A record number of people passed through Takanini’s “Sikh Temple” on Sunday to collect food parcels.
The Takanini Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib - known to all in the area as the Sikh Temple - handed out 2000 food parcels put together by more than 50 volunteers over a six-hour shift.
The operation saw 1200 cars through in two-and-a-half hours in a professional and COVID-19 compliant process.
Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says the temple, a regular partner with the board and support groups, had already played a major role in food support for the community during the first lockdown.
“It’s no surprise that the Sikh community has again rallied to provide support for the people of the area, and to be frank, we are incredibly lucky to have them as part of the fabric of our community.
“There is nothing expected in return. It is all part of the Sikh belief in humanity and service to others, and when you see the reaction of some of those who went through, you can see what it means to people.”
He says because those collecting food barely had time to even utter their own thanks before being moved along so the next person could be helped, he wanted to offer a vote of appreciation on behalf of the community.
“South Auckland gets a lot of bad press, much of it totally undeserved. We are blessed to have the Sikh community, and Papakura Marae is another place where kindness and generosity is part of the tikanga.
“So to everyone who has helped, the people who cut the cabbages, the people who donated the carrots, the people who reached into their own pockets for the money that paid for the milk, the bread and the apples, thank you.
“That’s true too for the people at the marae who cook the kai, wash the dishes, make up the care packs and offer support in a hundred other ways.
“You are what makes us all proud to call this place our home.”
