Island Health is recognizing the founder of a charity and a local counselling group for their exceptional efforts to help people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Harjas Singh Popli, the founder of
Fateh Care Charity, and the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees are the winners of the 2025 Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Community Service Awards.
Mr. Popli and representatives from the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees were presented their awards today by the MHSU South Island Advisory Committee at the Umbrella Society offices.
“The leadership and dedication Mr. Popli and the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees have shown in improving the lives of those facing mental health and substance use challenges is truly inspiring,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Their work has created a lasting impact in our communities, offering hope, support and vital resources. We are grateful to them for their compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others.”
“Congratulations to Mr. Popli and the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees for their excellent work to help people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges,” said Island Health board chair Leah Hollins. “Their leadership and dedication to the community deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.”
Mr. Popli helped start Fateh Care as a small initiative to support vulnerable individuals in Greater Victoria in 2021. Fateh Care has since grown into a recognized organization that provides mobile food assistance and essential supplies to those in need.
A dedicated humanitarian, Mr. Popli has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in food security, and social inclusion. Through Fateh Care, he has spearheaded blood donation drives, and programs supporting seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, people between jobs and marginalized communities. Mr. Popli has remained steadfast in his mission to serve with integrity and compassion while establishing a new charity without corporate support shortly after arriving in Canada. His leadership, resilience, and passion for social good make him a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use Community Service Award.
"This award is not just for me, but for everyone who has stood with Fateh Care to make a difference. Together, we will continue to uplift and support those in need," says Mr. Popli.
The Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees provides trauma-informed mental health and counselling services mainly to immigrants and refugees in Greater Victoria but also across B.C. Their mission is to support people and families as they navigate the challenges of resettlement, offering holistic and culturally appropriate therapeutic services. Through this work, they foster a sense of belonging, mental well-being, and resilience in those uprooted due to war, conflict, or persecution.
The Counselling Centre offers free and low-cost individual, family, and group counselling services that address a range of emotional, psychological, and social issues, including trauma, grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Professional counsellors and trained volunteers work closely with clients to meet their unique needs. The Counselling Centre also runs community-based programs to reduce social isolation and help newcomers build networks of support in their new environment. Through partnerships with local organizations, the Counselling Centre creates safe spaces for clients to share their stories, heal from past experiences, and gain confidence to navigate life in Canada.
The Island Health MHSU South Island Advisory Committee identifies community members who make a difference in the lives of people with mental health and substance use challenges. The Committee purchases artwork from artists with MHSU experience to present to the award recipients. This is the ninth year of the Community Service Awards with the announcement occurring in conjunction with Mental Health Week, May 5-11, 2025.