#WhyWeGive: The Sandhu Family’s Legacy of Generosity

At Wesley, we are fortunate to have community partners whose generosity and compassion support and shape the work we do. Raj, Damini, and Priya Sandhu are not only well-known for owning and operating Hamilton Medical Arts Pharmasave, a community hub for those in the area, but also for their unwavering commitment to giving back whenever and however they can. Their story is one of a deep-rooted belief in helping those in need and supporting the community that has supported them. 

Raj and Damini’s journey began as immigrants who came to Canada with a dream and a determination to succeed. Born in Kenya with Indian heritage, they arrived with little but studied pharmacology and built a thriving pharmacy business in Hamilton through years of hard work and determination. Despite facing racism and economic uncertainties, they remained committed to their belief that a business should be more than just a place of brief transactions—it should give back to the community it operates in. 

“We didn’t want to be business as usual,” Damini shared. “We wanted to make a difference in the community, to be an active part of it.” 

For the Sandhus, success isn’t about dollars or bottom lines but the impact they make and the generosity they inspire. Their commitment to giving has built trust—people know they can rely on them, and their community continues to support their efforts. More than just running a business, they find fulfillment in the difference they make. “It enriches your soul,” Raj says. 

Creating change doesn’t require grand gestures, and the Sandhus emphasize that “little things matter too.” Every small act of kindness contributes to a larger movement. While they know they can’t change everything, they believe each effort counts. Their hope is to inspire others to take part. “That’s why we want to be part of it. And mutual inspiration—it doesn’t get much better than that.” 

The family’s first pharmacy started small, but through their dedication and deep connection to the community, they expanded their reach. They made a conscious decision from the beginning to treat every customer with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. This standard of practice has turned what some see as a transactional business into a warm, inviting, kind place to be. Everyone is accepted; everyone receives some form of help they need, whether it’s answering weekend phone calls for emergency medication refills or offering a place to warm up in the cold winter months. The feeling of safety and acceptance surrounds you the second you walk in the door.  

“When we started, people told us we wouldn’t survive because of the racism in the area,” Raj recalled. “But we knew that if we gave back to the community, they would support us in return.” They never gave up on their community, even during hardship, and the old motto of ‘treating people as you would want to be treated’ breathed new life into the essential pharmacy service.  

This philosophy became the foundation of their business model, leading them to host community events, barbecues, and fundraisers, ensuring that people knew they were more than just a business—they were neighbours, friends, even family. Being downtown Hamilton, they were face-to-face with pain, homelessness, poverty, immigrants and refugees needing support, and more, but this did not deter them and only increased their determination to help.  

Recognizing the importance of raising awareness and understanding that homelessness can happen to anyone at any time, they are clear in their knowledge that those experiencing homelessness are real people who deserve support, regardless of the circumstances that led to their situation. “It’s the stories behind it that really put a human face on it,” they explain. Their focus has always been on the person, not just their situation. 

“We do try to make them feel welcome. I think that’s a huge problem—a lot of these people feel like a burden,” highlighting the need for compassion and dignity in every interaction, “sometimes, people don’t ask for help because they don’t want to be seen that way.” That’s why it’s so important to look past the surface and try to truly understand a person’s story. 

To ensure this inclusive approach extends to everyone, the Sandhus have made staff training a priority. “We’re really focused on educating and teaching our own staff that regardless of people’s background, persuasion—whether it’s the LGBTQ+ community, refugees, or those experiencing homelessness—we’re all human beings.” By fostering understanding and empathy within their team, they hope to create a space where everyone feels respected, valued, and welcome. 

The family’s journey with Wesley began unexpectedly. One day, Damini heard a radio announcement calling for support for Syrian refugees who had arrived in Hamilton and were staying at Wesley. Resources were desperately needed and without hesitation, she and Raj took action, calling Wesley to ask how they could help.  

“We had never even heard of Wesley before,” Damini admitted. “But when we heard there was a need, we responded.” 

What started as a donation of toiletries for incoming newcomers quickly grew into a longstanding relationship that continues to this day. They mobilized their whole community, creating packages of essential items and getting their customers involved in giving back. The momentum built quickly as their excitement about Wesley’s work grew and spread, and before they knew it, they were hosting fundraising events to support Wesley’s programs. 

Seeing their incredible commitment, Wesley’s CEO at the time reached out to personally thank them and propose that all pharmaceutical needs of Wesley clients be handled by the Sandhu’s Pharmasave going forward. Raj and Damini were initially surprised, having not been aware that Wesley even provided housing for such a diverse client base, and never expecting their support to include building a business relationship. Over time, their relationship with and support of Wesley has only grown stronger. 

Passing their community-focused legacy on to their family has been important for Raj and Damini. Their son Sameer began helping at the pharmacy as a teenager, delivering prescriptions and helping in any way needed. Their daughter, Priya, grew up watching her parents put community first, and despite initially resisting a career in pharmacy, she ultimately embraced her calling and followed in their footsteps. Now a pharmacist herself, and owner of Medical Arts Pharmasave, Priya has stepped up to lead the efforts to give back, ensuring that their work continues in new and meaningful ways. She is proud of her family’s legacy of giving and the experiences and values that shape not only their lives but also those of generations to come. Raj and Damini are proud to have had their children involved in their journey and are also thrilled to be able to share it all with their grandchildren, who often help at community events.  

While continuing to support the community they’ve built around the pharmacy, the Sandhu’s always keep Wesley in mind. Just before the holidays, Raj and Damini visited Wesley and showed their appreciation for the staff by providing a delicious lunch. The acknowledgement of their hard work is not a small thing – this thoughtful gesture will be talked about amongst staff for a long time to come.  

Through their years of giving, Raj, Damini, and Priya have shown that generosity is not always about writing a check—it’s about showing up, responding to needs, and treating people with kindness. Their story is a testament to the impact that even one family can have when they prioritize giving back. 

“We hope our story inspires others,” Raj said. “You don’t have to do something huge—just do something. If everyone gave a little, we could change our whole city.”  

Having spent the last 35 years in Hamilton, they’ve seen the city transform—but they know there is always more work to be done. Issues like homelessness, poverty, and support for immigrants and refugees remain pressing challenges, but they believe real change is possible when people come together. “Our little part, however small, however big, is actually accomplishing things because we’re coming together to do it,” they say. Wesley has been a source of inspiration for them. “We’ve seen a little bit of the metamorphosis—how Wesley has grown and evolved. It makes us feel like we’re part of something bigger in this city.” 

Join Raj, Damini, and Priya in their mission of giving. Find a way to support Wesley today and be part of the change they’ve been championing for years. Together, we can support and uplift our community members in need, building a stronger, more inclusive city for all.