Seven Kings’ Sikh Empowerment Association hold sponsored walk for the homeless

Sikh Empowerment Voluntary Association (SEVA) held a sponsored walk to raise money for a much-needed van to help transport more food on its homeless feeds. Picture: SEVA/Tajpal Dhamu Archant

A Sikh group serving up hot meals for the homeless held a sponsored walk to raise money for a much-needed new van.

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The Sikh Empowerment Voluntary Association (SEVA), which was formed last year as a way to give back to the wider community, has been distributing food on a weekly basis in town centres around east London, including Ilford.

The group organised the walk, from gurdwara Singh Sabha London East, High Road, Seven Kings, to Fairlop Waters, Forest Road, Barkingside, to help raise £20,000.

The hope is that a new van will be able to transport even more food to those who need it, with the demand for the handouts, which take place on Tuesdays, growing fast.

The volunteers already feed about 100 people each week.

Volunteer Mandy Kaur Chahal, of Ilford, said the fundraiser was “brilliant”.

“The weather turned out to be great, although there was a bit of rain on our way back,” she said.

“But that didn’t stop us from finishing off the walk. There was a great community spirit and togetherness and everyone worked well to make it a great success.”

Redbridge Mayor Cllr Gurdial Bhamra joined the participants and backed the group’s mission to spread Guru Nanak’s message of “vand ke chakna” – “share with those less fortunate”.

Volunteer Jagdeep Singh Sohal, of Emerson Park, told the Recorder: “We would like to say a big thank you for all those that participated and sponsored us.

“Many thanks again to Mayor Bhamra for taking time out of his busy schedule and attending.”

Money raised from the walk has not yet been counted, but the volunteer group has already collected more than £3,700.

“We are still some way short of the £20,000 we need,” added Jagdeep.

“But I am confident we will do it with everybody’s help.”

To donate, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sikhempowermentvoluntary-association and to get involved

with the group, visit facebook.com/seva.team