Author name: Ashik Ramesar

Dear friends and supporters, As an organisation dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those we serve, we rely on the generosity of donors to fund our work. We are so grateful for the support we have received thus far, and we are committed to using these resources wisely to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve. Despite our efforts, there is still much work to be done, and we need your help to continue making progress. Currently, we have reached 20% of our goal, but we need to increase this number to 100% by April 2023. We understand that there are many worthy causes competing for your charitable donations, and we are deeply grateful for your consideration. We believe that our work is making a real difference in the lives of those we serve, and we hope that you will join us in our mission. With your help, we can achieve our goal of reaching 100% by April 2023. This will allow us to continue providing vital services and support to those in need, and make a lasting difference in our community. If you are able to make a donation, no matter how small, it will go a long way in helping us reach our goal. Your support is greatly appreciated and will make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for considering a donation to our organisation. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all. Sincerely, The Avikar Singh Foundation Team By ASF | ASF Team

As we enter the new year, many of us are setting goals and making resolutions for the year ahead. While it can be challenging to make positive changes in our lives, it is also a time of great opportunity and potential. Here are a few tips on how you can win at life in 2023: By setting clear goals, developing healthy habits, prioritising self-care, cultivating a growth mindset, and seeking out opportunities for learning and growth, you can set yourself up for success in 2023 and beyond. Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes in your life, and with determination and hard work, you can achieve your dreams. By Avikar Singh | Founder

As an organisation dedicated to combatting period poverty, we are committed to improving the menstrual health and rights of individuals in our community and beyond. We believe that access to menstrual products and education is a fundamental right, and we are dedicated to creating a world where period poverty is eliminated. Our vision is a society that recognises and values the menstrual health and rights of all individuals. We envision a world where everyone has access to the menstrual products and education they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence. Our mission is to provide affordable or free menstrual products and education to those in need and raise awareness and advocate for policies that support menstrual equity and combat period poverty. We believe that by working together and advocating for change, we can create a lasting impact and ensure that no one has to go without the menstrual products and education they need. In 2023, we have several goals that we hope to achieve as part of our mission to combat period poverty. These include: We are excited to work towards achieving these goals and making a positive impact in the lives of those affected by period poverty. We invite you to join us in our mission, and together, we can work towards a world where menstrual health and rights are respected and valued by everyone. By Jessica | ASF Accounts and Sales

As we enter the new year of 2023, we at The Avikar Singh Foundation wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our donors and business partners. Your support and generosity have been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and make a positive impact in the world. As we look back on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for all that we have accomplished together. From hosting successful fundraising events to launching new programs and initiatives, we could not have done it without your support. We are also grateful for the partnerships we have formed with businesses like AR91 who have generously contributed their time, resources, and expertise to our cause. Your collaboration has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the coming year. As we move into 2023, we are filled with hope and determination to continue making a difference in the world. With your help, we are confident that we can achieve great things and make a lasting impact. Once again, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and support. We are so fortunate to have such compassionate and caring donors and business partners, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year, Avikar Singh By Avikar Singh | Founder

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the launch of our charity campaigns. Prior to the pandemic, we had planned to host a number of in-person events to raise awareness about our campaigns and encourage people to donate. However, with the onset of COVID-19, we were forced to pivot and re-think our launch strategy. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the cancellation of in-person events. With social distancing measures in place and many people hesitant to gather in large groups, it became difficult to organise the kinds of events we had planned. This meant that we had to find new ways to reach out to potential donors and supporters. To overcome this challenge, we turned to digital platforms and social media to promote our campaign. This allowed us to reach a wider audience and engage with people in a safe and convenient way. We also made use of email marketing and virtual events to connect with our supporters and share information about our campaign. Despite these efforts, the impact of COVID-19 on our campaign launch was still significant. Many people were facing financial insecurity and uncertainty due to the pandemic, which made it difficult to raise funds. Additionally, the focus of the media and the public shifted to the pandemic and away from other issues, making it harder to get our message out there. Here are a few tips on how your charity can succeed if another pandemic ensues: By following these tips, your charity or charitable donations can succeed during the pandemics like the COVID-19 lockdown and continue to make a positive impact in the world. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for our campaign launch. However, we have been able to adapt and find new ways to connect with our supporters and promote our cause. We remain committed to making a positive impact and hope to continue our efforts to raise awareness and funds for our charity. By Jessica | ASF Accounts and Sales

