Desi Today Magazine
SIKHS across British Columbia are participating in a food and toy drive to make it a happy holiday season for the less fortunate.
Taking place from December 10-17, the Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale Food and Toy Drive will see all donations go to the Surrey Food Bank or BC Children’s Hospital. The drive has been organised by the Sant Jarnail Singh Sewa Group as a means for Sikhs to participate in Christmas celebrations in a positive way.
Chanveer Singh Nattan, one of the organisers of the drive, said: “Although Sikhs may not celebrate Christmas as a religious festival, we still embrace it as a cultural holiday in the spirit of goodwill to all.
“Selfless service, or seva as we call it, is a huge part of practicing the Sikh faith. Christmas is a great opportunity for this to be put into practice and give to those less fortunate.”
Sarbjit Singh Samra, a local Sikh business owner who has donated to the drive, said: “The success thus far of the drive has a lot to do with the Sikh belief of supporting other faiths. The sixth Guru – Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji – built a mosque for Muslims during his time, whilst our ninth Guru – Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji – gave his life to protect the religious freedom of Hindus. This is why the Sikh community is happy to participate in a Christian festival.”
The week long drive culminates in a family event at the Bollywood Banquet Hall in Surrey, which will see appetizers served, performances and giveaways, as well as a summary of the drive.
Collection point: Cranked Sports Supplements, 7130 120th Street, Surrey.
Main event details: Saturday, December 17, 12-3 p.m. at Bollywood Banquet Hall, Surrey, 8166 128 Street, Surrey. Donations can still be made at this event. For monetary donations, make the cheque payable to ‘BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’ or “Surrey Food Bank.’
