Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 30, 2020
Sikh and Muslims associations in New Zealand have joined several charitable organisations to donate food and essential items to poor people, senior citizens and residents and others since the country moved to Alert Level 4 on March 25, 2020.
The Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand has donated (at 3 pm on April 30, 2020) more than 17,000 food bags at Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, the Gurudwara that its owns and manages at 70 Takanini School Road in the South Auckland suburb of Takanini.
Society Spokesperson Daljit Singh said that more than 3000 more food bags will be given away to people this weekend.
Following is the Schedule: Auckland: Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Gurdwara, 70 Takanini School Road, Takanini: Saturday, May 2: from 4 pm to 530 pm; Sunday, May 3: 330 pm to 530 pm.
Rotorua: Sri Amardas Sahib Gurdwara, 24 Ward Avenue, Fenton Park: Saturday, May 2: 330 pm to 530 pm.
Pukekhoe: 25 Paerata Road: Sunday, May 3: 11 am to 12 pm.
Mr Singh said that anyone in need of food, irrespective of their religious beliefs can benefit from this noble gesture.
“The Takanini Gurudwara has been designated as a food distribution centre by the Ministry of Health in terms of the Health Regulation Act promulgated to eliminate Covid-19. Volunteers will place the bags in their cars as they drive out of the Gurudwara. The same procedure will be followed at the other two centres,” he said.
Each bag contains milk, bread, vegetables, fruits and other items lasting up to four days.
Muslims in Ramadan Spirit
Federation of Islamic Associations in New Zealand (FIANZ) has initiated a national programme to encourage Muslims all over the country to donate generously to foodbanks in the wider community, including Salvation Army and City Mission.
“This is in-keeping with the spirit of sacrifice during the month of Ramadhan. The bank transfer details for donations to these organisations are on the FIANZ website www.fianz.info,” Dr Mustafa Farouk, President of the Association said.
He said that the ‘You Are Us’ inclusiveness that New Zealanders have shown to Muslims after last year’s tragedy (March 15, 2019) has left an indelible legacy.
“Since fast-breaking gatherings at Masjids and Islamic Centres are not taking place this year, we should take this opportunity to donate the funds instead to help those who have had their lives impacted by Covid-19,” he said.
Dr Farouk said that already a number of local Muslim associations in Auckland and Hamilton have been raising funds and giving food parcels to communities.
“This programme is an extension to the national level. We are also conscious of fellow Muslims suffering in places like Somalia, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Rohingya, Kashmir, Palestine, Iraq and other places and we encourage Muslims to send their Zakat (Charity) directly to organisations working in those countries. FIANZ will not be collecting Zakat this year. However, we are encouraging our Regional Muslim Associations and Local Islamic Trusts to collect Zakat to help others,” he said.
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