Sister of man who was shot holds gala dinner to raise funds for people with
spinal cord injuries

TORONTO, Feb. 22 /CNW/ - Imagine walking down the street and out of nowhere someone comes up behind and grabs your necklace. He rips it from your neck and starts to run. Instinctively, you run too - after him. You want your necklace back. But he stops and turns around, because he has a gun... so he doesn't really have to run. And you don't realize this until it is too late. This is exactly what happened to Aleem Syed. Aleem was shot in 2008 and as a result sustained a spinal cord injury. But that did not mean life was over for him... not even close!

Shan Khan is voluntarily chairing the Maharaja's Bollywood Bash gala dinner event on March 3rd, in honour of her brother, Aleem. Her sister Nasia is also helping. Being of south Asian decent, the siblings want to showcase their own culture and prove life does go on - and can be amazing - after a spinal cord injury, when the right support is available. All funds raised at the Maharaja's Bollywood Bash will support the delivery of programmes and services for people with spinal cord injuries through the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario.

"After being shot I thought all my dreams were gone. I was a successful chef. I had worked at Canoe, Soho Metropolitan Hotel and Eagles Nest Golf Club. I was ready to start my own restaurant," explains Aleem. "In rehab, I was connected with a Peer Support Volunteer through the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario and, amazingly, he was a successful chef! He proved to me I could still be who I wanted to be." Today, Aleem is pursuing his career as a chef.

Shan says, "I want others to be able to have the same support Aleem and our family had. It was through the help of the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario that we got through this difficult time in our lives." This is why Shan is so intent on making this event a success.

Pre-event opportunities are available for interviews, photos, as well as music and dance presentations.

The Maharaja's Bollywood Bash is a gala event celebrating life and culture. It will showcase India's delicately-spiced food, mesmerizing music, mystical culture and exotic dance. The evening will begin with cocktails including the beautiful sound of the Indian Sitar. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous feast fit for a Maharaja. Entertainment will include Bollywood and classical Indian dancers who will entice you with their sensual rhythm. The old-world bazaar will feature fine items from India including jewelry, artwork, and silks to name a few.

    
    Make time to celebrate... Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010.

    6:00 p.m. - Reception
    7:00 p.m. - Dinner
    Verdi Convention Centre, 3550 Derry Road East, Mississauga
    $150 per person
    Tickets: 416-422-5644 ext 221
    

For further information: Media Contact: Gillian Lynne-Davies, Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario, [phone], Cel: [phone], More info: http://www.cpaont.org/media