“Yes, I do. If we can afford it, we can afford it for others who can’t afford it too.” Avikar Singh There are pros and cons to both disposable and reusable pads, and the best choice will depend on an individual’s personal preferences and circumstances. Here are a few reasons why disposable pads may be considered better than reusable pads: It’s important to note that there are also valid reasons for using reusable pads. Ultimately, the decision to use disposable or reusable pads was dependent on my personal preferences and circumstances and I chose disposable to best suit my vision for the organisation. WHY AVIKAR??? WHY? Karen asked… Let me explain. In March 2019, I received a call from a social worker at a nearby school. It was related to the girl in question whom we will call “Rachel” for the purposes of this story. The school received a huge donation of reusable period panties which was a cause for great celebration. (NOT donated by the AS Foundation) However, Rachel had started her period a few months ago and was using these reusable period panties to manage her menstrual flow. One day, Rachel’s panties became soiled and she was unable to wash them properly. She didn’t have access to a clean and private place to wash them, and she was afraid that someone would see her washing them in the river. Rachel was forced to wear the dirty panties for several days until she could find a way to wash them. As a result, she developed an infection that caused her to experience severe discomfort and pain. Her body odour was described by friends as “a walking fish”. She felt embarrassed and ashamed, and she was afraid to talk to anyone about her problem. Eventually, Rachel mustered the courage to speak to a school counsellor about her situation. The counsellor was able to provide her with information on menstrual hygiene and connect her and many children with us as the primary resource to help her access clean and hygienic menstrual products. I was doing extensive research at the time and worked closely with these counsellors, educators, community leaders etc to understand the demographic I would soon be helping. I vowed then to never let something like this happen to any of our recipients. You see, organisations can be quick to throw money at reusable period panties. HOWEVER, have we ever stopped to think that sometimes… Just sometimes, there are some kids poorer than other kids in a rural school. Every household’s needs want and resources differ from the next. Thus I am grateful through your contributions that we have been blessed to offer disposable sanitary pads that can be discarded. “I rather spend 1 Million Dollars on an expensive, 90% Biodegradable sanitary pad in quantity, than risk a 10% chance of infection in a helpless child.” By Avikar Singh | Founder

Donating to charity is a selfless and generous act that can have a tremendous impact on those in need. There are many reasons why it’s important to donate to charity, including: In short, there are countless reasons why it’s important to donate to charity. Whether you’re able to give a little or a lot, every donation can make a difference in the lives of those in need. So consider making a charitable donation today to our Foundation that tirelessly works to support young girls across sub-Saharan Africa and join the millions of people around the world who are working to make a positive impact on their communities and the world. Being beside you makes us complete. You are responsible for who we are. Nothing exists without you! For that, we love and appreciate your monthly donations and our young women most certainly appreciate it too! By Jessica | ASF Accounts and Sales

Being a teenager can be both exciting and challenging. It’s a time of transition and self-discovery, and it’s important to set yourself up for success. Here are some tips on how to be a great teenager: By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success as a teenager and beyond. Remember to take things one day at a time and be patient with yourself. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them, as long as you stay committed to personal growth and self-improvement. Download our free copy of The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Teen at avikarsingh.org. We gotcha back! By Avikar Singh | Founder

