BC Sikhs Send Nine Trucks To Fort McMurray Fire Victims!
SURREY –Lower Mainland Sikh Community filled 5 more trucks in one day Donation campaign on Sunday with donations from BC Sikhs now having surpassed the $1 million mark.
A total of 9 trucks (53′ feet) filled with much needed supplies and clothing have departed from Surrey , BC heading to Edmonton , Alberta.
After the first 3 trucks were sent on May 8th, Edmonton Emergency Relief Services requested much needed new clothing and personal hygiene products on urgency Basis. 4th Truck departed from Surrey with full of Clothing items on Friday May 13.
A one day collection Donation Campaign was held on Saturday, May 14th at Tamanawis Secondary School Surrey along with drop off locations at Vancouver and Abbotsford where families came out all day long, to drop off new clothing and supplies. Over 200 hundred Volunteers worked hard over the weekend to collect , sort and packing items.
“When they see people are fleeing their homes, in B.C. the whole Sikh community got together for collecting food and clothing and whatever was needed,” said Kulmit Singh Sangha, a member of Edmonton’s Sikh community who welcomed the truckers midday Monday.
Surrey truck driver Rhanjit Dhillon was set to back his tractor trailer up to a loading bay at Edmonton’s southside emergency donation centre, reported CBC News.
Normally, Dhillon hauls containers of lumber.
But Monday, he was unloading brand new pillows, children’s clothes, toys, baby food, diapers and soft drinks. It was his second long haul trip from Surrey to help the victims of the Fort McMurray fire.
“I love it,” said Dhillon. “I love helping the people. We feel they are all our families. They need our help.”
Dhillon drove over the Rocky Mountains in a convoy with eight other drivers from Surrey, their trucks sporting colourful banners stating the message: BC Sikh Community Donation Drive for Fort McMurray.
Families of all ages came out to assist in the packing of clothes, with many children, parents and grandparents working alongside each other and setting an example of selfless service that is a core principle of Sikhism and Sikhs around the world are known for.
The final five trucks of new clothing and personal supplies were sent off on the afternoon of Sunday, May 15th and reached emergency services on Monday May 16.
Next Week group of Volunteers will be going via bus for one week from Surrey to Alberta to help those in need.
For more information please contact Event co ordinator Avtar Singh Gill @ 604-729-2000
