Sikh Temple Renovating Kitchen to Serve People In Need

In the heart of Timmins, Ontario, the Sikh Sangat is weaving a narrative of compassion and community through a transformative project. Kanwaljit and Bahadur Bains, the driving forces behind this endeavor, are channeling their energy into redesigning the community kitchen at the local gurdwara. Their vision goes beyond bricks and mortar; it is a testament to the Sikh community's commitment to serving those in need.

The downtown gurdwara, a spiritual haven for the Sikh Sangat, is undergoing a significant makeover, thanks to a generous injection of funds from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). The $102,500 grant, a nod to the project's potential impact, marks a pivotal moment for the Sikh Sangat of Timmins.

Kanwaljit Bains, a trustee and director of the Sikh Sangat temple, expresses profound gratitude for the provincial funding. The renovation project, aimed at upgrading the kitchen facilities and improving temporary housing, aligns with the Sikh principles of selfless service and community welfare.

The gurdwara's kitchen, the heartbeat of its community outreach, is set to undergo a complete transformation. The objective is clear—to provide nourishment to those facing hunger. Bains emphasizes the significance of the project, stating, "We will be able to provide what we promised: meals to people who need it."

Currently providing food and shelter for a select few, the Sikh Sangat aspires to extend its reach. The kitchen renovation project is the cornerstone of this expansion, a manifestation of the community's dedication to alleviating hunger and homelessness.

The anticipated completion of the project by January is met with hope and anticipation. The langar, or community kitchen, poised for rejuvenation, will serve as a beacon of compassion. The meals prepared here, in adherence to Sikh dietary principles, will be open to anyone in need.

Kanwaljit Bains sheds light on the broader vision of the project, which includes the refurbishment of six beds on the top floor of the gurdwara. These beds, previously utilized by international students seeking housing, are now positioned as temporary shelter for anyone in need. Bains emphasizes, "This shelter is not just for the students. It's for anyone that needs temporary shelter, overnight shelter."

However, the road to realization is not without its challenges. Despite securing commitments for appliances and installers, finding local contractors to initiate the foundational work has proven to be a hurdle. Bains acknowledges the difficulty, stating, "We're still left in limbo, and I'm trying to find the contractors to do that job."

The delays have led to a postponement in fulfilling a commitment made to the Anti-hunger Coalition of Timmins. The Sikh temple pledged to provide 150 meals to the coalition, underscoring the significance of the kitchen's official opening.

Kanwaljit Bains reflects on the struggle to find local contractors, "I don't know what the holdback is. We are the second year into it, so this is where I am finding the hardships to find the contractors to do the job."

Despite the challenges and delays, the completion of the project remains a dream close to the hearts of Kanwaljit and Bahadur Bains. Kanwaljit envisions the renovated kitchen as a celestial haven, stating, "It will look like heaven to me."

In the intricate mosaic of community service, the Sikh Sangat of Timmins is etching a narrative of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of generosity. The revitalized community kitchen stands poised to be not just a physical space but a symbol of hope, nourishment, and the enduring commitment to serve those in need. As the project inches towards fruition, it carries the promise of a brighter, more compassionate future for the Sikh Sangat and the community at large.

https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/sikh-temple-redoing-its-kitchen-to-serve-people-in-need-7797503?fbclid=IwAR0kBxx2KTNknfGCl_GtSJcXCLAe-xpDl6g5Vcdzwvm3r_Y2S_wJSsCWpFE