On April 14th, 2012, volunteers from six organizations in the GTA raised 35,000 lbs of food for Mississauga’s Seva Food Bank during the second annual Vaisakhi Food Drive.
The six participating organizations include Punjab Charity, Guru Gobind Singh Children’s Foundation, Nawaan Shaher Sports Club, Shere Punjab Sikh Youth Organization, Royal Punjabi Sports Club and Sikh Nation. Twelve collection centers were set up in Mississauga, Brampton, and other neighbouring cities. Last year’s food drive raised 20,000 lbs of food, so Seva Food Bank is pleased with the 15,000 lb increase this year. “It has been an amazing experience to see all of these organizations come together to fight hunger in our community” said Seva Food Bank organizer Gurmeet Singh Ahluwalia.
Vaisakhi commemorates the inauguration of the Khalsa, a community of loving, inspired Sikhs devoted to personal, community, and global justice and development. Many volunteers felt the food drive was the perfect way to celebrate Vaisakhi and express their gratitude. “What a great to spend Vaisakhi – giving back to my neighbours and spending a day with friends” commented volunteer Baljit Kaur.
Seva Food Bank is grateful to the organizations and volunteers in the GTA that continue to support its efforts to serve the Mississauga communities in need. The food bank has 600 registered client families and it provides safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food across the L5B and L5C postal codes in Mississauga.