Remembering Premal
August 5, 2021
We share with heavy hearts that our dear friend and colleague, Premal Laxman passed away on August 2nd. This is a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the many communities touched by his kind and caring presence. During his time as a Community Literacy Worker at Parkdale Project Read (PPR), Premal supported and encouraged many adult literacy learners to achieve their personal and educational goals. He was a patient listener and calm presence. He created meaningful and trusting relationships with students who often had difficult experiences in school. A former student of Premal’s said, “Whenever I walked through the door for Academic Upgrading class, Premal was always there to greet me with a smile. He made me feel welcome. He believed in me. He helped me believe in myself.” Premal had several roles during his 7+ years at PPR including Placement Student, Summer Student, Program Relief Worker, Collective Member and Academic Upgrading Program Instructor. And he excelled at all of them. In 2018, Premal transitioned to become a volunteer Board member. He took on leadership positions including our Board Secretary, and Chair of our Fundraising Committee. Premal brought such positive energy, joy and humor to all aspects of his work - whether it was creating fantastic outfits for special events, serving community meals, facilitating karaoke spotlights at our parties, belting out Mariah Carey songs with Beyonce dance moves, or expressing joyous freedom on the dance floor with everyone in our community - children, youth, adult learners, and our elders - we all loved Premal dearly and we benefited immensely from his love. Thank you, Premal. You are gone too soon. We honour your life well-lived, until we meet again. ♡ from the Parkdale Project Read Community MEMORIAL FUND: Premal was also a dedicated team member at the Sherbourne Health Centre - Supporting Our Youth (SOY) program. He was a Youth Resource Worker and SOY Group Facilitator. In 2020-2021, he co-facilitated a Queer & Trans Book Club for LGBT2SQ+ youth, in partnership with PPR and SOY.
In lieu of flowers, Premal's family has asked community members to "please consider donating to the Sherbourne Health Centre - Supporting Our Youth (SOY) program which Premal worked tirelessly for so that we can continue on his legacy of giving." Please join us in remembering Premal and supporting this memorial fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/premal-laxman-memorial
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