THE WADDA GURDWARA Sahib Penang runs a free community kitchen, and all are welcome to dine there regardless of religion, race, gender, age or social class. But with the closing of the temple’s gates following the MCO on March 18, its communal kitchen too had to cease operations. Regulars and the needy were instead directed to the Caring Society Complex.
But extra pairs of hands were needed for the already stretched local NGOs, and so husband and wife Daljit Singh and Sukhveer Kaur, who serve as the president and secretary of the Gurdwara’s committee, organised a community outreach programme. Volunteers were recruited, and dry rations were purchased and distributed to families of diverse nationalities, including migrant workers, across the state. “We worked with Panjam Food Rescue and one other individual who secured a permit to travel to those affected in Butterworth,” says Sukhveer.
Since August, the Gurdwara has supported 950 families. Daily meals were also prepared for senior citizens, stranded tourists, as well as the unwell and homeless. To avoid an overlap in meal supplies and resultant food wastage, the Gurdwara made sure to coordinate closely with other organisations. Muslims observing Ramadan also received 340 packets of dates, while care packs of face masks, hand sanitisers and antiseptic soaps were given to needy families, individuals and senior citizens who could not afford them.
