East to West Group Supports Child Advocacy at Gala

A decade ago, when Jag Sikham and Aman Bring launched the financial services company East to West Group, they wanted their business to reflect their commitment to families and Langley’s strong sense of community.

The founders, staff, donors and guests reached a major goal in this mission when they celebrated their 10-year milestone November 20, 2025 with a gala fundraiser to support Langley’s Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC). By the end of the night, generous donors had raised $225,655 through sponsorships, silent auction bids, a 50/50 raffle and personal donations, more than doubling the gala’s original $100,000 fundraising goal.

The event brought together business partners, clients and community members to support a model of care that is quietly changing how young victims of abuse are heard and protected.

“This felt like a meaningful way to give back,” says Aman. “As parents, we know how much it matters that kids feel safe and supported.”

For decades, children who reported abuse often had to tell their stories numerous times, to police, to child protection workers, to counsellors. Each retelling of their trauma adds to it.

The CYAC’s “Circle of Care” model brings multiple services under one roof: RCMP officers, Ministry of Child and Family Development staff, Indigenous child and family service providers, counsellors and other supports tailored to each child.

This team approach means a child only has to speak a few times in a setting designed to feel safe. Behind the scenes, professionals share information and coordinate next steps, rather than making the child repeat painful experiences.

“In BC, one in three children experiences some form of abuse,” says Kristin Coyne, Senior Clinical Manager at Encompass Support Services Society, which organizes the centre’s operations. “A coordinated response can make all the difference.”

CYAC is part of a national shift in how communities respond to child abuse. More than 40 similar centres are operating or in development across Canada, including 11 expected to open in British Columbia this year.

For East to West, supporting the CYAC with a gala aligns the company with a cause close to home, says Jag Sikham. “This is about standing behind the families in our community.”