My name is Manmeet Singh and I am the Warehouse Coordinator at Seva Food Bank.  Each year, Diwali has brought such excitement to my home. I remember living in Delhi, where we would start preparations ten days before the holiday. In honour of Diwali, the celebration of light, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness- hope over despair, I will also be donating towards Seva Food Bank's Diwali Campaign . Diwali is a time to celebrate with our families and a time to share with those less fortunate.  As Sikhs, the day is also celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas (Day of Liberation) to commemorate the release of our sixth Guru Hargobind from prison and his arrival at the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar.  I invite you to also join me in making a donation. Seva Food Bank is working towards creating a community where no one – regardless of their faith or beliefs - ever goes hungry. 

Since 2010, we have distributed over THREE MILLION pounds of food to families in need. Today we serve more than 1800 individuals across Mississauga each month. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of families like Aparijita's. 

After moving to Canada, Aparijita could not find a job in her field. In Kollam, Kerela, Aparijita practiced as a nurse. In 2012, her husband and two young children moved to Canada. Aparijita’s first priority was taking care of her family. During the day, she took care of her children, managed the home, and studied for her upcoming exams so she could practice as a nurse here in Ontario. At nights, she worked in a factory. 

When Aparijita came to Seva Food Bank, she got food, and so much more. She participated in a cooking class, learned to make healthy food on a limited budget and met people who understood the challenges she faced daily. Today, Aparijita volunteers as a greeter. She remembers how hard it was for her the first time she came to the food bank and she treats each guest with the respect she was shown. 

I hope you’re as proud as I am of seeing the impact that the Seva Food Bank makes in the lives of those that walk through our doors. To donate, simply click here and you will be taken to Seva Food Bank’s donation page where you can make a secure, online donation. If you prefer to send us a cheque, please send it to Seva Food Bank, 2832 Slough Street, Mississauga, Ontario, L4T 1G3. If you’d like to drop it off in person, please call me at 905-361-7382 x. 6 so I can be here to gratefully accept your thoughtful donation. 

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. 

Manmeet Singh 

Warehouse Coordinator 

Seva Food Bank