'Feed the Hungry' Campaign Brings Winter Solace to Homeless In Toronto

February 23, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Sikh Net

http://www.sikhnet.com/news/feed-hungry-campaign-brings-winter-solace-homeless-toronto

On the crisp cold morning of 20th February, the Parkdale Recreation Centre of downtown Toronto was filled with volunteers wearing a dastaar (a Sikh turban), who were serving hot-meals and distributing warm clothes. Over twenty-five United Sikhs volunteers were at the recreation centre to feed several hundred homeless people at the start of a 'Feed the Hungry' campaign, in response to the ongoing economic crisis which has left many people without jobs and homes globally.

The food drive that started at 11am with tea, snacks, cheek peas, salad, rice pudding and beverages, lasted until 2 pm. Clothing was also distributed to the needy. Recreation centre director, Charmaine Faredo, said, "Today's food drive has helped feed a lot of people. We need to see more of such activities. This recreation centre opened in 1993 for homeless and even though several groups have supported in the past there is ever more need now to sustain the program. I thank United Sikhs for their humanitarian support."

Charankamal Singh, Sikh Aid Director of United Sikhs-Canada, said, "The economic crisis has hit every community and many more families are now in need. The 'Feed the Hungry' campaign is a response to this need."

"Under the 'Feed the Hungry' campaign, United Sikhs will work with Gurdwaras (Sikh place of worship), to feed and clothe the needy from all communities around the world," added Charankamal Singh. Sikh Gurdwaras practise a 500-year-old tradition of serving free food from the community kitchen, called the langar.