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Glasgow Sikh Volunteer Awarded by PM

9th September 2020

A volunteer from Glasgow who has galvanised the Sikh community to deliver over 80,000 meals and food parcels to families across Scotland in response to the pandemic has today received Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s daily Points of Light award. 

Charandeep Singh, who is deputy chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, formed the ‘The Sikh Food Bank’ at the start of lockdown to provide support for shielding and vulnerable households. The project organises the delivery of groceries and cooked meals, as well as providing a volunteer shopping service for those who are self-isolating and a check-in phone service, available in both English and Punjabi. Supported by a 50-strong team of Sikh volunteers, Charandeep has led the delivery of meals and food parcels to families across Glasgow as well as in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

In a personal letter to Charandeep, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

"Over the last few months we have all been uplifted by the stories of those who have brought their communities together in the service of others.

"So I wanted to write personally to thank you and everyone involved with The Sikh Food Bank for the fantastic support that you have provided during our battle against Coronavirus.

"I was amazed to hear that your team of volunteers have now delivered 80,000 meals and food parcels to families across Glasgow and I am delighted to be able to recognise the scale of this achievement by naming you as the UK’s 1470th Point of Light."

Chris Stephens, MP for Glasgow South West, said:

“I am delighted that Charandeep Singh, as the founder of the Sikh Foodbank in Glasgow, has been recognised through the Points of Light Award. This award is deserved recognition for Charandeep’s hard work, passion and dedication to helping others. While leading a team of 50 volunteers the Sikh Foodbank has delivered over 80,000 meals and food parcels, making a real difference to so many across Glasgow during the COVID pandemic, Charandeep is an inspiration and role model to us all.”

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Charandeep said:

“It is a great privilege for 'The Sikh Food Bank' to be honoured with a Points of Light award by the Prime Minister. This pandemic has been a testing time for us all - that is why I and many volunteers made it our mission to provide food and support. Since starting 'The Sikh Food Bank' in March, we have delivered over 80,000 meals to those in need. The Points of Light award recognises those efforts and is dedicated to all our volunteers who stepped up to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live. Charandeep is the 1470th person to be recognised. As the UK unites to fight the spread of coronavirus, the award is focusing exclusively on people serving their community through the pandemic.

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