Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Welcome to GNFK’s (Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen) very first electronic newsletter!  GNFK has grown significantly over the last few months with 230 new volunteers added to our family along with the purchase of our own building.

Before we move forward, first please be aware that you have the option to opt-out of this monthly email by clicking on the Unsubscribe button or simply reply to this email with a request to no longer receive emails. (but really, why would you want to do that?!) In these monthly newsletters, you will receive information about great events, fun activities, and opportunities to do Seva that we have planned for 2022!

In November 2021, we took possession of our very own building at 245 E. Hastings St, Vancouver. Our first priority is to remove all the old debris and make it safe for the contractors so they can begin the renovations. We are looking for experienced and skilled tradespeople to help with various construction and cosmetic renovation tasks. We plan to open this space in mid-summer.

It was an honour to have Knowledge Keeper Curtis Ahenakew, from the Cree Nation join us in blessing Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen’s new home. Click here to view the entire blessing.

2021 was an amazing year.  We had our annual events including Tree Planting, Toy Drive, Cup Cake Baking, Food Drive, School Supply Drive and an Akhand Path.  And for the first time, we had a Bike-a-Thon (Ride-2-Serve), Golf Tournament, and an Open House. Last but not least, the Fundraiser with Khalsa Credit Union that raised over $200,000.

Khalsa Credit Union Fundraiser

Have you heard about our biggest and most successful fundraiser to date?  Khalsa Credit Union has been an incredible supporter to GNFK over many years as they have generously donated two trucks, which have enabled our volunteers to attend langar Seva and serve the DTES community.  This year KCU opened all five of their branches to facilitate our fundraiser, where many of their customers were able to donate to GNFK’s building renovation project.  KCU matched the communities donations, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.  Our generous community gave over $121,000.  This takes the total amount to over $221,000 raised through the shared efforts of Khalsa Credit Union and our dedicated volunteers and community.

Toy Drive

This was the 9th Annual Toy Drive and it was a HUGE success!!  West Coast Home & Truss Ltd, Khalsa School, Sikh Academy, and other generous donors are among those who provided us with toys. We even had another successful Toy Drive hosted by our local supporter, Connect FM Radio. All donated toys were distributed just in time for Christmas to multiple organizations who shelter women and children, along with daycares of low income families. Toys were also delivered to those affected by the floods in Abbotsford, Hope, Merritt and numerous Indigenous communities. We look forward to the 10th Annual Toy Drive later this year.

As with anything that grows, there will be growth challenges. We are venturing into new areas and spreading our wings! There will be obstacles and challenges, but nothing that we can’t overcome. With Waheguru’s blessing, success is our only option!  But the success does not rest on one person alone, instead, the entire GNFK family. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for our incredibly dedicated volunteers. We applaud each of you!

We are excited for what 2022 has to offer us! You can look forward to our annual events plus a few new ones! We will keep you posted via E-Newsletter and our social media platforms including Youtube. If have any suggestions for GNFK’s 2022 events or you would like to sponsor any of our annual events, please e-mail: info@gnfk.org

As a volunteer-led organization, we are always looking for like-minded people to join our family. We even have a group called Our Future Leaders, dedicated to those still in highschool.  Please direct any new volunteers to our website where they will be able to fill out our electronic form and submit it right away. If you are an active volunteer and have not yet been added to our Volunteer WhatsApp group, please let our Volunteer Coordinator know by sending your request to volunteer@gnfk.org

That is all for now folks!  We will have more info with regards to our new building in the next monthly Newsletter.  And stay tuned for our upcoming events!  We wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year! Thank you for your ongoing love and support.