Sikh Volunteers Australia Incorporated

Sikh Volunteers Australia Incorporated, a nonprofit volunteer organization, plays a pivotal role in reducing distress within the Australian community by providing free food to disadvantaged and needy individuals. The organization is deeply rooted in the Sikh principle of sewa, or selfless service, which motivates its efforts to support those in crisis.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Sikh Volunteers Australia is centered on addressing hunger and distress through the provision of daily free meals. The organization has significantly expanded its services since its inception, especially during times of crisis.

• Meal Services: Sikh Volunteers Australia has been offering free meals every day since March 18, 2020. In a span of 115 days, they provided approximately 78,000 meals to those in need, averaging about 700 meals per day. This marked a substantial increase from their pre-pandemic service of about 300 meals per week[3].
• Culinary Variety: The organization offers a diverse range of dishes, including curries, lentils, Punjabi delicacies like saag, Indian desserts, and other international options such as pastas, sandwiches, cookies, and pizzas. They also cater to dietary intolerances by labeling ingredients on each meal container[3].
• Community Support: Sikh Volunteers Australia has been instrumental in supporting communities during various crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters like the Grampians bushfires and floods in New South Wales and Victoria. During these times, they delivered essential meals and supplies to those affected[1][5].

Infrastructure and Operations

Sikh Volunteers Australia has recently established its own kitchen in Devon Meadows, marking a significant step away from renting commercial facilities. This new setup helps streamline operations and cost management, although initial costs remain high due to equipment needs such as gas bottles for cooking and rented machinery for food preparation[3].

Impact

The organization's efforts have made a substantial impact on the local community, especially during challenging periods. By providing consistent support through food services, Sikh Volunteers Australia has created a safety net for disadvantaged individuals, fostering a sense of community and resilience. Their activities have been appreciated across various regions, including Frankston, Dandenong, Nobel Park, and Hastings[5].

Governance and Transparency

Sikh Volunteers Australia is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and maintains up-to-date reporting. The organization's commitment to transparency and accountability is reflected in its charity registration status[4].

Donations made to Sikh Volunteers Australia might be eligible for tax deductions, but this would depend on the current Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which should be verified through the Australian Business Register (ABR)[4].

Conclusion

Sikh Volunteers Australia Incorporated is a testament to the power of community service, embodying the ethos of compassion and selflessness that defines the Sikh tradition. Through its relentless efforts to provide sustenance and support, the organization has carved a niche as a beacon of hope during times of need in Australia.

[1] https://sikhvolunteersaustralia.org [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/8e0c7a8c-94b1-e911-a989-000d3ad0574c/profile [3] https://www.colournary.com/stories/story-of-sikh-volunteers-australia [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/8e0c7a8c-94b1-e911-a989-000d3ad0574c/people [5] https://mygivingcircle.org/sikh-volunteers-australia