A visit to Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen
December 21, 2013
This week I was travelling throughout British Columbia, and I had a great opportunity to visit Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen in downtown Vancouver.
About five years ago, members of the local Sikh community came together to launch a grassroots initiative, founded in the spirit of langar with a couple of simple goals: feeding those in need and building unity within the Vancouver community. Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen has also provided Sikh youth with an opportunity to give back and get involved.
It was a privilege to join Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen on Wednesday to enjoy a meal and serve hot food to many people who came by.
Langar and the values of serving those in need and breaking bread together, as a community of equals, are principles that all Canadians share. If anything, the day reminded me that we share a country that is great not in spite of its diversity, but because of it. During this past year, I have had the privilege of visiting many gurdwaras and learning about the principles of langar, keertan, and sangat. It was clear to me that Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen has been carrying out tremendous work, serving the community at large and sharing Guru Nanak’s vision of inclusivness, togetherness, and equality.
There is no better time of year for us to join in the sharing of our many blessings, and may our hearts go out to those less fortunate throughout the coming year. I applaud the leadership and initiative of Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen.
Justin Trudeau, M.P.
Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada