Sikh Volunteers Australia: Spreading Hope with Free Meals During the Cost-of-Living Crisis

Sikh Volunteers Australia has been providing complimentary warm meals to those in need since 2017 and is now experiencing a surge in demand for their essential food relief services. Their commitment continues to support the community during challenging times.

The festive season has long been a time for joyous gatherings, filled with lavish meals enjoyed in the company of loved ones. However, as the cost-of-living crisis casts a shadow over many lives, this year brings about unique challenges for countless Australians.

In Melbourne, a dedicated group of Sikh volunteers is stepping in to help those facing difficulties during this holiday period. These generous individuals are providing warm, nutritious meals at no cost, ensuring that even those most affected by the financial strain are not left hungry.

This initiative, launched in 2017, has been a beacon of hope during various crises, including devastating floods, raging fires, and the acute challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, their efforts were focused on supporting both residents and firefighters combating a significant bushfire within the Grampians National Park, located in Western Victoria.

In the unprecedented lockdowns of 2020, the non-profit organization managed to deliver over 100,000 meals to those in need, a testimony to their resolve and reach. According to Jaswinder Singh, the chief executive of Sikh Volunteers Australia, the rising costs associated with living have led to a surge in requests for aid.

"Single mothers are one of the groups that have been hit the hardest," Mr. Singh noted. He also highlighted a concerning rise in requests for assistance from victims of domestic violence.

Every week, the organization prepares meals at their facility situated in Langwarrin. Volunteers work diligently to pack meal boxes into a specially designed vehicle, equipped with a bain-marie and refrigerator to ensure freshness. These meals are then distributed at various public sites throughout the city, with home delivery options also available.

The menu is dynamic, yet always plant-based. During a recent visit from ABC, the team was serving kidney beans and rice, a simple yet satisfying option for those stopping by the van parked near a supermarket in Frankston.

Avtar Singh Brar, a committed volunteer for the past six years, expressed the joy he finds in helping others. "I feel very good when I serve needy people," he stated, exemplifying the compassion that fuels this initiative.

Despite the unwavering spirit of dedicated volunteers like Mr. Singh Brar, the organization has felt the impact of inflation on its volunteer base. Mr. Singh explained that many potential volunteers are unable to contribute due to increased work commitments to make ends meet.

"The numbers of individuals available to volunteer have decreased, as everyone is putting in extra hours at work or taking on additional responsibilities," he explained. This situation resonates across various organizations as they struggle with dwindling volunteer involvement, attributed to the same economic pressures.

Mark Pearce, the chief executive of Volunteering Australia, emphasized the real costs associated with volunteering. "There are various expenses, such as petrol for travel to volunteering sites or ensuring you have the appropriate attire," he noted.

Mr. Pearce advocated for a collaborative government approach to ensure that volunteers are not financially burdened while trying to lend a helping hand. He suggested that accessible grants for both organizations and individuals could bolster efforts in the community, acknowledging the vital role volunteering plays in society.

As non-profits brace for the challenges that inflation may continue to pose, Sikh Volunteers Australia is excited to enter the new year equipped with enhanced resources. Recently, the charity was fortunate to acquire two new vans, a food truck, and upgraded kitchen facilities, thanks to state and federal government funding.

With these upgrades, Mr. Singh mentioned that their kitchen can now produce up to 8,000 meals in just a few hours, enabling them to better serve communities affected by various adversities.

This devoted team embodies the philosophy displayed on their vans: "Love all, share all," and remains committed to ensuring that no one goes without the basic need for nourishment during these challenging times.