Finding Hope After Loss: Surinderjeet’s Journey

By Peter Bui

Surinderjeet’s life in Canada began with promise. He arrived from India full of dreams, worked hard to provide for his family, and raised his children in a home filled with love—but despite his best efforts, he was consumed by his alcoholism. “I lost everything—my home, my family. I was walking around with no place to go” he says, his voice heavy with regret. “I felt invisible.” For years, he fought against the weight of his mistakes, unsure if he would ever find a way out.

Through his darkest moments, Surinderjeet found a glimmer of hope when he discovered Surrey Urban Mission. “This place saved me,” he shares with tears in his eyes. “They didn’t judge me. They gave me shelter, but more importantly, they gave me hope. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I mattered.”

Now, Surinderjeet spends his days volunteering at the Surrey Welcome Hub, determined to give back to the community that helped him find his way again. He finds joy in helping others and making a difference in their lives. “There’s hope here,” he says. “This place is my family now. They helped me find myself again.”

His message is powerful and simple: “Help is here, but it’s up to you to take it. If you let go of the habits that hold you back, you can make something of your life.” Surinderjeet’s story reminds us that no one is beyond redemption, and with the right support and willingness to change, a brighter future is always within reach.