After the massive Ross Street Gurdwara fire – Sikh Seva volunteers had to look elsewhere for kitchen facilities to prepare meals for the homeless in East Vancouver but committee at the Ravidass Sabha Gurdwara in Burnaby found out they immediately came to the rescue and opened their doors.
VANCOUVER – The tragic fire last year at the Ross Gurdwara caused many hardship and great inconvenience to many. Most effected were those with weddings booked but perhaps more than anyone it was the needy in the poorest neighbourhoods of East Vancouver that were most affected.
Sikh Seva has been serving food in the area for many years. They prepared and cooked the food at Guru Amar Das Niwas at the Ross Gurdwara. However, due to the massive fire, the main building of the Gurdwara was put out of action and closed for major renovations. This forced the Gurdwara programs to be moved across the street to the Guru Amar Das Niwas building. Unfortunately, with the kitchen being quite small it was difficult for Sikh Seva to continue their service. Several attempts were made to find a temporary home for the cooking but were fruitless. The service, for the first time in years, was in jeopardy of being shut down.
However, when the committee at the Ravidass Sabha Gurdwara in Burnaby found out they immediately came to the rescue and opened their doors. They encouraged the volunteers to continue with the good work and offered full assistance with anything that was needed and even provided storage space. “We are so thankful and grateful to the committee and the wonderful Sangat at this Gurdwara. They have given us so much love, support and encouragement. It is because of their goodness that the needy have continued to be fed. With their support the Guru’s good work has carried on”, said Tirath S. Sandhu of Sikh Seva. The community is thankful to everyone that makes such efforts possible and especially the Ravidass Gurdwara.
Food prep is done on Friday evenings and cooked fresh on Saturday mornings at the Guru Ravidass Sabha on 7271 Gilley Avenue in Burnaby (close to Metrotown). Note: The annual Nagar Kirtan will take place March 11, in Burnaby, in celebration of Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s birthday.
For volunteering call Tirath S. Sandhu 604-715-4669
