For over 25 years, Balbir Seimar has selflessly volunteered with Midland International Aid Trust and, for the past six years, the World Against Single Use Plastic (WASUP). Her efforts have included delivering food donated by supermarkets to families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, particularly children. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she played a vital role in ensuring the community had access to food and PPE, even contracting the virus herself while serving others.
As the Chief Community Engagement Ambassador for WASUP, Balbir has brought together people from all walks of life for litter clean-ups, promoting both environmental responsibility and social well-being. She has been instrumental in educating young people about the dangers of plastic pollution, organizing a seminar that engaged 33 schools and spearheading initiatives such as the WASUP Garden in Goscote.
Balbir’s ability to build meaningful partnerships with local charities, schools, and businesses has amplified the reach and effectiveness of her work. Her warm and welcoming nature attracts volunteers from across Walsall, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Beyond environmental efforts, she is dedicated to addressing social issues, helping combat loneliness by delivering gifts to isolated individuals and providing support wherever it is needed.
Reflecting on her journey, Balbir attributes her “can do” to the values instilled in her from a young age by her late father, Shri Chuni L. Sabharwal.
Balbir said, "I am passion driven, which stems from the early 1960's. The art of volunteering and supporting the community has been instilled by my late father, Shri Chuni L. Sabharwal. In Queen's Park, Bedford, virtually everyone who came into the area approached him for all sorts of help, visas for families, buying a shop, housing, money for food, filling in forms, ln those days we were not aware of terminology social cohesion! ”
From the age of 12, Balbir and her brother, Ram, were actively involved in form-filling and liaising with bank managers on behalf of others. These early experiences shaped her deep commitment to helping others, further reinforced by the teachings of her faith and the guidance of her Satguru and inspired by Prof Rashid Gatrad OBE.
Balbir is profoundly grateful for the recognition from The High Sheriff, describing it as both humbling and an honor. She extends her heartfelt thanks to Sehaj for assisting with heavy stuff, the community for their unwavering trust and support, which have allowed her to continue serving with passion and dedication.
Balbir Seimar BEM Chief WASUP Community Engagement & Development Ambassador Hindu Forum Walsall, Secretary 07878732307 WASUP - World Against Single Use Plastic (wasupme.com) f/b: Balbir Seimar (bobbie sabharwal) t: @balseimar #balbirseimar #balseimar
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