Glasgow Sikh Foodbank volunteer awarded by Prime Minister for coronavirus effort

 

According to Glasgow Live “ Since the coronavirus pandemic began,the community in Glasgow pulled together and achieved some incredible things. 

Between delivering food parcels to street-wide dance classes, it seemed that everyone did their bit.

Charandeep Singh was one of those people who did an amazing thing - he started ‘The Sikh Food Bank’ and helped to deliver 80,000 meals, alongside Glasgow's Sikh community, to people all across the country.

Today, he was awarded the Points of Light award by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in recognition of his incredible effort.

Charandeep, who is from the south side and works as the deputy CEO of the Scottish Chamber of Commerce, said: "This pandemic has been a testing time for us all - that is why I and many volunteers made it our mission to provide food and support. 

“It is a great privilege for 'The Sikh Food Bank' to be honoured with a Points of Light award by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. 

"Since starting 'The Sikh Food Bank' in March, we have delivered over 80,000 meals to those in need. The Points of Light award recognises those efforts and is dedicated to all our volunteers who stepped up to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.” The Sikh Foodbank organises the delivery of groceries and cooked meals, as well as providing a volunteer shopping service for those who are self-isolating and a check-in phone service, available in both English and Punjabi.

Supported by a 50-strong team of Sikh volunteers, Charandeep led the delivery of meals and food parcels to families across Glasgow as well as in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

In a personal letter to Charandeep, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Over the last few months we have all been uplifted by the stories of those who have brought their communities together in the service of others.

"So I wanted to write personally to thank you and everyone involved with The Sikh Food Bank for the fantastic support that you have provided during our battle against Coronavirus.

"I was amazed to hear that your team of volunteers have now delivered 80,000 meals and food parcels to families across Glasgow and I am delighted to be able to recognise the scale of this achievement by naming you as the UK’s 1470th Point of Light." Chris Stephens, MP for Glasgow South West, said: “I am delighted that Charandeep Singh, as the founder of the Sikh Foodbank in Glasgow, has been recognised through the Points of Light Award.

"This award is deserved recognition for Charandeep’s hard work, passion and dedication to helping others.

"While leading a team of 50 volunteers the Sikh Foodbank has delivered over 80,000 meals and food parcels, making a real difference to so many across Glasgow during the COVID pandemic, Charandeep is an inspiration and role model to us all.”