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Our Events
Some of SAAL Events
Diwali
| 2022 Diwali Pics Click below to view | |
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Cultural Events
Medical Assistance
Why Choose Us
Our Story
The South Asian Association of Lancaster’s mission is to work with the community members and businesses to make a positive impact in our community while promoting the South Asian cultural heritage through activities of mutual interest.
Since our founding in 2012 SAAL has:
- Conducted food drives every year to support charitable organizations such as Water Street Mission.
- Raised funds for disaster relief such as Nepal Earthquake in 2015.
- Raised funds to help children in need through Schreiber Pediatric Center.
- Provided leadership for an annual Cricket sports camp for children ages 6-18.
- Started a Senior Citizen Club called EverGreen
- We coordinated a several-month long Covid Vaccination Clinic in Lancaster County, administering over 20,000+ vaccines.
- SAAL COVID Relief Efforts in India collected and donated oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies.
- Participated in Race against Racism event held in Lancaster.
- We coordinated with LGH/Penn Medicine a Blood Drive
- We have collected and donated backpacks and essential items for kids in needed area
- Conducted free Medical Seminar for the Lancaster Community.
- Coordinated community-wide dialogue about diversity.
- Donated approximately 100 bags filled with “back to school” items to kids at the Clipper Stadium.
Right from its inception in 2012, SAAL has held cultural events to celebrate the different South Asian festivals. In addition to bringing the community together, these events also enable people to share our diverse history, culture and food with the broader Lancaster community. Through dance and drama performances by adults and children, the younger generations learn more about their heritage and the various customs and traditions.
About Our events
NAVRATRI :
SAAL organizes a prayer and dance event every year to celebrate the most popular Navaratri festival. Around 350 to 400 members participate in this event to perform the traditional Durga Pooja to honor Goddess Durga – the Goddess of Strength. They also dance the traditional garba and stick dances late into the night. Competitions are held and prizes distributed to the kids and adults dressed in the best traditional costumes.
DIWALI:
Diwali is the festival of lights. Every year SAAL organizes a dinner and theater event to celebrate this most important festival. 500 members gather together for an evening of traditional dance and drama performances by children and adults.
HOLI:
Holi is the festival of colors. SAAL celebrates this festival by organizing a color run at the local community park where more than 300 members perform the prayers and then play with colored powders and water. Kids love this festival and participate in a color run around the park.
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ANNUAL PICNIC:
SAAL organizes an annual picnic in summer where more than 200 members get an opportunity to mingle and get to know each other. New members and old bond over games and food and build meaningful and lasting relationships.
SPORTS:
The South Asian Community is very passionate about sports and SAAL holds sports camps for children aged 6 to 18. In the summers, volunteers teach around 30 to 50 children how to play cricket. Bowling camps are held in the winters for around 75 participants. The children learn team-spirit, coordination, leadership, communication and management skills in a fun enriching environment.
BUS TRIPS:
SAAL periodically organizes bus trips to different places. These are specially popular amongst the senior citizens and families with small children in the community.
SOCIAL IMPACT:
SAAL firmly believes in giving back to the community of Lancaster that has allowed its members to thrive and achieve their full potential. Through our partnerships with different organizations and participation in community events, we endeavor to create a strong and cohesive community.
Testimonials
What People Are Saying
“Thank you! God bless your organization.
” My wife and I received our first Covid shots today and I want to thank you all. I was somewhat apprehensive, but felt better when I saw how well the event was planned and conducted. You were all wonderful! Thanks for being there. “
“appreciate your community service & well organized camp for the Covid vaccine”