The art of giving to people in need promotes community welfare

                                       Davinder Singh and Jyoti Rahal with a car-load of essential items for delivery (Photo Supplied)

They may not benefit more than ten families a day, but the reach is for those in real need, and those who cannot reach out for help and collectively over a period of time, hundreds of people have been direct beneficiaries of their benevolence.

The art of giving and sharing comes naturally for Davinder Singh and Jyoti Rahal, a husband and wife team working with the belief that true service is for those who really deserve.

From their home in Manukau, South Auckland, the Rahals have been offering food collection and delivery service, among the beneficiaries of which are Maori, Pacifica, Indian, African and other ethnic communities in the Greater Auckland region.

Sublime and selfless service

The Rahals have neither sought nor received any funding from any government or private agency. They have spent their own money- more than $2000 in the last five weeks alone in providing free food during the Auckland lockdown, exalting their position and making their service sublime.

Jyoti Rahal at a local supermarket purchasing items for free distribution (Photo Supplied)

While Jyoti does the shopping from the local supermarket every other day, purchasing items to be given free to needy families, Davinder, does what his health permits- pray for the welfare of people, take and make phone calls and of course pay out of his own funds.

Thus far, starting from August 21, 2021, four days after Auckland went into Lockdown Level Four, the couple has supported almost 75 families with essential food items that would last each of them at least a month.

The food parcels prepared by the couple, include Rice, Pasta, Wheat flour, Cooking Oil, Baked Beans, Vegetables, Fruits, Bread, Jam, Sugar, Biscuits and more.

“Our service is especially for the poor, elderly, those with underlying health conditions, those who cannot drive or walk and those in genuine need of food items. Because of lockdown restrictions, we observe social distancing; otherwise, we would reach these items to people in their homes,” Mr Rahal said.

Even now, wherever required, they drive to the homes of people and leave the parcels near their doors- no greeting, meeting or conversation, all of which is Ok under Covid-19 pandemic, with the most unwelcome Delta visitor.

Jyoti Rahal with a set of items for a family (Photo Supplied)

Serving the poor and orphans

The couple also delivers items to an orphanage in Auckland.

Many may not even know that they exist.

“We have been serving the African communities and orphanages run by African communities, Churches and other welfare and charitable organisations. Essential items must reach those who need them most. These people do not have the means to drive cars and move about to get the help of any kind,” Mr Rahal said.

Those who think that New Zealand is a rich nation with everyone living above the line of sustenance could be forgiven. For, there are pockets in our communities who neither have homes nor the luxury of a guaranteed meal. Usually, these are people who are not only out of work but also unable to work. It is in the service of such men, women and children that couples like Davinder and Joyti have dedicated their lives.

Davinder and Jyoti are deeply religious and pursuers of community welfare. Fifteen years ago, as owners of ‘Sangeet Restaurant,’ one of the finest to promote Indian Cuisine in South Auckland for many years, they have been involved in providing free food to the poor in the metro.

Five years ago, he established Life Vision Society, through which free food was served to needy members of the community every Monday.

In 2017, the Society purchased a building in Papatoetoe and converted it into a Community Service Centre with a kitchen and a temporary shelter for the homeless. The Centre has a large hall, several smaller rooms and provides free Wifi.

In June 2015, Mr Rahal started a Facebook page for ‘Indians in Auckland’ which today has more than 31,200 members.

“This has become an important platform for people to communicate – not only to exchange goodwill and greetings but also to help people who are vulnerable and those in need. I hope that our message of goodwill and love will more people through Indian Newslink so that we can help more people,” Mr Rahal said.

Davinder Singh Rahal can be contacted on 027-3711111.