Khalsa Credit Union donates $37,000 van to Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen to feed less fortunate ones

IN keeping with its mandate to help the less fortunate, feed the hungry and support the communities it serves, Khalsa Credit Union (KCU) has donated a $37,000 GMC Savanna Commercial Van to Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (GNFK) in order to facilitate the continuance of the Kitchen’s free meals on wheels program in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver and various areas in Surrey.

The keys to the vehicle were presented to GNFK at the opening of KCUs new branch located at the corner of 128th Street and 80th Avenue in Surrey.

Established in 2007, GNFK espouses the practice of langar (free food) provided through a communal kitchen and seva (the selfless service to humanity). It represents an opportunity to extend the true Sikh spirit of helping those in need regardless of caste, colour, creed or economic status. Today, GNFK serves over 3,500 free meals every single month, with regular Sunday stops at the Carnegie Centre and twice a month at the First United Church.

“We were very pleased to be able to assist the GNFK with the purchase of this food truck as it was apparent that their previous vehicle was in need of major repairs”, said KCU Board Chairman Harinder Singh Sohi. “We wanted to do something special for the community and help fill empty stomachs of those in need of a nourishing meal”.
“In addition to the free meals, we collect and distribute 3000 toys to schools every year” said Indy Panchi, one of the GNFK Founders and current Volunteer Coordinator.” “When we were in desperate need of transportation seven years ago, KCU came through for us. Now they have done it again in 2017. We can never thank them enough for their generosity and commitment to those in need.”
“We know this organization and its people very well and are aware of the wonderful work they do throughout the Lower Mainland. So it was a donation that we knew was going to a good cause and would result in a significant return for humanity”, noted KCU Chief Executive Officer Dalbir Singh Mehta.
KCU is a full service credit union that has been serving members of the Sikh community for more than 30 years. With over $421 million in assets and nearly 15,000 members. KCU is the world’s largest Sikh owned financial institution.