Sikh volunteers preparing food deliveries; gurudwaras across Melbourne have become centres for support, for both medical workers and those self-isolating.
“Sikhs in Afghanistan are bearing the unimaginable pain of losing their families and being forced out of the only place they have known as home. The international community, including the United States, must join Canada’s efforts to protect these families from extinction.”
“What can we do with this situation. There are lots of students living here. They need some kind of food, some kind of energy, some kind of nourishment,” Hem Juttla
The Sikh community worldwide has witnessed these attacks and many are expressing an interest in providing financial assistance. In the spirit of Sikhi, an eternal solution must be sought. Despite publicized campaigns by diaspora organizations, there are no such organizations that are operating on the ground.
"We are simply doing our duty to serve the community at its time of need, in the same way many other across the country are all playing their part in this national effort to defeat the virus."
The group known as “Turbans of Australia,” has so far donated more than 1.5 tons of food that will be delivered to Sydney residents who are unable to regularly shop for basic non-perishable foods.
The Sikh community has always been at the forefront when it comes to helping people in need during emergencies. Be it the Australian bushfires, Delhi riots or the current coronavirus pandemic, the Sikh community has selflessly offer to help to the needy in whatever way they can.
The Sikh Volunteers Australia group have rallied around those in Melbourne’s outer suburbs who are struggling to access groceries, delivering free food to people’s front doors.
“This resolution was about honoring and celebrating everything that our Sikh friends, family, and neighbors have done for our state and our country,” the statement said.
"There will be no person-to-person contact made."