, holding roles from Teacher to Secondary School Principal.
She holds an Honours BSc and BEd from the University of Toronto and has served as Secondary School Vice Principal, Secondary School Principal, and Central Principal focusing on Student Success and Pathways. Though now retired, her passion for supporting children at risk remains as strong as ever and she continues to advocate for young people.
A founding board member with over 35 years of experience in business, product development, and investment advising.
Ruby has travelled extensively across South East and Central Asia and recently returned from East Africa, where she observed firsthand the disparities facing disadvantaged communities. Over the last decade in the investment industry she has encouraged clients to donate and leave a charitable legacy aligned with Emajjin's mission to create a better future for children in need.
A passionate real estate agent with a university degree in marketing and a deep commitment to helping others.
After completing her degree, Natalia gravitated toward customer service roles where every opportunity to assist someone brought her a deep sense of fulfillment. When she met Jyoti and learned about the Foundation's mission, she didn't hesitate to offer her knowledge and support. Her philosophy: we all have something valuable to offer, and by adding even a little, we can collectively make the world a better place.