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Friends For Cause Foundation (FFCF) Canada

Mission statement

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Our mission is to empower underprivileged communities by offering the Gift of Sight, the Gift of Vision, and the Gift of Skill. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to transform lives by providing access to essential medical care in the eye sector, education in skill development , and opportunities for a brighter future. Please remember we going to make this site more interactive. To be updated , Last update Oct 20, 2024.

The Gift of Sight initiative began in 2011 with a focus on providing free cataract surgeries to prevent blindness in rural India. To enhance the impact, dedication, transparency, and accountability of the mission, the Friends for Cause Foundation (FFCF) was formally registered as a not-for-profit organization in 2015. This step strengthened the foundation’s ability to serve those in need more effectively. After crossing the milestone of funding over 10,000 surgeries, including 3,038 surgeries just last year, FFCF now stands at a pivotal moment. The foundation is positioned to act as an ambassador of hope for both the Canadian and Indian governments, ready to implement larger social projects that require government-to-government collaboration.

The Friends for the Cause group is composed of individuals who have been involved in charity work for years and share a common goal of doing good. They have taken on the noble task of reducing the prevalence of blindness in India and globally through their eye surgeries project.

The work was started in 2011 & FFCF  group was registered as not for profit in 2015. The idea was to make work more impactful, dedicated, trasparent and accountable.

In 2011, tragedy struck when a young man lost his life in a helicopter crash. But from that loss, hope was born. This Young man’s old mother came up with an idea and his family began funding Eyesight Surgeries in rural India through Gift Of Sight & Gift Of Vision Projects, spreading a message of compassion and love.

Later, a group of extended family and friends came together to support the cause, and Friends For Cause Foundation was born in 2013 but was only regietered as a society in 2015 in BC.

Led by Yogesh Kumar Bhatia, this not-for-profit organization from Vancouver is committed to making a difference in the world, one action at a time. The Indian community has rallied behind this cause, demonstrating the power of collective action.

Yogesh’s younger brother, Lt. Col. Nitin Bhatia, lost his life in an Army Aviation helicopter crash. In his memory, Yogesh and his mother along with other family members  have dedicated themselves  to helping those less privileged than him.

Most of the funding for the Gift of Sight initiative comes from the family members of Lt. Col. Nitin Bhatia. Yogesh Bhatia, who oversees the project by spending significant time in rural India, has inspired many of his NRI friends living in Vancouver, Toronto, Austin, Seattle, and Houston to join the cause and replicate the project in their own regions. Today, the Gift of Sight is not only restoring vision but also offering hope to thousands. The Friends for Cause Foundation (FFCF) operates with almost zero office costs, as most of the funds are raised through family and friends, without any government or external charity support. It is a testament to the dedicated Indian community, who have come together to give back to their country of origin and honor their roots.

Through their efforts, as on Oct 2024, more than 10000+  people have received free cataract eye surgeries, over 50,000 free eyeglasses have been distributed, and more than 125,000 people have been checked in rural eyesight camps.

Nearly 500 camps have been organized, changing the lives of thousands in rural India each year, thanks to the Vision of Yogesh and his dedicated team of Indian Directors of FFCF, Gift of Sight funded by these Indians is an example of hope. From Moga, Punjab to Ayodhya, Yogesh travels annually in his old vehicle, partnering with various local charitable groups to hold these life-changing camps. Each year, between 100 to 300 volunteers contribute their time in each mega camps.

The way local groups organize Gift of Sight camps under the professional guidance of Yogesh Bhatia has turned it into a case study for corporations on how to effectively implement development projects and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. His sincere approach has set a benchmark for how impactful and organized efforts can drive meaningful change in communities.

Yogesh also takes the opportunity to inspire young students with motivational lectures. He emphasizes the importance of commitment to their roots, the value of giving back, and the deep respect for both their motherland and brotherland. A passionate advocate for rural development and skill-building for youth, Yogesh is deeply committed to fostering progress and empowering the next generation.

Gift Of Sight Projects in rural part of India have become very famous and is bringing a mass movement for getting free Catatarct eye surgeries for underprivileged classes. What’s remarkable is that this work is entirely voluntary. And does not receive any monetary or support from GOI or Canadian Goveronment. The work is totally funded by local or NRI community.   The organization pays for surgery, eyesight glasses, and minimal overheads to professionals.

The family of Lt. Col. Nitin Bhatia, along with Yogesh Bhatia, the directors, and their extended families, contribute their own funds to the project. No one receives any compensation from the organization, and all volunteers and board directors personally cover their travel expenses when they fly to India to oversee the work. No personal benefit or honorarium is taken from the Friends for Cause Foundation (FFCF). The foundation’s accounts, expenditures, and project details are always open for scrutiny, ensuring complete transparency. Anyone who wishes to join the cause is welcome to work alongside board members and witness the impact of the initiatives firsthand.

As Yogesh himself has said, “It’s not about what we can do for ourselves, but what we can do for others. It’s not about our own comfort, but about the comfort of those less fortunate. We can all make a difference in the world, one action at a time.”