New Zealand parliament has acknowledged the spirit of generosity and kindness displayed by the Kiwi-Indian community and their prominent religious institutions and charitable organizations in extending support to thousands of people in desperate need during the Alert Level 4 lockdown.
Leading the charge in parliament to shower words of praise and gratitude was the Kiwi-Indian MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi who spoke in the parliament on Friday June 5, acknowledging their efforts in helping the diverse community across the country with not just food but medicines, counselling, financial assistance and accommodation.
“During the Pandemic New Zealanders were very willing to come forward and help each other.
“I witnessed thousands of food parcels, loaves of bread, milk, being distributed by the Indian community.
"Here I would like to acknowledge some of the organisation who took this lead to distribute thousands of food parcels which included Supreme Sikh Society, BAPS Avondale, BAPS Hamilton, BAPS Christchurch, Bhartiya Mandir, Auckland Indian Association, Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran in Papakura, Gurudwara Sikh Sangat in Tauranga, and many more to name,” Mr Bakshi read to the speaker in the parliament.
Earlier last week Minister for Housing & Energy & Resources, Dr Megan Woods also spoke in parliament to specially thank Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand (SSSNZ) in Takanini.
Dr Megan Woods congratulated New Zealand Sikh community and the Supreme Sikh Society who were able to distribute more than 25,000 food parcels across New Zealand assisting more than 100,000 people during the different levels of Covid-19 lockdown period.
SSSNZ also received a certificate of appreciation by Counties-Manukau South Police for its voluntary service to the community during the lockdown period and before.
“As a voluntary group, the Supreme Sikh Society has served our community at a crucial and challenging time during the Covid-19 crisis 2020- proactively gifting crucial supplies, especially food for our most vulnerable people and we acknowledge the leadership and volunteers who dedicated their free time to help others,” the certificate read.
SSSNZ was praised by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff for its contribution to the community to unite against Covod-19.
The office of the Mayor of Auckland in their letter of appreciation thanked SSSNZ for providing meals that helped thousands not just in Auckland but other parts of the country too. In Council’s other efforts to support different sections of the community, SSSNZ was noted as a leading contributor helping the needy.
“I thank you for the enormous contribution that your organisation made,” the letter read.