People

Langar Seva
Door To Door,
In Toronto, Canada

An Interview with Founder PALVINDER KAUR

Palvinder Kaur, founder of Langar Seva Meal & Support Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in conversation with Rymn Wadhwa:

What is Langar Seva Meal & Support Services?

Langar Seva Meal & Support Services (“Langar Seva“) is a volunteer driven, charitable organization that offers free-of-charge services to individuals who are hampered by age, illness or disability and are unable to cook meals for themselves. Many of them have limited or no support networks and may be experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Our volunteers deliver meals to the home of the individual and also make follow-up phone calls and house calls to provide some relief from the loneliness and isolation they may be experiencing.

How did Langar Seva come about?

The genesis of Langar Seva is deeply a personal story. As a family, we nursed my brother, Gurmit Singh, through a protracted illness which required him to undergo dialysis three times a week for 12 years. Unfortunately, after a stay in the ICU which lasted more than a year, we sadly lost him in 2011.

In dealing with our loss, my family reflected on what we had gone through in providing love and care to my brother and realized that Gurmit was stronger than all of us. He had not let his illness define his life. He lived independently and strived for dignity and quality of life for as long as he could manage.

My family and I felt compelled to reach out to others who, like my brother, need support to live independently but may not have the same support system. This support basically means having access to culturally appropriate meals.

So you could say that this community initiative was borne out of a sister’s love for her older brother.

What inspired and motivated you?

For me, the concepts of langar and seva symbolize Sikhi. Regardless of where anyone comes from or who they are or what they believe in, they are treated with the same level of respect. By literally sitting at the same level while eating -- as we do in our gurdwara langars everywhere -- we remind ourselves that equality has no exceptions.

I had no idea what to expect when I began sharing the idea of providing free vegetarian, culturally-appropriate meals to individuals who most needed it. I was so touched that so many people encouraged, supported and selflessly worked alongside me to develop and create what is now Langar Seva Meal & Support Services, affectionately referred to by its abbreviated name, Langar Seva.

What would you say you have achieved so far?

Langar Seva relies on the hard work and dedication of a team of volunteers to help deliver these much needed services, with the intention of doing a thorough job. Langar Seva may be a small organization in the greater Toronto region , but it is a glimpse into the future of coming together as a community to respond to the existing needs. Our highly passionate team of volunteers work hard to deliver meals to anyone in need.

The meals come fresh from local gurdwaras and are delivered to many homes around Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Toronto, Richmond Hill and other surrounding suburbs.

The importance of this seva and its work seems obvious because it provides basic nutrition free of charge. It's a simple concept that addresses a problem that had not been effectively dealt with until now.

However, beyond the obvious, Langar Seva attempts to let its clients have more than a just hot, fresh, healthy meal. Langar Seva volunteers usually take the time to chat with their clients and enjoy spending this time with those who are isolated from the community. This simple gesture helps connect them with the community.

Hands down, Langar Seva volunteers are the best at giving of themselves. A simple conversation goes a long way in keeping morale up for anyone, and good mental health is just as important as the nutrition provided through a meal.

Since we started more than three years ago, we have never missed a week and have managed to serve over 10,000 meals. We currently have over 40 volunteers. Since receiving charitable status in 2014, we have received donations from individuals and business partners.

How is Langar Seva making a difference to the lives of the service users?

Here is what our service users say …

“I have no one here and I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have these meals. May God bless the volunteers of Langar Seva who bring my meals and spend time with me.”… M.Sadiq, Toronto

“Thanks to my Occupational Therapist, who introduced me to your humanitarian and generous seva. There are so many seniors like me who are vegetarians and find it difficult to get a vegetarian meal. Your meal suits me that way. I also appreciate the generosity of your volunteer who supplied food to our homes. I am 92 and am working for a community project myself. Please accept my heartiest appreciation, blessings and gratitude. I will surely send some donations regularly." … J.C Sharda, Toronto

“I do not have any words to describe how I feel about the way your volunteers help me. I have adult children living in different parts of the city and the world. But only your volunteers bring me meals with love and dignity. I will be grateful for ever and hope you can continue to serve the community as long as there is a need. May God bless you all." … A. Jamal

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To find out more: please visit www.LangarSeva.ca  

To donate to Langar Seva Meal & Support Services, please CLICK here.  

To refer someone for our service, please CLICK here and go to the Products and Gallery page and complete the client referral form and fax to 1-855-499-3955, or complete and submit the online client application.

To volunteer: please complete and submit our online volunteer application.

To speak to one of our staff: 1.647-709-8044


January 21, 2016
 

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