When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world, it hugely impacted lives in some way or the other . Some faced illness, while others were stuck in locations away from home due to sudden lockdown. Simultaneously, the elderly underwent isolation because of the precautionary self-isolation measures. In such testing times, local Sikh organizations came together to help those in need.
Care boxes delivered amid Coronavirus-induced lockdown
The Golden Triangle Association took the initiative to help international students and isolated senior citizens by delivering them packages with essential food ingredients that might not be accessible to them because of restricted movement. The free care boxes provided by the Kitchener-Waterloo Gurudwara, located in Petersburg, contained flour, rice, sweet packages, salt, sugar, beans and lentils. It was all funded by the Ontario Sikh & Gurudwara Council.
As per a report in 2020, a total of 450 boxes were made. Pickups were scheduled from Monday to Friday at the gurudwara located at 2070 Snyder's Rd. E. Also, for those who could not leave their house due to quarantine or self-isolation, a youth representative from the gurudwara Simran Parmar delivered the boxes to their address.
Sharing his experience, Parmar said, “We’ve noticed a lot of international students were struggling to get (by) because they lost their jobs, and on top of that, a lot of seniors as well are in situations where they’re isolated from their families, and they are kind of at a greater risk.”
Since many international students rely on part-time jobs, particularly in the food industry, and are currently unable to return home, Parmar stated that they have been recognised as those who may require assistance. He said, “A big part of our religion is being able to offer basic necessities, food, shelter.”
According to Sikhism, sewa is an act of service to Waheguru. Sikhs practise sewa in numerous ways, including assisting the sangat and local community. Numerous Sikhs accomplish the majority of their sewa by cleaning, washing dishes, or serving in the langar at the gurdwara. During the pandemic, the Sikh community in India and across the world banded together to provide food care boxes, taking on their responsibility to help the most vulnerable in time of need.