EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared on Milton Today Nov. 25.
It's easy to assume Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. gets his generous spirit from the legendary father with whom he shares his name.
But the former professional wrestler points to his mother as being the “genesis of Miracle on Main,” an ever-growing annual charity celebration that benefits those in Milton, Halton and beyond.
“My mum is a tough cookie. Being secluded from her husband for six months and then having me, I was her life. Her life revolved around her infant son,” said Singh Jr.
During a trip to Sherway Gardens, the recent immigrant saw a Christmas tree but wasn't sure of its significance.
“She had no idea. She just thought this is how Canadians celebrated the winter by having artificial light into the house.”
A five-year-old Singh came home from school and taught her everything about Christmas and its traditions. “She embraced everything Canada had to offer. She didn’t alienate her roots, she didn’t alienate our traditional celebrations. But in addition to that, she embraced and celebrated Thanksgiving and Halloween… Christmas was a big celebration.”
And so the tradition continues on the streets of Milton, as Miracle on Main Street is set to return for a 16th year on Saturday, Dec. 7, bringing smiles to those who attend and receive toys from the local charity event.
The Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation (TJSF) is bringing together music, amusement rides, a petting zoo and vendors to the centre of Milton for a fun evening of entertainment. The fun will be for a good cause as donations from the event will go towards food and toys for the less fortunate.
The toys and funds raised will also be distributed between 60 different beneficiaries like SickKids Hospital, McMaster Children’s Hospital and women’s shelters, among others.
“My parents went through hardships like any immigrant story. Moving into basements, [living] on borrowed time, having five dollars,” Singh Jr. said in speaking about the need to give back. “I’m creating my own karma. So the more service and good deeds I can do over here, that is between me and my maker.”
“I’m not looking for anything from anyone. I’m looking to give happiness,” Singh also said. And it is because of his mother’s example that Singh makes a point to welcome all to the local festival, whether they celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or none.
Singh is also effusive in his praise of everyone who have helped him create and nurture Miracle on Main Street. The Halton Regional Police Service and the Milton BIA are the event partners. The Town of Milton and Troy’s Diner support the event through various means, while Scotiabank and Wallace Chevrolet are the presenting sponsors.
“They don't look at themselves and say, ‘Oh, I want it all about us.’ Remember, it's about energy, it's about attracting like-mindedness,” Singh said in explaining where the event partners are coming from.
Admission is free but a donation of an unwrapped toy is encouraged. The event runs from 2 to 7 p.m.
Details about the event can be found on the Milton BIA's website. To learn more about the Tiger Jeet Singh Foundation, visit TigerJeetSinghFoundation.com.