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A surprise donation from Regina-born music star Tesher is helping immigrant women and families thrive in Saskatchewan.
The internationally known artist donated $25,000 in winnings from a recent appearance on Bell Media’s Battle of the Generations to the Regina Immigrant Women’s Centre (RIWC). The centre only learned about the gift days before the episode aired, and had no idea Tesher had chosen them as his charity.
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“You could have knocked me over with a feather,” said RIWC Executive Director Neelu Sachdev. “I didn’t even know we were being considered. Then we found out he picked us, and that he’d won.”
Tesher, who rose to fame with his viral hit Jalebi Baby, explained on-air that he chose the centre because he’s from Regina and believes in the work they do for newcomers.
The donation supports services that often fall outside traditional grant funding. While RIWC receives government support for core programming — things like transportation and food.
“Donations like this go a long way,” said Sachdev. “We can now expand our wraparound supports so more women can participate in language classes, employment training, and community programs.”
RIWC has only had charitable status for two years, making this the most significant public donation in its history. The organization serves women and families from diverse newcomer backgrounds, helping them settle and build lives in the province through gender-focused, culturally appropriate support.
Sachdev said the centre has yet to connect directly with Tesher, as the donation was arranged through Bell Media in Toronto. But she hopes that changes soon.
“If I could talk to him, I’d say thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I’d ask how he found us,” she said.
“Did he already know about us? Did we stand out to him on a list of charities? Either way, I’m just so thankful.”
She also said she’d love to invite Tesher to the centre for lunch and a tour.
“I want to show him what he’s made possible,” she said. “He didn’t just give us money, he told the country that our services are essential, and that newcomer women matter.”
Sachdev, who admitted she’s also a fan of Tesher’s music, said staff and clients at the centre were thrilled by the announcement, and proud that a Regina-raised artist had chosen to give back to his community in such a meaningful way.
For more information on the Regina Immigrant Women’s Centre or to make a donation, visit riwc.ca.
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