Meet Didar Singh Khunkhun, a member and donor of YMCA Calgary who shares his heart of generosity at Saddletowne YMCA.
Didar's journey to the Saddletowne YMCA is a story of community, compassion, and giving back. Didar arrived in Canada in 1974, bringing with him a strong set of values rooted in his Sikh faith. Since his arrival, Didar’s life has been a journey of hard work, family, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
Now retired after many years of working at a lumber mill in Golden BC, Didar is an active member of the Saddletowne YMCA community. It was just over three years ago when he first stepped through the doors of the YMCA, and from that moment, he felt a strong sense of belonging. "I see them almost every day, and I just want to make people happy!" Didar says, reflecting on the relationships he's built with YMCA staff and volunteers. This sense of belonging inspired him to give back in his own special way.
Since the summer of 2024, Didar has been making regular food donations to the YMCA five times a week, without fail. Each visit, he brings food donations ranging from fresh produce to baked goods, ensuring that staff and volunteers are always greeted with a little something extra. As a member of the Saddletowne community, Didar shares, "I think of the Y staff and volunteers as family, and so I wanted to continue this work by providing what I can to them." For Didar, it’s not about grand gestures or recognition; it’s simply about making others feel cared for.
His giving nature extends beyond the YMCA. Didar is a devoted volunteer at the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen, a community organization in Calgary that provides free meals to those in need. His involvement began when his daughter-in-law started volunteering by providing meals at home, and their family saw firsthand the impact it had on families struggling to afford meals. From there, Didar’s volunteer work grew, and he became a key part of a larger initiative to help those facing financial hardships.
Reflecting on his volunteer work, Didar shares, "When I help distribute food, people cry, and from that you can tell how much support the community needs." With the rising cost of groceries, many people are feeling the pressure, and Didar’s work has become a lifeline for many families. "There is no pick and choosing, we help anyone and everyone of all ages. We feed everyone."
His generosity reflects the values he was taught growing up. Didar believes in the principle of giving back, not only through financial donations but also through his time and energy. "Someone, somewhere gives you the willpower to move on and do good," Didar says. Guided by his Sikh faith, he follows the principle that "10 percent of what I make should go towards a donation, and 10 percent of my time should go towards volunteering." Despite facing health challenges, including two bad knees, Didar remains determined to continue his work. "When I give back and when I volunteer, I don’t feel the pain, I feel the relaxation," he shares with a smile.
A Saddletowne YMCA member shared, “Didar has been incredibly generous to our YMCA staff. He often brings treats for everyone, saying, 'You all work very hard, so why not share God’s gifts with everyone?' Whether it’s boxes of pomegranates or an assortment of baked goods, he always arrives with a smile on his face, spreading joy and kindness.”
Didar's story is one of community, kindness, and the power of giving. His impact on the Saddletowne YMCA is immeasurable, not just through the food donations and treats he brings but through the kindness and generosity he shares every day.
Didar encourages others to join him in giving back: "Everyone should come forward and give and do whatever they can to help one another." His message is clear. The strength of a community lies in the willingness of its members to care for one another.
Join Didar and many others like him in making a difference today. If you would like to support your YMCA community and help those in need, please visit ymcacalgary.org/donate where we unlock opportunities for everyone to belong, grow, thrive, and lead.