The generousity of the local Sikh community was in full display as the Guru Nanak Food Bank celebrated its fourth anniversary in Surrey by collecting a record breaking food donations. The initial aim for their mega-food drive on a recent Sunday was 313 tonnes in a single day, which organizers believed would be a first in North America. To everyone’s surprise, they beat that target and then some, by collecting 384.5 tonnes.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – The generousity of the local Sikh community was in full display as the Guru Nanak Food Bank celebrated its fourth anniversary in Surrey by collecting a record breaking food donations.

The initial aim for their mega-food drive on a recent Sunday was 313 tonnes in a single day, which organizers believed would be a first in North America.

To everyone’s surprise, they beat that target and then some, by collecting 384.5 tonnes.

“In 11 hours, and that is awesome,” said Neeraj Walia, who is head of operations.

“Very happy, all big smiles on the faces of the food bank persons,” he said from the warehouse floor, where shelves were being stocked.

Pasta, rice, flour, soup, you name it, was donated by members in the community and none of it was bought with outside funding.

“Not a single penny is from the government. It’s by the people, for the people,” added Walia.

The challenge now is putting it all away. Best-before dates need to be checked on all the products, to ensure items that expire soonest are used first.

Thanks to the huge outpouring of generosity largely from the local Sikh community, the GNFB figured they now have enough food to help people for six to eight months.