Surrey, BC – In the span of a few days, the Sikh Community of British Columbia has rallied together to raise much needed funds for relief efforts after the devastating earthquake in Haiti that has claimed the lives of over 100,000 people.
With the cooperation of local media outlets, businesses, individuals and even children, the campaign spearheaded by the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Society has raised $1.5 million and donations continue to pour in. Gurdwara President Bikramjit Singh Sandhar commented that the entire community has come forth in compassion and realized the importance of helping those in need, “It is important for us to come together,” Sandhar said, “we are all one family and we need to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti.”
While the impact and the devastation of the earthquake continues to be assessed and new donations continue to come in on a daily basis, the fundraising volunteers feel there is no time to waste. Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, along with community partners, will be sending the funds to support emergency relief efforts by local and national relief agencies currently on the ground assisting the injured earthquake victims, arranging the safe relocation of people displaced from their homes, and finding host families for orphaned children. 100% of the funds collected through the Gurdwara will be donated for the relief efforts.
On Thursday, January 21st at 2pm, the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, in conjunction with community partners Red FM, Radio Sher-E-Punjab and Radio India will be holding a joint press conference at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara to update the community and present the total amount pledged so far.
Sandhar made an open request to the community-at-large for healing and support for the victims. “At this time we can support those families by praying for them and their loved ones, and by supporting the best efforts to give assistance to those that are in need.”
Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara website : www.gurunanakgurdwara.ca
