Tenants in North Melbourne and Flemington Towers were left in the lurch without groceries and other supplies as the government ordered a hard lockdown after some residents tested positive for Covid-19
Sikh Volunteers Australia once again came to the rescue of people caught unawares by the imposition of a strict lockdown. The non-profit organisation’s dedicated and selfless team of volunteers has been working tirelessly for the community ever since Australia went under lockdown in March and has provided free meals to thousands garnering the widespread gratitude from the community members.
On July 4, after some residents of North Melbourne and Flemington Towers public housing commissions tested positive for Covid-19 the Victorian government was prompted to impose a sudden, harsh lockdown in order to prevent a further surge in cases. However, at that point with the lockdown expected to last for a few weeks, this left many of the residents in a predicament as they did not have sufficient groceries and supplies. The very next day volunteers from Sikh Volunteers Australia arrived with 1325 meals for the residents living in the housing blocks in Kensington and Flemington making them heave a sigh of relief.
In an interview with TRT World news channel, volunteer Jaswinder Singh remarked that they had received calls from desperate people stuck in the public housing towers and when they arrived on the spot on July 5, they were helped by the police and representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services to set up a spot outside the building where they could place the meals. He also said that while the initial shock of the sudden lockdown had worn off, the residents were visibly relieved to have hot and freshly cooked meals and were vocal in expressing their gratitude to the volunteers.
The Sikh Volunteers team delivered 1325 meals on the first day and in the following days prepared as many as 700 to 800 meals each day. They were also vigilant in maintaining the social distancing norms as they left the meals on the tables set up in specific spots outside the buildings thus ensuring no direct contact with the residents.
Located in Devon Meadows, Victoria, Sikh Volunteers Australia came into existence in 2014 while its free food delivery service for the needy people was launched in 2017. Since then they have been working incessantly following the principle of “seva” that is, selfless community service and was also at the forefront during the bushfire crisis. Funded and supported primarily by donations from community members, their volunteers diligently balance their social responsibilities along with their professional and personal commitments.