Brampton non-profit marks Sikh Heritage Month with food drive
In honour of Sikh Heritage Month in Canada, a Brampton-based non-profit is soliciting non-perishable donations for food banks, with the goal of collecting 200,000 meals worth of food before the end of the month.
Half of those meals are earmarked for the Greater Toronto Area, Brampton in particular.
“I’ve never really had that much exposure to homelessness,” said Mandeep Singh, Khalsa Aid’s regional director, who grew up in Brampton.
“It’s there,” he said. “But it was never to the point that we’ve seen it now, where we’re seeing [homeless] encampments and… people asking for food at the stop lights.”
This is Khalsa Aid’s second year collecting food for other charities during Sikh Heritage Month to practise the Sikh principle of Seva, selfless service.
Last year, the international charity’s Canadian branch — which helps struggling students access food, clothes and shelter in 14 cities — collected enough food to provide food banks across the GTA with 20,000 meals.
This year’s Sikh Heritage month goal is an unprecedented 100,000 meals’ worth of food for the GTA, Singh said.
The meals will be distributed to shelters and over 14 food charities across the GTA, where food bank usage has climbed steadily since the pandemic — with roughly one in 10 Torontonians now relying on food banks to feed themselves.
Sai Dham food distribution bank, one of Khalsa Aid’s recipients, feeds roughly 7,000 people daily, according to its director Vishal Khanna.
Khanna says the charity is currently facing a $3 million deficit in its donations-based budget because donations haven’t kept up with the increasing number of people relying on their food program.
“We really don’t know how 2024 is going to be,” he said. “All of us understand that every drop makes a difference.”
Singh says Khalsa Aid knows it has “the power… to assist food banks who are doing a wonderful job, but they’re always running dry and they’re always asking for support, looking for new streams of food.”
Sikh principles inspired food drive, volunteer says
Volunteer Charandeep Singh Chhabra said Khalsa Aid wanted to honour Sikh principles through food drives rather than a celebratory event.
“Guru Nanak Dev (founder of Sikhism) gave us three key principles: Nam Japna (remember God), Kirat Karni (work hard and honestly), Vand ke Chakhna (to share and serve),” he said.
“We recognize the whole human race as one,” Chhabra said.
“Every human being has a right to eat and then sleep. No one should be sleeping hungry. That’s our inspiration and that’s why we want to help others.”
Khalsa Aid is hosting a food drive at Brampton grocery stores, including Singh Farm, Asian Food Centre and Sabzi Mandi, on April 6 and 12 to collect donations toward its 100,000 meals goal.
The public can drop off donations at select GTA gurdwaras, including Ontario Khalsa Darbar, Guru Nanak Sikh Centre, Dashmesh Darbar and Nanaksar all month long.
View original article here Source
Glad White Garbage Bags - Tall 45 Litres - ForceFlex, Drawstring, with Febreze Fresh Clean Scent, 50 Trash Bags,…
$11.88 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rael Miracle Invisible Spot Cover - Absorbing Cover, Skin Care, Facial Stickers, 2 Sizes (96 Count)
$24.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Black - Fully Unlocked (Renewed)
$369.00 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm, Moisturizing Lip Balm For A Sheer Tint Of Colour, Infused With Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan…
$4.97 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BenSorts Women Men Pillow Sandals Adjustable Buckles Slides Thick Sole
$28.49 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Utopia Bedding All Season Comforter - Ultra Soft Down Alternative Comforter - Plush Siliconized Fiberfill Duvet…
$29.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Gritin Resistance Bands, [Set of 5] Skin-Friendly Resistance Fitness Exercise Loop Bands with 5 Different Resistance…
$14.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Maybelline Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara, For Sky-High Lashes, Lightweight Formula, Smudge-proof and…
$10.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Carhartt Men's Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt
$28.99 (as of April 16, 2024 20:29 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)