As an entrepreneur, real estate investor, political candidate, and diamond manufacturer, Ravi Varma has had his hands full over the years.
As a candidate with the North Bergen Citizens for Change in the previous election, Varma claims to have come across many citizens who are in need of support.
Now, the former political opponent of Mayor Sacco has launched a charity aimed at helping neighbors in need. Launched on Saturday, July 30, the “I Believe Foundation” is Varma’s way of giving back to a community he’s come to know quite well.
Grand opening
Located at 8227 Kennedy Blvd., Saturday’s grand opening was well attended. Within the first half hour, Varma claims to have had roughly 300 people visit the location.
“I’ve met so many families, knocked [on] so many doors.” – Ravi Varma
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“I felt a need in the city,” said Varma, “the economy is so bad, and people aren’t making enough money.”
Several local businesses have already pledged their support to the charity, as well as TD Bank. Varma also plans on contributing his own money to the foundation.
His cause? To work on a case-by-case basis, helping whoever is in need that he can.
“We do immigration help; we do food pantry, clothing, shoes, and holiday gifts,” said Varma, “[as well as] scholarships to students who want to further their education.”
Among the charity’s first plans are supplying computers to local schools.
“We’re thinking about North Bergen High,” said Varma.
Big plans for the future
Varma’s upcoming agenda includes many different services that he feels are in great demand by the community. He plans on applying for a government grant after the charity is running more smoothly. He also plans to implement a food pantry to help out hungry families on a 24/7 basis.
“We’re going to put in a food pantry and it’s going to be open 24 hours [if needed],” said Varma. “So if your family is starving we’re going to get out whatever food you need.” Although the office will not be open 24 hours a day, Varma plans on implementing a call and response-type system. When families are in need of food or shelter, the foundation will try to open its doors as quickly as possible.
“People can call us and say, ‘We have a problem – my house burned down’,” said Varma, “They can come down and we’ll try to help them out.”
Other plans include providing local students with scholarships.
“We want to give out donations to the students who are going to college but don’t have enough funds,” said Varma, adding that academic performance would not be an indication of whether or not the students can receive aid.
The foundation also will offer free medical checkups, including eye-care checks and help taking people to checkups, he said.
Varma also plans to help ensure immigrants receive necessary documentation.
“We have attorneys working with us if they have problems with immigration,” said Varma, “[such as] getting a green card, social security, stuff like that.”
Burying the strife
As a former political opponent, Varma has undoubtedly had his differences with Mayor Sacco’s team in the past. But he believes that the best way for his charity to thrive is to work hand in hand with Sacco’s administration.
“I spoke to the mayor, the commissioners,” said Varma. “So far it’s been very nice, and I intend to keep it that way.”
According to Varma, it was the election that helped to open his eyes to North Bergen’s problems.
“I ran against the mayor last time,” said Varma. “In fact, that’s when I learned how important it is to help people out. There are so many people out there that need help.”
Varma continued, “I’ve met so many families, knocked [on] so many doors, and shook many hands. I’m just putting my money where my mouth is.”
Varma also insisted that his charity will not be tied to his political agenda.
“I don’t have any plans right now of running,” he said. “All I want to do right now is concentrate on helping people. That’s my number one priority.”
According to Varma, his main goal is to reconcile differences with Sacco’s administration in order to more easily serve the residents of North Bergen.
“I’d really like to see North Bergen as one big respectful family where we can all help each other,” he said.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.