By Danielle Kutchel
An army of Casey-based volunteers is helping to ensure that no one goes hungry this lockdown.
Sikh Volunteers Australia, based out of Devon Meadows, sprung into action when Victoria’s fourth lockdown was announced.
Since Friday they’ve been preparing healthy vegetarian meals which are delivered for free to those in need.
It’s not the first time they’ve provided this service; you might recognise the volunteers from their work during last year’s lockdowns and horrendous bushfires.
Kamal Singh said he and his fellow volunteers didn’t even think twice this time around.
“This is the time when many are struggling, like the unemployed, international students, single mums and families who can’t afford food right now,” he said.
“When we are giving back to the community, it’s about when they need it the most.”
Around 200 volunteers from across the south-east are involved in the program.
“It’s a big task,” Mr Singh said.
Some of the volunteers man the phones, which usually begin ringing at about 9.30am with people desperate for help.
Another team cooks the food with orders finalised at 12pm, and from around 4pm a third team begins delivering.
Still more volunteers coordinate resources and pick up anything needed from the supermarket.
Around 20 delivery drivers visit seven different councils – Casey, Frankston, Dandenong, Cardinia, Kingston, Mornington and Monash – with the free parcels of lovingly cooked food.
In all, it’s close to 900 meals.
And Mr Singh said they are delivered without judgement.
“We don’t judge who needs and who does not. It’s about giving without judging,” he said.
Volunteers are always needed to help keep the food program going. To volunteer or to order a meal, contact Sikh Volunteers Australia on 0452601734 or 0452401734.
