Page 16 - DRIVE A2B April 2020

C OMMUNITY

Sikh volunteer

groups distribute

free food to people

VICTORIA
NEWS in self-isolation

by Avneet Arora

A constantly ringing phone in the background,
volunteers preparing food packages, a team
swiftly loading goods and others delivering to
those in need- this is how members of the Sikh
Volunteers Australia group are operating around
the clock to reach out to those in need.
Melbourne-based Manpreet Singh, a volunteer
with the group, said while the service is for
everyone in need, they are paying special
attention to vulnerable members of the society,
particularly older people and those who have
arrived from overseas and are currently in
mandatory self-isolation to reduce the risk of
transmission.
“We are delivering food packages to the aged
people, most of whom either can't go out or
are not getting access to essential food items
and grocery because of panic buying in the
supermarkets.”

“In addition, we are also delivering meals and
care packages to people who have arrived from
other countries and are now at home in self-
isolation,” said Mr Singh.

He added that the volunteers are working
different shifts to ensure they can reach out to
more people across the state.
Also pressed into service are volunteers of
Khalsa Foundation Australia, who have set up
a mobile food delivery support in collaboration
with the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara
Craigieburn in North Melbourne.
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