Surrey Sikh community cooks thousands of meals, charters helicopter to help those reeling from severe storm
Volunteers from Surrey's Dukh Nivaran Sahib Gurdwara are pulling out all the stops to make sure people stranded by washouts, mudslides and floods don't go hungry, even renting a helicopter to deliver meals and other supplies to impacted communities.
Wednesday evening at the gurdwara, a steady stream of people arrived with boxes full of food, milk and even diapers.
“So many people stuck there and they have no food,” said Narinder Singh Walia, the gurdwara's president. “We are trying to reach them with food and blankets and other stuff.”
In the gurdwara's kitchen, a brigade ranging in age from the very young to the very experienced prepares 3,000 meals a day to deliver to those in need.
“This is a big task. It's a challenge, right? It's a challenge to prepare. It's a challenge to deliver,” said Neerha Walia, with the Gurunanak Food Bank.
With highways still shutdown, and access to the Interior of British Columbia limited, chartering a helicopter at its own expense was the only way for the gurdwara to get the food and other supplies directly to the isolated communities.
“There is a team out there who is going to be delivering to those who need it the most, at that time,” said Neerha Walia. “We're in contact with the local authorities and the local church.”
They are asking anyone who wants to help with groceries to drop them off at the gurdwara at 15255 68th Ave. in Surrey, where people can also donate money to help with the cost of the expensive flights.
“(Thursday) actually we are renting a plane to go to Merritt and Kamloops,” said Narinder Singh Walia.
Volunteers at the gurdwara say the air operations will continue until roads are passable, and then deliveries will continue by truck until things return to normal in the affected communities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.