Posted on April 25th, 2025 by Anoushka Puri

Last week, on April 16th, ARUP’s Toronto office came together for a unique and heartwarming initiative: the Khichdi Build-a-Jar fundraiser. Organized to raise funds for Shelter Associates, a Pune-based NGO focused on slum redevelopment and urban sanitation, the event was part of a broader effort led through the International Shelter Foundation. The goal was simple: use the universal language of food to raise awareness and support for communities in India who deserve safer, healthier, and more dignified living conditions.

The setup was both functional and inviting. We prepared mason jars along with a curated spice bag that included red chili powder, ginger powder, garlic powder, coriander, dried basil leaves, turmeric, and salt. Participants layered in dry ingredients such as toor dal, masoor dal, and basmati rice, completing each jar with the spice mix and a printed recipe card. The result was a beautifully assembled, ready-to-cook khichdi jar that brought a piece of Indian comfort food into homes across Toronto.

What stood out most was the genuine enthusiasm from everyone who stopped by. Colleagues took the time to learn more about the cause, share their own food stories, and support the initiative in both thoughtful words and generous action. The table became more than just a fundraiser; it turned into a space for community, curiosity, and conversation. By the end of the day, we had raised ₹15,000, a meaningful contribution that will directly support Shelter Associates’ continued work in improving housing and infrastructure in vulnerable urban settlements.

Khichdi was a fitting symbol for this initiative. It is humble, nourishing, and deeply tied to the concept of home, mirroring the kind of impact we aim to make through the International Shelter Foundation and our partners on the ground in India. In the midst of a busy workday at ARUP, this small event offered a moment of pause, purpose, and connection.

I have included a few pictures alongside this blog where you can catch a glimpse of the event itself, as well as some behind-the-scenes moments. These include testing how the recipe turned out, assembling the spice bags, and getting everything ready for the big day. These snapshots reflect the effort, joy, and teamwork that brought this fundraiser to life.

To everyone who participated, asked questions, and took home a jar, thank you. It was a simple idea powered by a generous community, and a reminder that even modest actions, when done collectively, can help build something lasting and meaningful.