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, as well as to proper facilities for managing periods. This lack of access can have serious consequences for girls and women, particularly in developing countries. There was once a young African girl named Amara. She lived in a small village in South Africa where resources were scarce and many people lived in poverty. When Amara first began menstruating, she was embarrassed and didn’t know what to do. She didn’t have access to sanitary pads or tampons, and her family couldn’t afford to buy them for her. One day, while Amara was at school, she felt a sudden rush of blood. She panicked and looked around for something to use to wipe herself. All she could find was a dirty rag that she had used to clean her hands earlier that day. She used it to clean herself up, feeling embarrassed and ashamed. As the day went on, Amara struggled to concentrate in class. She was uncomfortable and self-conscious, and she couldn’t wait to go home and change the rag. When she finally made it home, she washed the rag as best as she could and hung it up to dry. She hoped that no one would notice that she was using a dirty rag to manage her period. Amara knew that this wasn’t a sustainable solution, and she wished that she had access to proper menstrual products. She hoped that one day things would be different. Neither her Guardian nor her maternal parent could best help her with what she was going through. “When the AS foundation heard of Amara’s incident, it was evident that we were doing the right thing to support the future leaders of the world.” Said Katherine Bester, a volunteer worker for the foundation.  One of the most significant impacts of period poverty is that it can lead to girls missing school. Many girls in developing countries do not have access to sanitary pads or tampons and may have to resort to using unsanitary materials such as old rags or newspapers. This can be embarrassing and uncomfortable and can lead to girls missing class or dropping out of school altogether. In addition to the educational impacts, period poverty can also have serious health consequences. Using unsanitary materials during menstruation can lead to infections and other health problems. It can also contribute to the stigma surrounding menstruation and can prevent girls from seeking help or talking openly about their periods. The good news is that there are ways to address period poverty and improve access to menstrual products and facilities. This includes providing girls with access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, as well as education on menstrual hygiene. Governments, NGOs, and other organisations can also work to improve sanitation facilities in schools and other public places, to ensure that girls have access to proper facilities for managing their periods. Overall, period poverty is a serious issue that can have significant impacts on the lives of girls and women. By addressing this issue and improving access to menstrual products and facilities, ASF helps to ensure that girls are able to stay in school and lead healthy, productive lives. By Karen Elsher | Special Correspondent, ASF Journalism group.

The Avikar Singh Foundation (ASF) was founded by Avikar Singh in 2021. Avikar is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, and humanitarian who has dedicated his career to making a positive impact on the world. With a background in business and a passion for social justice, Avikar has used his skills and resources to create meaningful change through his writing, his business ventures, and his philanthropic work. Through his foundation, his team works to combat period poverty and improve menstrual hygiene and reproductive health for girls and women in need. Avikar and his team’s dedication to improving the lives of others have earned them recognition and respect from peers and has inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps. Avikar was driven to combat period poverty after experiencing it firsthand watching a large number of young girls growing up in low-income families. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and education, which can have serious consequences for those affected, including missed school days, infections, and even stigma and shame. For Avikar, the impact of period poverty was personal and profound. He remembers the embarrassment and fear he felt for others when he witnessed less privileged classmates being shamed and mocked when they didn’t have access to pads or tampons at the untimely start of their period and the shame and isolation that came with it. He also witnessed the struggles of other girls in his community who were unable to afford these necessary products. Determined to make a difference, Avikar founded the organisation to specifically provide menstrual hygiene products and education to girls and women in need. The organisation works to break the cycle of poverty by providing a steady supply of pads and tampons, as well as education on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health. “As a man, a father, a son, a partner, I made it my obligation and duty to choose a cause that was close to my heart. I couldn’t imagine the suffering my mother would have to endure if she was less privileged to afford menstrual hygiene products, why then should I be ignorant of the needs of many women around the world?” Says Avikar. The foundation’s efforts have had a significant impact on the lives of countless girls and women. The work of The Avikar Singh Foundation has helped to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation and has provided much-needed support to those who were previously unable to afford these essential products. In a world where period poverty is still a widespread issue, ASF is working to make a real difference and ensure that all girls and women have the resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence. By Karen Elsher | Special Correspondent, ASF Journalism group.