We all know about the devastating bushfires in Australia that have impacted vast areas and caused property damage and loss of human and animal life. The fire has also caused thousands of people to evacuate their homes in southeastern Australia.
As many people remain stranded in the bushfire-ravaged areas, owners of an Indian restaurant provided free meals to victims in Gippsland, Victoria. Kanwaljit Singh and his wife Kamaljit Kaur, owners of the Desi Grill restaurant along with their staff cooked curry and rice for those living in temporary shelters, reports Indian Express. The food was distributed by a team from Melbourne-based charity, Sikh Volunteers Australia.
“It’s terrible out there. People are severely affected and they need food and shelter. It’s our duty to serve them when they need us the most,” Kanwaljit was quoted saying by Daily Mail. “Last night had been very busy. We helped the volunteers with cooking rice, curries, and pasta and the food was distributed in at least 500 takeaway containers,” he added.
The owners, who have lived in the area for six years, said that they felt it was their duty to help fellow Australians. “We follow the Sikh way of life. We are just doing what other Australians are doing today, and that is to serve and pray for the people who have been hit hard by these terrible bushfires,” the restaurateur said.
The restaurant, that can cook for up to 1000 people a day, has been stocking up on rice, flour, and lentils. The team cooked almost 500 meals on New Year’s Eve. The volunteers from the Sikh Volunteers Australia team have been distributing meals in food trucks to various parts of Victoria. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews visited them to appreciate their efforts.
The Sikh community has always been in the forefront when it comes to helping those in need. From volunteering to transport bodies of victims to feeding free food to Syrian refugees during Ramzan, they have always set an inspiring example of kindness and courage.